Jaguar has found itself in the headlines this week for launching a bizarre campaign as it attempts to become an upmarket electric vehicle (EV) brand.
While it’s generated thousands of reactions online with the common criticism of moving further away from what the brand once was, a name synonymous with Jaguar has taken the opportunity to show how its cars of old can be brought into the modern world.
In May, Tom Walkinshaw Racing – a continuation of the famed motorsports brand which prepared the V12-powered Jaguars that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1988 and 1990 – announced it would launch its TWR Supercat restomod, based on the old XJS coupe.
After initially launching with digital renders, one of the 88 Supercats set for production has been brought to life, showing off what buyers will be able to get for £225,000 (approx $440,000) before taxes.
Its striking body was designed by digital artist Khyzyl Saleem with help from consultant and prolific Porsche collector Magnus Walker, and takes inspiration from Jaguar’s XJR-9 and XJR-15 racers, as well as the famed XJ200 supercar.
It features a large front splitter, boxed wheel arches, an integrated rear spoiler and a huge rear diffuser, coupled with 18- and 19-inch wheels at the front and rear, respectively. Each represents a significant increase on the 15-inch alloys of the final XJS production cars.
Powering the Supercat is a bored-out version of the XJS’ 5.3-litre V12 engine, now displacing 5.6-litres. It’s been fitted with a supercharger, resulting in outputs of 492kW and 730Nm – an increase of almost 280kW and 300Nm on the most powerful road-going XJS.
Drive continues to be sent to the rear wheels, though a six-speed manual transmission now sits in place of the old three-speed automatic. An aluminium driveshaft delivers power to the limited-slip differential.
There have been comprehensive changes under the skin to cope with the additional outputs, such as six- and four-piston brake calipers at the front and rear (with carbon ceramic compounds available as an option), active suspension, a widened track, five-stage traction control and 12-stage anti-lock brakes.
Inside the example previewed is a burgundy leather interior which features carbon-fibre backed seats, a digital instrument cluster and an infotainment touchscreen incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A short shifter sits in front of a push-start button, while there are also multiple dials to adjust the traction control and ABS systems.
All up, TWR claims to have shaved 165kg from the XJS’s kerb weight, now tipping the scales at 1605kg.
It still has a “limited number” of build slots available, and will happily build your Supercat in right- or left-hand drive.
First deliveries are due globally in 2025.
The TWR name not only had success with Jaguar overseas but also in Australia, finishing first and third at the 1985 Bathurst 1000 with a pair of XJS coupes.
Tom Walkinshaw later founded what became the Holden Racing Team, which won six V8 Supercars championships in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The reborn TWR is headed by Fergus Walkinshaw, while one of Tom’s other sons, Ryan, is in charge of Walkinshaw Automotive Group (WAG) in Australia.
WAG was responsible for Holden Special Vehicles and now runs local vehicle conversions and modifications for Ram, Chevrolet, Toyota and Isuzu. Its Walkinshaw Andretti United racing team also competes in the Supercars Championship.
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