2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR: First Impressions
CARS.COM — Jaguar’s making the F-Type even hotter for 2017 with the new SVR variant. The F-Type has been a favorite of mine ever since I took one down the back straight at Road America racetrack at full throttle. The sound of the big V-8 in full race mode echoing off the trees and concrete barriers is one of the finest noises in all of the automotive world, in my opinion. The performance details are music to my ears, and the F-Type SVR looks set to deliver.
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There isn’t much to set the F-Type SVR apart visually from “lesser” F-Type R models. The front splitter reaches a bit further forward, and there’s a massive spoiler out back, but from a distance you’re not likely to be able to tell an SVR from an R. You’re not likely to get close enough to tell either, given the 25-horsepower bump over the R. At 3.5 seconds from zero-to-60 mph, according to Jaguar, the SVR is faster than the new Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport that also was unveiled here at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland.
The SVR’s interior is just as lovely as the exterior, but again there isn’t much to set it apart from the F-Type R. A unique “Lozenge Quilt” leather pattern is present on the seats, which are available in black, red and tan, while a suede-like covering is used on gauges and other interior bits.
Most of the changes to make an SVR involve things you can’t see, such as a titanium exhaust that saves 55 pounds and retuned software for the transmission, steering, stability control and other systems. It all comes at a pretty steep premium, putting the SVR in the same company as cars such as the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, but like its competitors, you also can get one as a convertible. I definitely recommend the droptop — it should be better for hearing that amazing engine sing.
