TWR Supercat is a reborn V12-powered Jaguar XJS
Only 88 are being made with prices starting at £225,000.
The order books are now open for TWR’s debut limited-production performance car - the Supercat. A full in-person launch reveal will take place in the summer.
The Supercat is built from the same platform as the Jaguar XJS and is powered by a supercharged V12 that produces 600bhp. A six-speed manual gearbox and weight-saving materials have been used to enhance the driving experience which was perfected during an exhausting testing, development and tuning programme.
The car pays homage to the shared history of Jaguar and the original TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing) brand, which enjoyed racing success in the ‘80s and ‘90s. The brand was revived in 2020 by Fergus Walkinshaw (son of Tom) and John Kane to create a TWR that is a separate entity from the original, but - in their own words - “will share much of the DNA and spirit that helped the original TWR brand to become a world leader in performance and motorsport engineering.” Operating out of a base in Newbury, Berkshire, the brand will be “seeking to protect and perfect the analogue driving experience.”
TWR has taken inspiration from cars that the previous TWR brand has involvement with such as the XJR-9, XJR-15 and even the XJ220 supercar. The original Jaguar silhouette is clear to see but the car has been given a more muscular look in carbon fibre. The re-imagined interior will be unveiled when the car makes its dynamic debut in the summer of 2024.
Prices start from £225,000 with buyers able to secure their build slot with a £10,000 refundable deposit. Only 88 Supercats will be made, a number that celebrates the TWR Jaguar XJR-9’s 1988 Le Mans win and as individual builds, all TWR clients will be able to personalise their car.
“After more than two years of extensive design, engineering and development work, we are proud to unveil the design of TWR’s debut product. The outcome is a true drivers’ Super-GT built from the foundations of the iconic Jaguar XJS and appropriately named the Supercat. This bold expression of the breed fulfils our mission to build cars worthy of TWR’s winning legacy, starting with this remarkable car as it enters its 50th year. As order books open, we cannot wait for clients to experience the most powerful, dynamic and visceral evocation of a British icon that has been revolutionised from the ground-up to be ready for those that demand to be connected to the cars they drive, whether on the track or the road. This is the TWR way and will define this and every future project we undertake.”
Fergus Walkinshaw, Director and Founder, TWR
Khyzyl Saleem (left) and Magnus Walker (right)
Who is the team behind the TWR Supercat?
The engineering team behind the Supercat has been put together by Fergus Walkinshaw and includes talent from esteemed automotive brands such as McLaren, Ferrari, Porsche, Williams, Mercedes F1 and Renault F1. Two years and thousands of hours of work - including rigorous durability and dynamic testing - have led TWR to the point at which it can begin producing cars for customers.
On the design side, Khyzyl Saleem was hired as Design Lead with previous experience gained from digital and 3D car concepting with Electronic Arts on various titles. From there he was approached to use his skills from the virtual world and put them into practice in reality, setting up LTO (Live To Offend) which creates body kits for some of the world’s most iconic cars.
Also recruited as Design Consultant was Magnus Walker, a former fashion designer, car collector and Porsche 911 enthusiast. His experience as a collector, restorer and modifier of iconic sportscars was crucial in distinguishing the Supercat from a regular Jaguar XJS.
The Supercat will make its first public appearances this summer, with a program of appearances at big events to also be announced soon.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: TWR