Jaguar turns up the wick with new F-Pace SVR

TWO and a half months after detailing its refreshed F-Pace line-up, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) Australia has debuted its updated SUV flagship in the form of the facelifted F-Pace SVR; the most powerful Jaguar family hauler to date.

Armed with a retuned version of the familiar supercharged 5.0-litre V8, the SVR now pumps out 405kW of power (+1kW) and 700Nm of torque (+20Nm) resulting in a 4.0-second 0-100km/h time and a slightly higher top speed of 286km/h.

While performance is undoubtedly the primary objective of the SVR, JLR also claims to have improved the V8’s emissions and fuel economy, down to 275g of CO2 per kilometre and 12.2 litres per 100km on the combined cycle respectively.

Matching the retuned powerplant is an updated version of the existing eight-speed automatic transmission which now features the same torque converter as seen in the XE SV Project 8, with drive still being sent to all four wheels.

Stopping power has also been enhanced with the recalibrated braking system now supported by a new ‘integrated power booster’ resulting in a shorter pedal stroke and more feel.

To make the SVR as capable as possible in the bends as well as the straights, JLR engineers have fettled with the steering and added a new electronic power-assistance system designed to enhance steering response.

Revised chassis bushes and a retuned adaptive damping system play their own part in improving the handling but their main role lies in upping the comfort stakes – a key element for a premium SUV.

According to Jaguar Special Vehicle Operations managing director Michael van der Sande, the original F-Pace SVR went on to become the highest-selling Jaguar SV product due to its charming character.

“The new version builds on this success, by making numerous detailed improvements that combine to raise the bar in the high-performance SUV segment,” he said.

Visually, the new model follows the same trend as the rest of the updated F-Pace range in having a more aggressive bonnet and front fascia than the previous model with many of the changes – including bigger intakes and more vents – being 100 per cent functional.

While the bigger openings aid engine and brake cooling, the overall design is said to reduce aerodynamic lift by as much as 35 per cent and cut the drag coefficient from 0.37Cd to 0.36Cd.

Also like in the standard variants, the SVR’s interior has been completely overhauled with an abundance of Alcantara and Windsor leather used for the upholstery and trim while the instrument cluster is an SVR-tweaked version of the 12.3-inch all-digital unit as seen in the lesser grades.

Embossed SVR logos are smattered about the place while the standard steering wheel has been replaced by a new SVR split-rim unit adorned with zinc-alloy paddle shifters.

Infotainment duties are catered for by the same Pivi Pro system as seen in other variants, accessed via a new floating 11.4-inch curved HD touchscreen.

Adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear collision monitor, rear traffic monitor, traffic sign recognition and adaptive speed limiter are all included as standard.

F-Pace SVR chief programme engineer Paul Barritt said the improvements to the new SVR over the old one was the result of revisiting “the calibration of every single component”.

Despite the wealth of upgrades, the new SVR’s asking price has only risen marginally ($420) in comparison to its predecessor, now carrying a sticker price of $141,040 plus on-road costs with first deliveries expected to commence in April next year.

JLR Australia has sold 290 F-Paces so far this year ending November, accounting for a slim 1.9 per cent of the $70,000-plus large SUV segment, a segment current being dominated by the Mercedes-Benz GLE wagon (2661/17.3%) and BMW X5 (2589/16.8%).

2021 Jaguar F-Pace pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs