Jaguar today digitally revealed the F-TYPE SVR, an even more extreme version of the already popular sports car and its first to wear the high-performance SVR badge, ahead of its auto show debut in Geneva on March 1. Developed to exploit the lightweight aluminium sports car’s full potential while retaining its inherent tractability and day-to-day usability, the Jaguar F-TYPE SVR will sprint to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and, in coupe trim, joins an elite club of cars capable of accelerating to 200 mph.
By exploiting the fundamental capability engineered in to the F-TYPE from day one, the Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division developed the brand’s lightest, quickest, most powerful F-TYPE and its fastest and most powerful series production road car ever with functional enhancements to the chassis, driveline and aerodynamics.
The F-TYPE R is already widely recognised in the sports car segment and represented the starting point for development of the more extreme F-TYPE SVR. Everything which contributes to the vehicle’s performance and handling dynamics has been meticulously re-evaluated, re-engineered and optimised by SVO, adding an even higher performance version of the F-TYPE to 2017 model year line up.
U.S. 2017MY F-TYPE Model Line Up and Pricing:
POWERTRAIN, DRIVELINE AND CHASSIS
The F-TYPE SVR features the latest evolution of the Jaguar Land Rover 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, delivering the ultimate in performance and driver reward. Changes to the engine’s calibration – adopted from the F-TYPE Project 7 – deliver power and torque ratings of 575HP and 516-lb.ft. of torque.
Enlarged air intakes in the front bumper, together with revised charge air coolers and redesigned hood vents, deliver corresponding improvements in cooling system performance and powertrain efficiency.
A new lightweight Inconel titanium exhaust system has been fitted as standard which withstands higher peak temperatures, reduces backpressure and eliminates 35-lbs (16kg) of mass from the vehicle. In addition to titanium’s inherent lightness over stainless steel, the exhaust system in the SVR features a unique split muffler design — opposed to a single box in the F-TYPE R – which further reduces weight and facilitates the design of the rear under-tray for enhanced aerodynamic performance.
Compared to the stainless steel system on the F-TYPE R, Inconel’s increased thermal resistance meant that wall thickness could be reduced to just two-tenths of an inch or 0.6mm. This technology was adopted by the C-X75 concept supercar and was developed by Jaguar as a road car technology through that program.
The new exhaust system also delivers an even more distinctive, purposeful, harder-edged exhaust note, especially once the active valves in the rear silencers open – this happens at lower engine speeds to enhance the vehicle’ performance character even further. For additional lightweighting, the valves themselves are also made from titanium. The four round tailpipes are distinguished by discreet SVR branding.
To make the most of the increased engine output, the eight-speed ZF® Quickshift transmission has been recalibrated to reduce shift times and increase torque availability during launch. Together with the extra grip delivered by the wider, 265- and 305-section front and rear tires (10mm wider than the F-TYPE R), and optimisation of the torque on-demand all-wheel drive system’s Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) control technology, the F-TYPE SVR is able to deliver outstanding launch behaviour and immediacy of response, with sprints to 60 mph from a standing start in just 3.5 seconds.
The changes to IDD and additional refinements to the rear electronic active differential (EAD) ensure optimum torque distribution between the front and rear axles and across the rear axle. Combined with a unique calibration for the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system4, this enhances traction and dynamics4 – on various surfaces and weather conditions – while preserving the vehicle’s rear-wheel drive character and handling balance.
Selecting Dynamic mode will enable the enthusiast driver to fully explore the capability of the
F-TYPE SVR, especially with the DSC system set to TracDSC or switched off completely. Under these conditions, IDD will use the most extreme calibrations for the AWD system and for the EAD to fully exploit the available grip4.
The enhancements made to the powertrain and driveline are matched by the modifications made to the chassis and suspension. The aluminium double wishbone front and rear suspension equipped on the F-TYPE, as well as its standard electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system4 gave the SVO team the best possible starting point for developing the vehicle dynamics of the F-TYPE SVR.
While engineers have worked to enhance the dynamic capability of the F-TYPE SVR, delivering the ultimate in chassis agility, precision, control and response, the SVO division was able to preserve the ride quality and inherent duality of character the F-TYPE is well known for; ensuring day-to-day usability and comfort have not been compromised.
Immediate benefits in terms of handling were found in large part to a significant weight savings in the F-TYPE SVR. With no optional equipment, the SVR weighs in 55-lbs (25kg) lighter than the AWD F-TYPE R, and as much as 110-lbs (50kg) lighter with options such as the Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brake system and carbon fibre roof fitted. Optimise aerodynamics produce further gains in high speed drivability, a standard active rear spoiler delivers reductions in lift whether in the raised or lowered position.
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 valves inside the continuously-variable dampers have been revised and the control software – the heart of the Jaguar Adaptive Dynamics system4 – has been recalibrated. The overall effect is that both low speed comfort and high speed control are improved.
The rear knuckle is also completely new. Now an intricate, weight-optimised aluminium die casting, the design of the part enables a 37 percent increase in camber stiffness and a 41 percent increase in toe stiffness, which translates into greater control of the tire contact patch and an even more connected steering feel.
