As Jaguar launches its new marketing campaign ahead of a complete makeover, British firm TWR has revealed a tribute to the XJS
If social media is a barometer, the rebranding of Jaguar is not off to the best of starts. Whether planned or not, the reveal of a new XJS restomod this morning feels particularly impactful in this context.
Restomods are always a little polarising, either delighting or disgusting the enthusiast crowd – but from an engineering standpoint, the TWR Supercat is all things a proper Jaguar should be: a supercharged V12 engine mated to a six-speed manual, fed to the rear wheels. A carbon-fibre body keeps weight low and driving dynamics high.
TWR founder Fergus Walkinshaw explains it was created to be an “authentic, analogue Super-GT for the committed driving enthusiast.”
Design was led by freelance “concept artist” Khyzyl Saleem, who has done well to maintain the classic feel of an original XJS (held in high regard here at CDN, particularly so by XJS owner James McLachlan…) while introducing some unexpected aggression to the bodywork.
The car is significantly wider (1,975mm versus 1,793mm) while the sharp, anglular boot spoiler, rear diffuser and front splitter feel almost gothic in their treatment. LED headlamps once more blend old and new, retaining the original shape while inevitably doing a better job of lighting up the road ahead.
Inside, the cabin has been designed to combine the luxuries expected of a modern GT “while remaining sensitive to the classic design that defined the Jaguar XJS.”
A curious coincidence indeed to launch this restomod just as Jaguar proper draws the ire of many enthusiasts. We will, of course, wait with great anticipation to see Jaguar’s upcoming concept in December.
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