Luxury bruiser gets quicker, faster, and more luxurious
New electronics mean tweaks for suspension, brakes, powertrain
The Jaguar F-Pace SVR is the hottest model of the luxury brand’s crossover and now it’s getting more torque and a higher top speed along with steering, braking, and suspension improvements. Then there’s the new interior and infotainment system for the 2021 F-Pace SVR.
While outright peak power for the 5.0L supercharged V8 is unchanged at 542, the torque has been bumped by 15 lb-ft to 516. More importantly, that means more power at more places in the rev range, which, combined with a new torque converter borrowed from the Jaguar XE SV Project 8, cuts 0-100 km/h three tenths to 4.0 second flat and increases the top speed by 3 km/h to 286. More impressively, if that’s your thing, it also means lower CO2 emissions and better fuel economy.
A new electronics system for the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace SVR has let the automaker tweak the transmission and dynamics systems. The Dynamic mode has gotten special tuning to hone the F-Pace’s reflexes, with engine software recalibrated for sharper throttle response and stiffer suspension. Launch control helps the acceleration, but it can also be made more comfortable in soft modes, Jag says. Retuned dampers, a new speed-sensitive power steering with SVR calibration and a new power brake booster round out the performance changes.
Changes to the nose including new vents and apertures have increased engine and brake cooling while reducing lift by 35 percent and lowering the coefficient of drag. It looks better, too, including the blade-like lower vent elements and the X-shape to the power bumper. The meshes in the nose are again inspired by the XE SV Project 8.
Inside the F-Pace SVR is the new Pivi Pro infotainment system on an 11.4-inch screen with a new design for the dash around it. Seats are finished in semi-aniline leather with Alcantara inserts on chairs and doors. A new steering wheel design updates the appearance and frames the 12.3-inch digital dash. UK owners will be able to set time restrictions to alert them to the F-Pace being driven when it shouldn’t.