2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR Pushes Even More Performance

CARS.COM — Jaguar took the wraps off a range-topping performance edition of the F-Type that slots above the, um, previous range-topping performance edition of the F-Type. The 2017 F-Type SVR is an all-wheel-drive, two-seat performance car that adopts Jaguar Land Rover’s newish SVR performance moniker. It’s the first Jaguar to get it.

Related: Jaguar F-Type Boosts Warranty, Free Maintenance

For the F-Type, SVR amounts to a recalibration of the supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 to make 575 horsepower and 516 pounds-feet of torque — a slight bump versus the F-Type R’s 550 hp and 502 pounds-feet. It’s also 55 pounds lighter than the R. Throw it all together, and Jaguar says the SVR hits 60 mph in a blazing 3.5 seconds, which is significantly quicker than the F-Type R’s also-ridiculous 3.9 seconds.

Speed isn’t cheap. An SVR will set you back at least $126,945, including destination, when it hits dealerships this summer. That’s $20,550 more than an F-Type R, which is also all-wheel drive.

Oh, and you can get the F-Type SVR as a two-seat convertible, too. Add another $2,850.

So how does the SVR stack up against other $120,000-ish coupes? Here are a few, with manufacturer-reported acceleration times. Compare away.

• 2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR coupe (starts at $126,945): 575 hp, 516 pounds-feet of torque; zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds; 3,759 pounds’ curb weight
• 2016 Porsche Carrera 4 GTS coupe ($121,950): 430 hp, 325 pounds-feet; 3.8-4.2 seconds, 3,241 pounds
• 2016 Aston Martin V8 Vantage coupe ($124,120): 420 hp, 346 pounds-feet; 4.6 seconds, 3,549 pounds
• 2016 BMW M6 coupe ($114,395): 552 hp, 502 pounds-feet; 4.1 seconds; 4,250 pounds

Stats aren’t everything, of course. Jaguar says the SVR maintains daily drivability, a characteristic the F-Type R also preserves. Numerous aerodynamic enhancements run stem to stern, as well as underneath the car. Most noticeable is a front splitter that extends ahead of the lower bumper, along with a can’t-miss-it rear spoiler you can adjust. Up front, larger air intakes flank the grille; the hood also has redesigned vents.

Most of the weight savings comes from a titanium exhaust system, which cuts 35 pounds versus the F-Type R’s steel system. Jaguar also says it reduces backpressure and contributes toward an “even more purposeful, harder-edged” sound than the F-Type R’s popping, hissing exhaust.

Jaguar says if you add performance options such as carbon-ceramic brakes and various carbon fiber pieces — including the roof — the SVR can shed another 55 pounds. Much of that isn’t unique to the SVR, however; you also can get a carbon fiber roof and carbon-ceramic brakes on the F-Type R.

Other SVR changes include unique calibrations for a bevy of driving systems: the eight-speed automatic transmission, power steering, torque-vectoring differential, electronic stability system and all-wheel drive. The F-Type’s adaptive suspension has SVR-specific tuning plus new shock absorbers and stabilizer bars. Twenty-inch alloy wheels are standard.

Inside, the gauges, steering wheel and center console have suede-like cloth wrappings, while the seats come in a unique Lozenge Quilt leather pattern. (That’s an actual quilting pattern, mind you, not an ode to cough suppressants.) Shoppers also can get tan or red leather.

The 2017 F-Type SVR makes its formal debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show on March 1, but Jaguar says shoppers can place orders for the car now.