In celebration of Jaguar’s 1988 Le Mans victory we have this, the F-Pace SVR Edition 1988. Is the British brute a better proposition than vehicles like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S? Damian Adams shares his thoughts.
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What are we driving?
The Jaguar F-Pace SVR was the Coventry brand’s first crack at a full-on performance SUV. It’s built in-house by Jaguar Land Rover skunkworks Special Vehicle Operations (SVO). The same group of men and women who’ve developed Jaguar’s mad-hat F-Type SVR coupè, ultra-exclusive Project 7 and Project 8 as well as the BMW-powered Range Rover Sport SV.
This special edition adds to the facelifted SVR model that arrived in 2022 and received a mild redesign with fresh LED lights front and rear, a bonnet that leads all the way down to the grille (previously there was a trim piece that separated the two) and under the skin the more robust 8-speed gearbox from the Project 8 was added. This means faster shifts and maximum torque could be increased from 680 N.m to 700 N.m. The Edition 1988 is limited to just 394 units globally and is a celebration of the XJ-9’s Le Mans win in the same year. Coated in deep Midnight Amethyst paintwork (a purple darker than the Project 8) it could be seen as black in low light and purple in direct sunlight. Model-specific and lighter 22-inch forged wheels painted in Champagne Gold differentiate the Edition 1988.
Why is the Jaguar F-Pace SVR significant?
Now more than ever, car manufacturers are resorting to downsized turbocharged engines to propel their performance models conforming to increasingly stringent emissions regulations. The folks at Jaguar, however, are hanging on and still believe that there is life in the ‘bigger is always better’ approach. The execution of this sort of rationale utterly dominates the Jaguar F-Pace SVR experience.
The F-Pace is in general a handsome SUV and this SVR adds visual aggression without messing up the fashionable design of the original. In this bespoke colour, it remains sleek in its design with undertones of menace distinguishing it from lesser models. Functional aerodynamic upgrades from the revised bumpers fore and aft, lower air dams that could swallow a soccer ball, rear spoiler (with an extension if you look closely), 22-inch alloys and large chrome quad-exhaust exits surrounded by an aggressive diffuser add to the broad-shouldered stance thanks to a lower ride height and wider body.
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The F-Pace SVR is a large family SUV with easily enough space for four adults and their luggage with 650 L of packing space available with the seats up. In terms of dimensions, it’d fit bang in-between a BMW X3 and X5 for example, and as a result, never feels cumbersome on the road.
What is the Jaguar F-Pace SVR like to drive?
With uncanny multi-personalities, it can act as both Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde as the selectable drive modes eco, comfort and dynamic offer significant differences. With the exhaust valves closed and comfort mode selected the adaptive suspension slackens off absorbing most road imperfections while the steering remains light yet accurate. Turn up to Dynamic mode and the 5,0-litre V8 automatically clears its throat, the dampers stiffen and the steering weights up. The gearshift quicken too when ready to attack your favourite mountain road but isn’t as aggressive as some of the best dual-clutch setups. It must be mentioned that the engineers at SVO didn’t overdo the fierceness of the suspension. The sensation of long-travel compression remains without the use of a fancy air-suspension setup. Spring and damper rates have been stiffened by 30% at the front and 10% at the rear with body roll reined in by 5% thanks to the inclusion of an anti-roll bar.
Underneath the gaping air vents and chiselled bonnet is the 5,0-litre supercharged V8 developing a neck-straining 405 kW and 700 N.m. The grunt is sent to all four wheels via a quick yet smooth shifting eight-speed torque-converter automatic. The unique supercharged boost of this V8 motor is something to celebrate. It offers a wide power band, with good available torque low-down, a frantic top end and instant throttle response. While just cruising around it never feels the need to exceed 2 000 r/min either. On the downside, it is a thirsty lump, driven enthusiastically for a week we achieved around 17,5 L/100 km. I did manage, however, a more respectable 12,0 L/100 km on my commute making use of the optional adaptive cruise control with eco mode engaged.
An electronic active differential assists the chunky Pirelli rubber with gripping the road with no more than 50% of torque allowed through the front axle while up to 100% can be sent to the rear allowing for a suitably rear biased feel with only a hint of torque steer under hard acceleration. It manages it’s mountain on oomph well with the traction control system calibrated to allow reasonable amounts of slip. In the wet it’s genuinely fun and engaging. The 22-inch forged alloy wheels save a total of 4,1 kg in unsprung mass over the standard 21-inch units, something car geeks will enjoy telling their friends around the braai. Total mass comes in at 2 133 kg, significantly lighter than the 2 546 kg Land Rover Defender 90 V8 with the same engine we tested as part of CAR’s 2023 Performance Shootout.
Related: DRAG RACE! BMW X3 M Competition xDrive vs. Jaguar F-Pace AWD SVR
A variable-valve exhaust system that is 6,6 kg lighter than that in the regular F-Pace gives the SVR a voice that cannot be unheard when fully unleashed. A deep demonic bark penetrates the atmosphere when the valves are open under hard acceleration reminiscent of something that’d race in the local V8 Masters Series. In conjunction with the distant shriek of the supercharger, the soundtrack produced is awe-inspiring and easily matches the performance on offer. Thunderous cracks and pops on throttle lift-off and anti-social flatulence on upshifts add to the aural drama that makes driving the F-Pace SVR a special event every time you get behind the wheel. With the manic engine roar, copious amounts of mechanical grip and balanced yet communicative chassis it goads you into driving faster, urging you to turn around and have another go at the corners you’ve just devoured.
Verdict
The Jaguar F-Pace SVR is a sophisticated brute. Large enough for the family and the dog with a frothing great motor capable of putting a smile on your face while at idle alone. It may not be revered for its all-round capabilities like a fast large family station wagon such as the Audi RS6, but the world has moved on and Jaguar has delivered a vehicle car buyers never knew they needed. R2,2 million will never sound like a small amount of money but this Jaguar offers a hell of a lot of car for the money especially when compared to more expensive rivals. For me, it’s the performance SUV we should be seeing far more of on our roads. In the modern era, it’s an old-school muscle car that’s genuinely luxurious, characterful and fun. If that’s what you value in your SUV then now is the time to get into an F-Pace SVR before this raucous drivetrain is inevitably assigned to the history books.
Jaguar F-Pace SVR Edition 1988 Fast Facts
Price: R2 176 000
Engine: Supercharged, 5,0-litre V8
Transmission: 8-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive
Power: 405 kW @ 6 250-6 500 r/min
Torque: 700 N.m @ 3 500-5 000 r/min
Top Speed: 286 km/h
0-100 km/h: 4,0 seconds (Claimed)
Fuel consumption: 11,2 L/100 km (Claimed)
Luggage space: 650- 1 740 L
CO2: 272 g/km
Rivals: Porsche Cayenne, BMW X3 Competition, Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S, Maserati Levante
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