Reviving Legends: TWR’s Tom Walkinshaw Brings Jaguar XJ-S Back as the Powerful SuperCat

Reviving Legends: TWR’s Tom Walkinshaw Brings Jaguar XJ-S Back as the Powerful SuperCat

November 20, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor Tech

TWR SuperCat: A Modern Take on the Jaguar XJ-S

Background of the XJ-S

The Jaguar XJ-S was seen as a vital successor to the Jaguar XJ-C. Tom Walkinshaw played a key role in transforming the XJ-S into a race-winning car during the 1980s. His efforts led to significant victories, including the European Touring Car Championship and the 24-hour race at Spa in Belgium.

Introducing the TWR SuperCat

Fergus Walkinshaw, Tom’s son, now leads a team to revamp the XJ-S, creating the TWR SuperCat. This restomod is built for both high performance and long-distance driving.

Design Collaboration

The SuperCat’s design is a joint effort between Khyzyl Saleem in the UK and Magnus Walker in the USA. Saleem focused on the design elements while Walker provided guidance. The car incorporates inspirations from legendary Jaguar models, including the XJR-9 and XJ220.

Performance and Engineering

The SuperCat boasts a modified Jaguar V-12 engine. The engine size increases from 5.3 liters to 5.6 liters, with internal upgrades and a centrifugal supercharger. The power output rises significantly from 289 hp to 670 hp, allowing the car to reach speeds over 200 mph.

Upgrades and Features

The transmission is upgraded to a six-speed manual. The chassis sees major reinforcement with a new roll cage and improved suspension systems. Weight is reduced by replacing original body panels with carbon fiber, bringing the total weight down to 1500 kg.

Interior and Comfort

The interior features modern touches while respecting the original design. It includes digital displays, high-quality materials, and customizable options for buyers.

Target Market

TWR aims to attract enthusiastic drivers. The goal is to offer a grand tourer that can handle both long trips and competitive tracks.

Production Details

Only 88 units of the SuperCat will be produced, with a starting price of £225,000 ($290,000). Interest in the car is already high, indicating TWR’s potential for success in the automotive market.