THE JAZZ CAT
2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Sat, Apr 29, 2017
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
Words and pictures by Harvey Schwartz
Jaguar shook up the world of high-performance sports cars with the introduction of the F-TYPE Supercharged R model in 2016. This year, Jaguar continues its advance of the German sports car competition with the latest and fastest F-TYPE ever developed by its Special Vehicle Operations; the all-aluminum SVR model. More powerful, all-around lighter, with a new Quickshift 8-speed AWD automatic transmission, a reworked suspension, an enhanced chassis, and bigger brakes. The engine pumps out 575 horses and 516 pound-feet of torque lowering the 0-60 mph time to 3.5 seconds—all with a top speed of 200 mph. Man, this cat can play a tune! Harvey Schwartz reports in this last segment of the three-part Jaguar trilogy.
Hot gases pass from the engine to the outside via a new lightweight titanium and Inconel dual exhaust system that can withstand higher temperatures reducing back pressure and saving about 35 pounds. The new system can also deliver an even more distinctive, purposeful, harder-edged exhaust sound, especially once the active valves in the rear silencers open at lower engine speeds. When I push the “Engine On” button the car comes alive with a mighty, growling exhaust note which eases into a lesser noise when on the road around slower city traffic.
The test SVR came with the Carbon Fiber Pac that helps with reducing weight and further enhancing the striking good looks of the car. The all-alloy, DOHC, Direct Injected supercharged V8 features new calibrations - adopted from the F-TYPE Project 7 - delivering more power and torque. To make the most of the increased engine output, the 8-speed Quickshift transmission gains a new calibration. Together with the extra grip of the wider tires, and optimizing the torque on-demand AWD system’s Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) control technology; this gives the SVR outstanding launch with immediacy of response. Like a rocket ship at liftoff the SVR is very quick when my right foot hits the metal. The changes to IDD and refinements to the rear electronic active differential ensure optimum torque distribution between the front/rear axles and across the rear axle. Combined with a unique calibration for the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, this further enhances traction and dynamics - on all surfaces and in all weathers - all the while preserving the SVR’s rear-wheel drive character and handling response.
The enhancements made to the powertrain and driveline are matched by the modifications made to the all-aluminum chassis. Designed to take the SVR’s dynamic capability to a higher level, and deliver ultimate chassis agility, precision, control, and response, the changes nevertheless preserve the F-TYPE’s ride quality and the inherent duality of character-day-to-day usage and comfort have not been compromised.
The F-TYPE aluminum double wishbone F/R suspension and state-of-the-art electric-mechanical power-assisted Rack & Pinion steering system (EPAS) gave the SVO team a great starting point for developing the SVR’s vehicle dynamics. The SVR is 50 pounds lighter than the standard F-TYPE R and 102 pounds lighter with the Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes and carbon fiber roof, bringing immediate benefits in terms of handling. Optimized aerodynamics produce further gains: the deploring carbon fiber rear wing delivers reductions in lift, for example. These fundamental improvements are matched by a raft of other hardware and software changes designed to extract the full potential from every part of the chassis. The rear anti-roll bar is thicker, the valves inside the continuously-variable shocks have been revised and the control software - the heart of the Jaguar’s Adaptive Dynamics System - has been recalibrated. The rear knuckle is completely new, now an intricate, weight-optimized aluminum die casting, the design of the part enables a 37% increase in camber stiffness and a 41% increase in toe stiffness, which translates into greater control of the tire contact patch and an even more connected steering feel. The front anti-roll bar’s diameter has been reduced slightly. Together with the revised shock control software, a unique tune for the Torque Vectoring system which enables even more precise control of the braking applied to the inner wheels with the changes mitigating understeer - even at higher cornering entry speeds.
The SVR is fitted with wider wheels and tires. The wider, specially developed front 265/35ZR20 and rear 305/30ZR20 inch Pirelli P Zero tires provide exceptional levels of grip with no detriment to ride quality or refinement. They rap around 9 inch front and 11 inch forged aluminum custom Maeltrom wheels with a Satin Black polished finish further reducing weight. The SVR’s EPAS system and four engine braces give great feel and spot-on response - especially off-center. Further tuning of the control software delivers even better feedback and, combined with the stiffer rear knuckle assembly, the new wheels, tires, and revised shock settings, means that the SVR steers with even greater immediacy and precision.
The giant, supercar brakes bring all of the power and speed to a short and safe stop. Our test SVR came with the Carbon Ceramic Matrix Braking System utilizing 15.7 inch punched rotors clamped with 6-piston calipers and 15.1 inch punched rear rotors clamped with four-piston calipers. The feel is very linear, straight-ahead stopping power par excellence!
The looks of the new SVR are striking at any angle, true supercar exterior specs with a long hood, bulging fenders surrounding its short rear end. Every effort was made to reduce drag and lift, enhancing the aerodynamics of the SVR. A full suite of features working together to improve dynamics, stability, performance, and efficiency was designed. To cut drag, the front bumper was extended outboard to mask as much of the front wheels as possible. This also helps the airflow to remain attached to the sides of the car, reducing drag still further. All vents are open to bring cool air into the engine and brakes. The front valance and front under-tray also contribute to drag reduction and do much more to improve engine cooling. The louvre design of the new hood vents uses the flow of air over the hood to extract hot air from the engine compartment. Apertures in the wheel arch liners help the high pressure air to escape through the fender vents, helping to reduce front end lift. An under-floor tray beneath the rear suspension accelerates the airflow, reducing pressure and therefore reducing lift. The single most effective device developed for the SVR is its deployable rear wing: with highly optimized design is more effective and more aerodynamically efficient in both raised and lowered positions. In Normal mode, (there are four modes-Ice/Rain/Snow, Comfort, Sport, Dynamic), the wing deploys once the SVR reaches 60mph. The wing will also deploy automatically whenever the Dynamic mode is set.
The SVR’s interior furthers the performance with Jaguar’s comfort, ergonomics, connectivity and safety. Open the doors and see aluminum sill plates with SVR script, 14-way SVR performance seats with adjustable bolster and lumbar supports. The Jet black Lozenge Quilted pattern leather sport seats feature contrast stitching and micro piping and headrests embossed with the SVR logo. They are perfect for long or short trips. The entire interior is leather with suede cloth lining the A-pillars and headliner. The unique anodized aluminum paddle shifters are larger than other F-TYPE models. The InControl Touch and InControl Touch Plus Infotainment systems feature 8-inch capacitive touch-screens, an intuitive user interface, crisp, clear 3D map displays, and a 770-watt Meridian surround sound audio system. Partnering the InControl Remote app for iOS smartphones is a companion app developed for the Apple Watch.
With the new SVR, Jaguar has joined the true Supercar club. It has the power, performance, comfort, connectivity, safety, fun-to-drive feeling that you get from a Supercar.
