The TWR Performance Supercat: A Revived Legend
There are two names that are legendary in U.K. motorsports: Tom Walkinshaw Racing and Jaguar. While the competitive side of Walkinshaw has long ended, the name is also associated with tuning and developing remarkable sports cars globally. Now the tuning side has been revitalized under the TWR Performance banner, drawing inspiration from 1984: Meet the Supercat, a restomodded Jaguar XJS featuring a powerful V-12 engine.
A Brief Look At TWR History
This isn’t the first time TWR has been linked to the XJS. Back in 1984, as TWR Sport, the team crafted a heavily modified version of the XJS called the “XJR-S,” enhancing aerodynamics, suspension, brakes, and delivering a more robust engine than what Jaguar originally provided. Much of those alterations derived from TWR’s experience in European Touring Cars. Just four years later, TWR Sport transitioned into a joint venture with JaguarSport, developing the iconic XJ220 prototype and road car. Other notable projects from TWR and TWR Sport include the creation of Holden Special Vehicles, the Renault Clio V6, Saab 9-3 Viggen, and the Aston Martin DB7. Sadly, the founder, Tom Walkinshaw, passed away in 2010, but TWR Performance is now run by his son, Fergus, who is also a racing driver and is forging ahead in Tom’s footsteps with this new venture.
The Supercharged Supercat
To truly honor his father’s legacy, Fergus aimed to create a car that embodies TWR’s spirit—designed as a “Super-GT” coupe. A simple tune of a modern Jaguar simply wouldn’t suffice. Instead, TWR Performance reached back to its roots to craft the ultimate XJS restomod. Under the Supercat’s hood resides a V-12 engine, which, instead of the stock 328 hp, receives a supercharger pushing output to 600 hp. This beast is paired with a rare six-speed manual transmission, enhancing the driver’s experience.
The Body Of The Beast
Channeling the aerodynamic enhancements of the original XJR-S over the standard Jaguar XJS, TWR Performance enlisted the talent of Khyzyl Saleem, a designer with a history of working on performance-centric projects alongside Ken Block, Travis Pastrana, and various OEM brands. Saleem’s challenge was to maintain the unique profile of the XJS while improving its aerodynamic capabilities as a modern Super-GT coupe, utilizing carbon fiber components.
“This project is an incredible opportunity to interpret TWR’s winning legacy in today’s design language,” stated Saleem in TWR’s release. “In merging Super-GT form requirements with racing functionality, we have created a unique identity that is instantly recognizable from its silhouette. I am proud of the work accomplished to integrate inspirations from TWR’s performance and racing car history into this extraordinary new design.”
Additionally, Magnus Walker, a renowned classic Porsche modder, contributed his expertise to the Supercat design. “Like every collector and enthusiast, I love the Jaguar XJS as an iconic representation of a British GT,” Walker expressed. “TWR’s relentless pursuit of delivering pure performance and driver involvement elevates this experience. I couldn’t be prouder to contribute to this significant statement of TWR’s bold future.”
Price And Availability
The TWR Performance Supercat is expected to make its full debut this summer. Currently, deposits of $12,513.15 are required to reserve a spot, with the total price set at $281,757.15. Notably, sales will be offered not only within the U.K. but also to major international markets, including the U.S. Production will be strictly limited to just 88 examples, commemorating the 1988 Le Mans victory of the TWR Jaguar XJR-9.
