Jaguar F-Type R vs F-Type SVR – fast Jags compared

With the official unveiling of the F-Type SVR, Jaguar has confirmed the new pinnacle of its sports car range.

The new model has been developed by Jaguar-Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) team. It has already produced a heavily breathed-on Range Rover Sport in the past, called the Range Rover SVR, but this is the first time it has worked its magic on a production Jaguar.

The R used to be the most potent version of the F-Type money could buy, but the SVR is claimed to be lighter, faster and more powerful than any F-Type before it. Details of the SVR are still scarce, but we’ve picked out the key differences between the pair.

Styling

As with the F-Type R, the SVR will be available as both a convertible and a coupe. The first images Jaguar has released of the SVR show that it’s overflowing with even more aggression than the muscle-car-aping F-Type R. At the front, a deep splitter not only looks menacing, but will offer a tangible aerodynamic benefit as you approach the SVR’s top speed of more than 200mph. The front air intakes are significantly larger than the F-Type R’s, which will help to control brake temperatures during track work.

At the rear of the car, a permanent rear spoiler (in place of the R’s pop-up item) is believed to reduce aerodynamic lift by as much as 80 per cent.

Interior

Initial images of the interior suggests that very little has changed compared to the R. Buyers will likely be offered a greater choice of trim and material finishes, but otherwise it’s the same gorgeous cabin as you’ll find throughout the F-Type range. Naturally, we can expect an SVR badge or two littered about, and possibly stitched into the headrests.

Engines

The F-Type SVR is set to feature a tuned-up version of the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 fitted to the R. Power is set to rise to somewhere in the region of 567 horsepower – 25hp more than the R – with similar gains in torque output.

With power sent to all four wheels, the SVR’s 0-62mph time is rumoured to be 3.7 seconds – 0.2 seconds quicker than the R. Jaguar says that the SVR reaches a top speed of 200mph, which moves it firmly ahead of the R’s 186mph maximum.

Part of that power increase comes courtesy of a new titanium exhaust system. Not only will it mean the SVR will have an even more thunderous soundtrack than the R, but it’ll weigh less, too – enough on its own to potentially save around 15 kilos. The fitment of new carbon ceramic brake discs and forged aluminium wheels will see the overall weight reduction figure creeping towards 45 kilos.

Prices and release date

The current F-Type R is available now, with prices starting at £86,800 for the Coupe, and £5,485 more for the convertible. The SVR is likely to cost north of £100,000. Order books are set to open in summer 2016.