“The Supercat by TWR: A Jaguar XJS Legend Revived with a 660 bhp Supercharged V12 Engine”

Jaguar has officially closed a chapter in its history, moving away from internal combustion engines to focus on luxury electric vehicles. But for enthusiasts of the golden era of the XJS and its iconic “leaping cat” emblem, there’s excitement in the air as TWR brings this legendary grand tourer back to life. Although not a direct project of Jaguar, TWR has resurrected the XJS as the Supercat, a bold reinterpretation with a carbon fiber body designed by renowned designer Khyzyl Saleem.

TWR, an engineering company established in 2020, chose the Supercat as its inaugural project. This modern iteration is nearly 10% lighter than the original XJS, weighing just 1,605 kg thanks to its carbon fiber construction. Additionally, it offers the option of carbon-ceramic brakes.

In terms of aesthetics, the Supercat boasts a distinct design with squared-off wheel arches, aerodynamic front and rear ends, and side-mounted exhausts. The wheels have also been upgraded to 18-inch at the front and 19-inch at the rear, giving the car a contemporary and muscular stance.

The chassis has been reinforced with carbon fiber, while the subframe is crafted from high-strength T45 stainless steel. The double-wishbone suspension has been refined with active and adjustable dampers. The Supercat also features a limited-slip differential (LSD), traction control system, and five contemporary drive modes.

The true star of the Supercat lies under the hood: a supercharged 6.5-liter V12 engine that produces 660 horsepower and 730 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and launch control. In comparison to the original XJS, which offered 281 horsepower and 431 Nm, the Supercat is a significant leap forward in performance.

While the XJS featured a 2+2 seating arrangement, the Supercat is a strict two-seater sports car, offering electrically adjustable seats and more generous luggage space. The interior exudes retro charm with carbon-backed leather seats and a beautifully crafted gear knob. However, the modern digital instrument cluster feels slightly out of sync with the otherwise classic aesthetic. The central screen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Only 88 XJS vehicles will be transformed into the TWR Supercat, commemorating Jaguar’s victory at Le Mans in 1988. The Supercat is offered with both right-hand and left-hand drive configurations. It will be available for sale in the USA, UK, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. In the UK, the starting price is £225,000 (approximately $285,000) before taxes.

Thai Son (Tuoitrethudo)

References: Motor1