Having recently updated its F-Pace, Jaguar has now revised the range's brutish 5.0-litre supercharged V8-engined SVR flagship, which features a number of detail updates and, oh, of course, is even faster than its predecessor.
The F-Pace range is now based on Jaguar’s new Electronic Vehicle Architecture – dubbed EVA 2.0 – and, like its brethren, the SVR features a number of subtle updates to its styling, aerodynamics, engine, drivetrain, chassis and onboard tech.
ICYMI: Jaguar F-Pace Gets Major Update
The revised F-Pace SVR can be distinguished by its reshaped front bumper with larger, more squared-off air intakes, which are said to benefit brake- and engine cooling, plus a broader “power dome” in the bonnet. The front splitter is wider and flatter, which Jaguar says contribute to a 35% reduction in aerodynamic lift and overall, the executive SUV’s drag coefficient has been reduced from 0.37 to 0.36 Cd.
Apart from its sharpened styling, the F-Pace SVR looks particularly menacing on those optional 22-inch alloy wheels.
Like its facelifted brethren, the SVR features new LED headlights (with optional pixel LED tech), slim tail-light clusters and optional gloss black/satin grey 22-inch alloy wheels.
The heart of the SVR – that sonorous supercharged 5.0-litre V8 – still produces peak power of 405 kW, but Jaguar has squeezed another 20 Nm out of it to hike maximum torque to 700 Nm. What’s more, the Coventry-based firm has mated the venerable V8 motor with the 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission from the limited edition (and exclusively left-hand-drive) Jaguar XE SV Project 8 super sedan.
The improved torque, better aerodynamics and the provision of a new Dynamic Launch feature, which uses driveline inertia to maintain power to the wheels during gear changes, enable the SVR to shave 3 tenths of a second off its claimed 0-100 kph time, which is now 4 sec dead. Top speed has also increased marginally (286 kph), while claimed fuel consumption has improved to (a still ambitious) 12.2 L/100 km.
Apart from sharpening the SVR's steering responses and brake-pedal feel, Jaguar's retuned the adaptive dampers.
Jaguar says it also modified the SVR’s dynamics systems, steering- and adaptive-damping settings and improved the performance SUV’s braking feel. As before, All-Wheel Drive with driver-configurable Intelligent Driveline Dynamics is standard.
Specifically, the F-Pace flagship’s Dynamic drive mode has been retuned, while a new electronic power-assistance system is said to facilitate more immediate responses to steering inputs and updated adaptive-damping tuning, in conjunction with revised chassis bushes, provide a more refined ride quality at low speeds.
Apart from being recalibrated, the SVR’s braking system is augmented with a new Integrated Power Booster that “delivers a sportier and shorter (feeling) brake pedal.”
Jaguar has lashed Alcantara and Windsor leather in strategic areas, along with a number of other detail upgrades.
Meanwhile, the Jaguar’s interior has been mildly revised and features enhanced materials, such as Alcantara-trimmed seat- and door inserts and Windsor leather on the central cubby. The 12.3-inch HD interactive driver display, for example, is wrapped in Alcantara with ebony stitching, while aluminium-patterned finishers feature as standard (open-pore carbon-fibre inserts are optionally available).
Buyers can upgrade to slimline semi-aniline leather sports seats with heritage logo-inspired diamond embroidery across the front shoulder section. These feature an embossed SVR logo on the headrests and unique perforation across the backrests; the same pattern appears on seatbacks.
The attractively detailed sports front seats are bound to be a popular optional extra.
The transmission lever is finished in dimpled leather and features an embossed SVR logo, while the split-rim sports steering wheel is adorned with zinc-alloy shift paddles.
Lastly, the F-Pace SVR features all of the advanced technologies found in the updated range, including Pivi Pro infotainment, Software-Over-Air capability, Active Road Noise Cancellation and the latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
The updated Jaguar F-Pace will go on sale in South Africa in early 2021 and the SVR version should arrive before mid-year. Jaguar South Africa says the performance flagship is available to order already with a starting price of R1 835 700.
All Jaguar vehicles come with a standard 5-year/100 000 km Jaguar Care Plan and warranty.
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