The TWR Supercat takes the Jaguar XJS and turns it into a firebreathing 600bhp V12 supercar. Here’s the full story
TWR – the Berkshire firm established in 2020 by Tom Walkinshaw’s son, Fergus Walkinshaw – has revealed the design for its new TWR Supercat creation and is now taking orders. The business is a separate entity to the original Tom Walkinshaw Racing of the 1980s and 1990s, but has revisited the original company’s long and fruitful association with Jaguar by selecting the XJS as the platform for its new supercharged V12 restomod.
The Supercat will be strictly limited to 88 individual builds – a number chosen to celebrate the 1988 Le Mans win in the TWR Jaguar XJR-9. Penned by renowned designer Khyzyl Saleem in collaboration with car collector and fellow designer Magnus Walker, the Supercat retains the silhouette of the Jaguar XJS, but every exterior panel has been re-sculpted in carbon-fibre reduce weight, improve drag and boost rigidity.
It’s said to make references to iconic cars like the Jaguar XJ220, XJR-9 and XJR-15, and though the wide-body looks may prove to be divisive among aficionados, staple XJS features like the overall profile and rear buttresses remain. The V12 engine will be tuned to produce more than 600bhp, while the desire to achieve a “connected and analogue driving experience” means a six-speed manual gearbox has been chosen.
“Fergus and his incredible team are adding to TWR’s legacy by rewriting the rules of contemporary performance GT design,” said Walker. “Like every collector and enthusiast, I love the Jaguar XJS as an iconic expression of a British GT. TWR’s uncompromising approach to delivering pure performance and driver involvement takes this to another level. I couldn’t be more proud to have contributed to this landmark statement of TWR’s bold future.”
The Supercat is due to make its first public appearances this summer, when its re-imagined interior will be unveiled too. As you might imagine, however, this is not going to be a cheap car. Pricing will vary depending on individual specifications, but will start at £225,000 excluding local taxes. Build slots can be secured with a £10,000 refundable deposit, with the first deliveries to take place in the fourth quarter of 2024.
