TWR Performance, a British engineering firm, has unveiled its debut production model, the Supercat. This high-performance super-GT is a reimagined version of the Jaguar XJS and features a carbon fiber body, a supercharged V12 engine, and a manual gearbox. The aggressive redesign of the Supercat was done by digital designer Khyzyl Saleem and renowned Porsche modifier Magnus Walker, giving it a sleek and sporty look reminiscent of 1980s endurance racers.
One of the notable design changes to the Supercat is the significantly extended track width, which is complemented by custom aero disc-style wheels and wide arches. The front of the car features a large splitter and halo-style LED lights recessed into hexagon-shaped apertures. The rear of the car showcases new brake lights above a massive diffuser that spans the width of the vehicle. Additionally, flying buttresses flow from the roof to the bootlid, leading to a sizeable ducktail spoiler reminiscent of the Jaguar XJR-9’s rear bodywork.
Under the louvred bonnet sits a supercharged V12 engine that produces over 600bhp, a significant improvement from the original XJS. Unlike the three-speed automatic transmission in the XJR-S, the Supercat is equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. The interior of the car features redesigned bucket seats and instrument cutouts on both sides of the dashboard.
TWR Performance plans to build only 88 units of the Supercat, with a starting price of £225,000. The limited production number is a tribute to TWR’s first Le Mans win in 1988. Deliveries are expected to begin before the end of the year. The car has been developed over two years by a team of engineers with experience at top automotive companies like McLaren, Ferrari, Porsche, Williams, Mercedes, and Renault F1 teams.
The founder of TWR Performance, Fergus Walkinshaw, aims to preserve the analog driving experience in a world dominated by electronic systems in modern performance cars. TWR Performance, while founded by the son of Tom Walkinshaw, has no direct link to the original TWR racing firm. The original TWR team was known for its success in running Jaguar’s factory racing operations and its involvement in the development and production of specialist cars.
With its unique design, powerful engine, and limited production run, the Supercat is set to appeal to automotive enthusiasts looking for a high-performance super-GT that offers a thrilling driving experience.
