The Beast from the Past: Jaguar XJS Transformed into a 600HP Carbon Fiber Phenomenon
Imagine a classic British coupé, reborn with the heart of a lion and the agility of a cat. No need to dream any longer; TWR Performance brings this fantasy to life with their debut production model, a reimagined Jaguar XJS dubbed the Supercat. This isn't just any restoration; it's a complete transformation, fusing modern engineering marvels with timeless design.
The Berkshire-based engineering firm, ignited by the legacy of racing icon Tom Walkinshaw, has taken the 50-year-old silhouette of the Jaguar XJS and propelled it into the future. With an audacious redesign that hints at 1980s endurance racers, the Supercat boasts a sleek, carbon fiber body, a supercharged V12 engine, and - adding excitement to exhilaration - a manual gearbox.
Collaborating with digital artist Khyzyl Saleem and Porsche modifier Magnus Walker, TWR Performance has aggressively enhanced the XJS’s aesthetics. The car's stature is broadened, standing on custom-designed aero disc-style wheels that are boldly pronounced by wide arches, reminiscent of its endurance racing muses.
Its façade presents a stunning display of modernity and performance. A vast splitter adorns the vent-laden front bumper, set off by halo-style LED lights nestled within hexagon-shaped cavities that nod respectfully to the original XJS design. The transformation is not just skin deep; every panel of the Supercat is newly forged from carbon fiber, promising not just remarkable aesthetics but also significant weight reduction for enhanced performance.
The rear view is just as breathtaking, with new brake lights perched above a commanding diffuser. Elegance and aggression merge with flying buttresses that lead to a notable ducktail spoiler, while aerodynamic flics on each side echo the victorious Jaguar XJR-9’s race-bred lineage.
Beneath the louvred bonnet lies the heart of this beast - a supercharged V12 engine boasting over 600bhp. This marks a significant leap from the original XJS, which in its prime, delivered a modest 333bhp. The Supercat's prowess is not restrained by the lackluster restrictions of its predecessor's three-speed automatic transmission, instead offering the tactile engagement of a six-speed manual gearbox.
The Supercat is not just a car; it's a homage to the past, a nod to the future, and a testament to the ingenuity of British engineering. It's a rare blend of nostalgia and cutting-edge innovation that promises to captivate enthusiasts and purists alike.
As we step into an era where vintage charm meets modern performance, the Jaguar XJS Supercat stands as a beacon of automotive excellence. It's more than a car; it's a call to the wild for those who dare to dream of driving a legend reimagined. This is the Supercat: a testament to the enduring spirit of the Jaguar XJS, now reborn with a roar that cannot be ignored.