- TWR has been revived and the first product is a Jaguar XJS restomod called the Supercat
- TWR’s modified XJS is powered by a custom supercharged 5.6-liter V-12
- Prices for the TWR Supercat start at $285,000
Tom Walkinshaw Racing was a British motorsport and engineering company with successes in Formula 1 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It went under in 2002, but was recently revived by the son of the company’s original founder.
The first product from the new TWR is the Supercat, a Jaguar XJS restomod that spits out 660 hp. The output is generated by a 5.6-liter supercharged V-12 which TWR developed in-house, albeit based on the original XJS 5.3-liter V-12. The drive takes place exclusively on the rear wheels.
TWR Supercat based on the Jaguar XJS
The Supercat was first shown in April, but now development has been completed and TWR has confirmed the start of deliveries for mid-2025. Only 88 examples will be built, the number being a nod to the TWR’s first victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1988 with the Jaguar XJR-9.
TWR sources the donor XJS coupes for construction. The XJS was a grand tourer built between 1975 and 1996, and special racing versions were built by the original TWR to compete in various touring car championships. The Supercat integrates some of that racing history into its wild design, as well as details from other iconic Jaguars of the era, including the XJR-9, XJR-15 and the XJ220 supercar.
TWR Supercat based on the Jaguar XJS
The body is made entirely of carbon fiber and has a unique wide design measuring 77.8 inches at its widest point, about three inches more than standard. The car’s exhaust tips are also side-mounted, allowing the designers to fit a huge rear diffuser across the width of the body. The use of carbon fiber and carbon ceramic brakes has also contributed to weight savings. Curb weight is 3,538 pounds, down from the original 3,902 pounds.
The interior, just like the exterior, is a mix of old and new. One of the elements that has been retained is: a 6-speed manual gearboxwhich TWR felt was important for delivering an analogue experience. However, the original rear seats have been given a trunk. Instead, there is an extensive luggage compartment.
TWR Supercat based on the Jaguar XJS
TWR also used the talents of car customizers Magnus Walker and Khyzyl Saleem for the Supercat. Walker is known for collecting and restoring classic cars, especially in Porsche circles. Saleem, who goes by the online name Kyza, is an up-and-coming talent known for designing wild and exaggerated cars as 3D models. He also has his own line of body kits marketed under the LTO brand.
Pricing for the Supercat starts at 225,000 British pounds (about $285,000), and buyers can choose between left and right-hand drive configurations. According to TWR, some US buyers have already made deposits.