TWR Supercat: The Reimagined Jaguar XJS Restomod with Supercharged V12 Power

A radical restomod brought to life in collaboration with renowned designer Khyzyl Saleem (aka @TheKyza). TWR's Newbury-based headquarters recently unveiled the prototype, showcasing a perfect blend of classic Jaguar design and futuristic ingenuity.

The Supercat retains subtle nods to the original XJS, such as the ultra-thin pillars, but it’s a far cry from its donor car. The transformation includes a bold carbon fiber bodykit, an aggressive front splitter, and a prominent ducktail spoiler. Highlights of the redesign include:

Aerodynamic Buttresses: The once-solid plastic elements now serve as functional air channels, directing airflow to the rear spoiler.

CFD Optimization: Computational fluid dynamics helped refine airflow over the car's drag-prone body, reducing lift and increasing efficiency.

Khyzyl Saleem explained, “It’s aggressive in an eloquent way. We wanted to reinvent an underrated car by drawing inspiration from TWR’s Group A touring cars and iconic designs like the XJ220.”

Supercharged V12 Power: A Beastly Heart

Under the hood, the Supercat's V12 engine shares its block and head with the original XJS but has undergone extensive re-engineering:

Upgraded Internals: Custom pistons, con rods, cams, and valves designed in-house.

Increased Displacement: Bored out from 5.3 to 5.6 liters.

Supercharged Power: Produces 669 horsepower at 7,600 RPM and 538 lb-ft of torque at 5,350 RPM.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a bespoke Xtrac six-speed manual gearbox, emphasizing driver engagement.

Chassis and Suspension: Modern Performance

TWR retains the XJS's donor chassis but strips it to bare metal, reinforcing it with seam welds and a hidden steel roll cage. Upgraded suspension and wheels enhance performance:

Custom Double Wishbone and Multi-Link Layout: Developed in-house for precision handling.

TracTive Adaptive Dampers: Provide a balance of comfort and performance.

Forged Wheels: HRE-developed 18-inch fronts and 19-inch rears increase track width and stability.

The carbon fiber-intensive build achieves a 165 kg weight reduction, bringing the Supercat down to 1,605 kg.

Luxury Meets Performance: A Grand Touring Experience

While the Supercat boasts supercar performance, TWR positions it as a “super GT”, blending power with luxury. The interior has been overhauled to rival high-end grand tourers:

Leather-Trimmed Cabin: Carbon-backed seats and a larger luggage area replace the rear bench.

Heritage-Inspired Touches: A four-spoke steering wheel pays homage to the original XJS and TWR’s racing history.

Modern Tech: Features a digital instrument cluster, Alpine touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, and intuitive analogue dials for settings.

Exclusivity and Pricing: Limited to 88 Units

Production of the TWR Supercat is capped at just 88 units, a nod to TWR and Jaguar’s 1988 Le Mans victory. Deliveries are slated to begin next summer, with prices starting at £225,000 (excluding taxes and the cost of a donor car). Considering over 115,000 XJS units were produced, finding a suitable donor vehicle is straightforward.

For those seeking a TWR classic on a budget, their earlier XJS upgrade is available at a significant discount, priced at just £20,000.