TWR Supercat: 600-bhp supercharged V12 meets carbon-clad Jaguar XJS

Renowned Jag tuner, Tom Walkinshaw Racing, has made its 21st century debut with an exquisitely engineered ultimate XJS. From the manual gearbox to the bespoke body, this is one seriously feral feline.

When it comes to vintage Jaguars, it’s the iconic E-type which tends to get lavished with love — you’re probably already familiar with restoration firms like Eagle and Evolution E-types. But, while the E-Type is a worthy recipient of such automotive pampering, it’s high time the classic XJS got the restomod treatment.  

Ask and you shall receive, says TWR, as it present its brilliantly bold and bombastic Supercat. And who better to make the transformation than the very company who specialised in tuning the XJS when it first launched?  

Now, with access to a world-class pool of design and engineering talent, TWR’s latest take on the ‘70s GT amplifies the model’s greatest styling cues and drastically improves performance.

Despite the almost cartoonish dimensions of the new flared arches, and the chin spoiler which could double as a snowplow, the Supercat’s remodeled carbon body isn’t the work of science fiction; 88 road-ready examples will hit streets globally.

Though the styling is undeniably outlandish, every bulge, vent, crease, and fin, is the culmination of thousands of hours of painstaking consideration from digital design legend, Khyzyl Saleem. What’s more, the modelling maestro’s creation was signed off by one of the biggest names in the restomod scene: Magnus Walker.  

The Supercat wasn’t just designed by a crack team, it was engineered by one too. With expertise gleaned from developing some of Porsche, McLaren, and Ferrari’s sharpest road and racing cars, TWR’s mechanical know-how opted to team a supercharged V12 with a 6-speed manual gearbox.  

Even when compared to the fastest run-out XJS specials of the mid 1990s, the Supercat’s performance is profoundly enhanced. Expect around double the horsepower of the original, while the extensive use of carbon in the body should shed much unnecessary heft.

So it’ll pounce like a Jaguar should, but will it handle?  Well, if the blatant aero additions and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tyres are anything to go by, the Supercat should remain welded to the tarmac through fast sweepers, yet lithe and agile through tighter hairpins. Although, with all that grunt going exclusively to the rear wheels, the chassis will likely demand respect when rain starts to fall – TWR hasn't mentioned the inclusion of any traction or stability control aids. 

While there’s no doubting the Supercat’s performance, or head-turning ability, we’re less sure of its ultimate mission. Is it a harsh and uncompromising racing car with numberplates, destined to shatter lap times and embarrass Caterhams? Or, perhaps it’s a supple continent crusher with performance to rival contemporary supercars?  

One thing is for sure: deep pockets are required to join the TWR owners club. Prices start at £225,000 before taxes or options and, with just 88 allocations, you’ll probably need to know the right people to get your name on the order sheet.

If money were no object, would you rather own a reimagined classic like the Supercat, or a modern super GT like Ferrari’s new 12 Cilindri?

Hero image credit:  TWR