2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR First Look Review

Jaguar has released details on the first model to wear its high-performance SVR moniker. Beginning with the already-potent and capable Jaguar F-Type R Coupe and Convertible, the British automaker adds more power and performance while reducing overall vehicle weight in the new 2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR, which will debut at the 2016 Geneva auto show.

Like the F-Type R, power for the new F-Type SVR comes from the automaker’s supercharged, 5.0-liter V-8. In the F-Type SVR the engine is rated 575 hp at 6,500 rpm and 516 lb-ft of torque from 3,500-5,000 rpm. That’s 25 hp (6,500 rpm) and 14 lb-ft (2,500-5,500 rpm) more than the F-Type R. Jaguar says the F-Type SVR’s engine calibration is adopted from the F-Type Project 7.

In order to keep the more powerful engine cool, the F-Type SVR gains larger front bumper air intakes, revised charge air coolers, and redesigned hood vents.

The F-Type SVR also gains a new lightweight Inconel titanium exhaust system with a unique split muffler design in place of the F-Type R’s stainless steel single-box design. Benefits of the new exhaust include the ability to withstand higher temperatures, reduced backpressure, and a 35-pound weight savings. The new exhaust also allows for a more aerodynamic rear undertray.

Part of the exhaust system’s weight savings comes from the ability to use a much thinner wall thickness because of Inconel’s superior thermal resistance over stainless steel. And of course in standard Jaguar fashion, the new exhaust design allows for an even rowdier exhaust note that opens the new titanium valves at a lower rpm than in the F-Type R. The quad exhaust tips feature SVR logos.

The 2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR’s eight-speed ZF Quickshift transmission has been recalibrated for quicker shifts and increased torque availability during drag launches. Engineers recalibrated the torque-on-demand all-wheel-drive system’s Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) control system as well as the rear electronic active differential (EAD) for better torque distribution between the front and rear axles and side to side on the rear axle.

The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system was also retuned for enhanced traction on various surface conditions while maintaining a rear-drive character. With the F-Type SVR in Dynamic mode and the DSC system set to TracDSC (or switched off completely), the all-wheel-drive system’s IDD and EAD feature Jaguar’s most aggressive tunes for maximum grip.

With the changes to the chassis settings along with the new (10mm) wider tires, Jaguar says the new F-Type SVR can hit 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds compared to a manufacturer estimate of 3.9 seconds for the all-wheel-drive F-Type R Coupe. In our testing, an all-wheel-drive 2016 Jaguar F-Type R Coupe hit 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and finished the quarter mile in 11.6 seconds at 121.5 mph. Jaguar also says the new F-Type SVR Coupe can top out at 200 mph, and the F-Type SVR convertible can reach 195 mph. The F-Type R is electronically limited to 186 mph.

Tangible chassis and suspension changes include a new “weight-optimized aluminum die casting” construction for the rear knuckle that increases camber stiffness by 37 percent and toe stiffness by 41 percent. A larger rear anti-roll bar and smaller front anti-roll bar work with the revised damper control software and recalibrated torque vectoring system to reduce understeer at high speeds. Revisions to the Jaguar Adaptive Dynamics system are said to improve both low-speed comfort and high-speed control.

In addition to the weight savings provided by the new exhaust system, the F-Type SVR’s 20×9-inch and 20×11-inch forged alloy wheels save up to 30.4 pounds overall. The wheels are wrapped in 10mm wider Pirelli P Zero rubber measuring 265/35/ZR20 and 305/30/ZR20 front and rear. Coriolis wheels, available in either Satin Technical Gray or Gloss Black, are standard, and Satin Black polished Maelstrom wheels come with the optional Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) braking system.

Standard brakes on the 2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR include the automaker’s Super Performance braking system with 15.0-inch front and 14.8-inch rear steel brake rotors. The CCM braking system comes with 15.7-inch front and 15.0-inch rear carbon-ceramic rotors clamped by six- and four-piston monobloc calipers and removes 46 pounds of unsprung weight.

Jaguar says the F-Type SVR is 55 pounds lighter than the F-Type R and that the available CCM braking system, carbon-fiber roof, and other optional equipment reduce overall vehicle weight by as much as 110 pounds.

A revised front bumper extends outward to enhance airflow and reduce drag past the front wheels, and the front valance and front undertray also reduce drag and improve engine cooling. The redesigned louvered hood vents extract underhood heat. Other aerodynamic bits include apertures in the wheel arch liners to evacuate high-pressure air through the front vents and reduce lift on the front end. The tray below the rear suspension works with the rear venture to further reduce pressure and lift.

Finally, the F-Type SVR features a carbon-fiber active rear spoiler that is more aerodynamically efficient than that of the F-Type R regardless of position. The spoiler rises at 60 mph on convertible models and at 70 mph on coupe models in Normal mode or automatically in Dynamic mode. Jaguar says the redesigned rear spoiler reduces drag by 2.5 percent and lift by 15 percent compared to the F-Type R when raised. When lowered, the redesigned spoiler reduces drag by 7.5 percent and lift by 45 percent.

Optional exterior carbon-fiber bits include the roof panel (coupe) and a carbon-fiber pack (front chin spoiler, hood louvers, side vents, rear venturi blade, door mirror caps, and roll hoops) on the convertible.

Inside, the 2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR features 14-way SVR performance seats covered in Jet black leather with a Lozenge Quilt pattern and contrast stitching and micro-piping in a choice of four colors. Headrests also feature contrasting embossed SVR logos. An SVR Jet leather steering wheel is standard, and a Jet leather and suedecloth steering wheel is available. The steering wheels feature black painted spokes with contrast stitching. The SVR also features larger anodized aluminum shift paddles. Suedecloth also covers the instrument cluster and center console.

As with other F-Type models, the 770-watt Meridian surround sound audio system, touchscreen navigation, and infotainment system are standard. Other tech features include the Jaguar InControl Apps smartphone connectivity and Jaguar InControl Protect emergency breakdown call system as well as the latest Jaguar InControl Remote functionality, which now supports wearable technology such as a smartwatch. An available Apple Watch app allows drivers to lock and unlock the doors, check fuel level or mileage, or locate their car on a map. Other features include the ability to start the engine and set the climate control before entering the vehicle.

Pricing for the 2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR Coupe and convertible starts at $126,945 and $128,795, respectively. Order books for the F-Type SVR are open ahead of its official debut at Geneva with customer deliveries beginning this summer.

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