Back in April, the world was treated to something a little bit special with the announcement of the Supercat – a Jaguar XJS-based V12 monster to be delivered by TWR, a British company that is not exactly Tom Walkinshaw Racing, but which was founded by Tom Walkinshaw’s son Fergus and clearly thinks along the same high-performance lines. In November, TWR unveiled the Supercat, and it is everything that was promised. For a start, the Supercat looks spectacular. There’s nothing subtle here – it looks brutishly powerful, and it is.
The Supercat features rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox, and beneath its long, sculpted, carbon-bodied bonnet lies a formidable supercharged 5.6-litre, V12 engine that pumps out 492kW and 730Nm. To manage that significant power, the car’s structure has been reinforced with an integrated tubular steel framework, while lightweight carbon-fibre body panels contribute to a 9.3 per cent reduction in weight compared to the original Jaguar XJS (1605kg vs 1770kg).
The Supercat has a broader stance with its width increased fcompared to the original XJS. This wider footprint is complemented by TWR Forged Monoblok wheels which are 18 inches at the front and 19 inches at the rear – a significant increase from the XJS’ 15-inch alloys. Additional features include the option for carbon ceramic disc brakes, fully programmable traction control, launch control, and five distinct driving modes. There’s double wishbone suspension with an active dynamic damping system. Suspension and steering settings can be adjusted via a toggle interface.
On the inside, the Super-GT has had its rear seats replaced to expand the luggage area. The cabin has been upgraded to include a fully digital multimedia interface (MMI) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Carbon fibre-backed leather seats are available in a contemporary design or a ‘heritage’ option, referencing the original XJS seat louvres.
TWR says it is now accepting commissions for the Supercat, the production run of which will be kept to just 88 examples worldwide – a number that pays homage to Tom Walkinshaw’s win with the Jaguar XJR-9 at Le Mans in 1988. The first customer deliveries are expected in the summer of 2025. Prices will vary according to individual specifications but start at £225,000 ($AU440 000), excluding local taxes. TWR says a limited number of build slots remain open with a £35,000 ($AU68,000) deposit.
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (December 2024 / January 2025)
17 February 2025