While the rear anti-roll bar has been thickened, the front anti-roll bar diameter has been reduced slightly. Together with the revised damper control software, a unique tune for the Torque Vectoring system which is designed to enable more precise control of the braking applied to the inner wheels, the changes mitigate understeer – even at high corner entry speeds.
Fitted as standard with the Super Performance braking system featuring large, 380mm and 376mm front and rear steel brake discs, the F-TYPE SVR can be specified with the Jaguar Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) braking system. Featuring even larger 398mm and 380mm discs and six- and four-piston monobloc calipers, the CCM system delivers exceptional braking performance with outstanding fade resistance, while the brake prefill system ensures consistent pedal feel, stop after stop.
Wider, specially-developed Pirelli P Zero 265/35/ZR20 and 305/30/ZR20 tires provide exceptional levels of grip with no detriment to ride quality or refinement compared to narrower tires. The range of 20x9J and 20x11J forged aluminium wheels deliver weight savings of up to 30.4-lbs (13.8kg) per vehicle, while an open spoke design improves brake cooling. Exclusive to the F-TYPE SVR, Coriolis wheels come standard in Satin Technical Grey and are optional in Gloss Black, and – for models fitted with the CCM braking system – Maelstrom wheels are available with a Satin Black polished finish.
AERODYNAMICS
Tasked with solving the often conflicting requirements of reducing drag and reducing lift, the SVO team designed a full suite of features which work together to improve dynamics, stability, performance and efficiency.
To cut drag, the front bumper was extended outward to mask as much of the wheels as possible. This helps the airflow to remain attached to the sides of the car, reducing drag.
The front valance and front undertray also contribute to drag reduction, but do much more to improve engine cooling as well. The louver design of the new hood vents uses the flow of air over the hood to help extract more hot air from the engine compartment, managing engine temperatures under load.
Apertures in the wheelarch liners help the high pressure air to escape through the fender vents, smoothing airflow and helping to reduce front-end lift.
An under-floor tray beneath the rear suspension accelerates the airflow, reducing pressure and therefore reducing lift. Aerodynamics are further enhanced by the rear venturi. Integrating this feature was only possible because of the design of the lightweight Inconel titanium exhaust system; using two individual rear silencers instead of a single transverse silencer enabled the venturi to be neatly packaged between them.
The single most effective device developed for the F-TYPE SVR is its deployable rear spoiler; the highly optimised design is both more effective and more aerodynamically-efficient in both raised and lowered positions.
With the car in normal mode, the spoiler deploys once vehicle speed reaches 60mph and 70mph for the Convertible and Coupe respectively2. The spoiler will also deploy automatically whenever the driver selects Dynamic mode. In this raised position, the spoiler, together with the other aerodynamic enhancements, enable a reduction in the drag and lift coefficients of the F-TYPE SVR by 2.5 percent and 15 percent respectively compared to the F-TYPE R with its spoiler deployed. When the spoiler on the F-TYPE SVR is in the lowered position, the corresponding improvements are 7.5 percent and 45 percent.
Exterior design options to complement the carbon fiber active rear spoiler include a carbon fiber roof panel on the coupe and a carbon fiber pack comprising the front chin spoiler, hood louvers, side vents, rear venturi blade, door mirror caps, as well as roll hoops for the convertible model
INTERIOR
A bespoke interior features exquisite detailing and the latest Jaguar infotainment system which support wearable technology make the F-TYPE SVR even more desirable.
The cabin gains cosseting 14-way SVR performance seats finished in Jet leather with a distinctive Lozenge Quilt pattern, contrast stitching and micro-piping and headrests embossed with the SVR logo. Customers also have the option of Siena Tan or Red leather upholstery.
The SVR Jet leather and optional Jet leather and suedecloth steering wheels feature black painted spoke outers and contrast stitching in a range of four colours. The unique anodized aluminium shift paddles are larger than those in other F-TYPE models to make changing gear even more instinctive.
The driver-focused theme of the ‘one-plus-one’ layout is enhanced with a suedecloth covering for the instrument cluster and centre console, reminiscent of the F-TYPE concept CX-16.
The 770W Meridian surround sound audio system, touch-screen navigation and infotainment6 with SiriusXM® Satellite Radio8 & HD Radio™ remain standard.
As well as the familiar Jaguar InControl® Apps™ smartphone connectivity5 and Jaguar InControl® Protect™ emergency and breakdown call system, the F-TYPE SVR also offers the latest Jaguar InControl® Remote™ functionality, which – for the ultimate in convenience – now supports wearable technology.
Partnering the InControl Remote app for iOS smartphones, is a companion app developed for the Apple Watch. Using this device, drivers can lock and unlock the doors, check key information such as fuel level or mileage, and locate the car on a map. InControl Remote even enables the driver to start the engine and set the climate control system temperature to pre-condition the cabin before the start of a journey. Nothing could be simpler.
