The TWR Supercat revamps the Jaguar XJ-S with a powerful 650HP+ V12 engine, blending classic design with modern performance for a thrilling ride.
The TWR Supercat is here, transforming the Jaguar XJ-S into a fire-breathing, 650-horsepower restomod. Priced at £270,000 plus taxes, this fierce two-door coupe is ready to make a statement, having evolved from its initial render in April to a full-fledged showroom model.
Khyzyl Saleem, the designer behind the Supercat, drew inspiration from 1970s and 1980s motorsport icons like IMSA and Trans-Am cars, as well as classic Jaguar models such as the XJR-9 and XJ220. The result is an aggressive body design, featuring boxy wheel arches, sharp bonnet vents, a front splitter, side exhausts, and aerodynamic rear flaps. Saleem re-engineered the original XJ-S’s iconic flying buttresses, collaborating with a Mercedes F1 aerodynamicist to make them functional, directing air efficiently over the car’s rear deck.
At the heart of the Supercat lies a heavily modified 5.3-liter V12 engine, bored out to 5.6 liters and equipped with a dry sump system, new cylinder head, valve train, and billet cams. The addition of a supercharger and advanced cooling system pushes the power output to over 650 horsepower and 700Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque, with a redline of 7,750 rpm. Fergus Walkinshaw, co-founder and lead engineer, emphasizes that the car’s lightweight build—around 1,500 kg—delivers a power-to-weight ratio on par with the Aston Martin Vantage, making it seriously fast.
Driving the prototype earlier this year revealed its raw performance traits. Reinforced subframes and a sturdy chassis help manage the immense power, though the suspension remains soft, causing the car to squat under acceleration. The six-speed manual transmission provides a mechanical feel, but traction proved tricky, with the rear easily breaking loose despite the limited-slip differential. The V12 engine comes alive above 4,000 rpm, accompanied by a ferocious roar that will be fine-tuned for production.
Limited to just 88 units—an homage to TWR’s 1988 Le Mans victory—the Supercat will begin deliveries next summer. Buyers can customize their ride with optional ceramic brakes and a front-end lift system, while adaptive suspension comes standard. Inside, the cabin features a digital dash that mirrors the original XJ-S layout, alongside modern amenities like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and tactile controls. The rear seats have been removed for extra cargo space, adding practicality to this performance monster.
Looking forward, TWR has more projects in the pipeline, not limited to Jaguar. Co-founder John Kane hinted at upcoming collaborations, promising more exciting builds in the future.
