Updated 03/04/2016: We added a series of new images taken during the car’s official presentation at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. Click the "Pictures" tab to check them out!

Find out what this hardcore F-Type is all about in the review below and stay tuned for live photos from the 2016 Geneva Motor Show in a couple of weeks.

While the drop-top has been spotted stretching its legs on public roads more than once in 2014, the coupe didn’t come out to play until 2015, when our tenacious paparazzi caught it in action somewhere in Europe. Now, Jaguar confirmed that the F-Type SVR is set to make its global debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show and released the official photos and technical details, putting an end to more than a year of intense speculation about the range-topping F-Type model.

Exterior

The outlets are identical to the Project 7's as far as size goes, but they're shaped a bit differently and have black vertical inserts toward the outer edge.

Not surprisingly, the F-Type SVR is very similar to the limited-edition Project 7 styling-wise, featuring a much more aggressive body kit compared to the R model. Up front, the most noticeable changes lie in the bumper, which received massive intakes on each side of the main grille. The outlets are identical to the Project 7’s as far as size goes, but they’re shaped a bit differently and have black vertical inserts toward the outer edge. Down below, there’s a large splitter that seems thinner than the Project 7. The grille on the other hand, remained unchanged from the F-Type R, sporting the same horizontal bar below the Jaguar emblem and "SVR" logo.

Moving over to the sides, we notice only mild modifications compared to the standard model. There are black-painted mirror caps instead of the regular body-colored elements, and new forged wheels that are 22 pounds lighter than the standard rollers. Everything else appears to be the same as on the F-Type R, including the fenders and the side skirts.

Around back, the SVR stands out by way of a new diffuser and a retractable rear wing. While the diffuser is not as aggressive as the Project 7’s, it’s a significant improvement over the R’s. The wing is also smaller than the Project 7’s, but the extra downforce it provides should give the SVR enhanced aerodynamics and stability at high speeds. On top of that, it gives the coupe a race-ready appearance only the Project 7 had until now.

Exterior Dimensions

Length (in.) 176 Width - mirrors folded (in.) 75.7 Height (in.) 51.6 Wheelbase (in.) 103.2 Track front/ rear (in.) 62.4/ 63.4 Weight (lbs.) From 3,759

Interior

Much like the exterior, the interior of the SVR is packed with bespoke features that can’t be had with other F-Type models. First up are the 14-way SVR performance seats wrapped in soft leather. Upholstery options include Jet, Siena Tan or Red, but all of them come with a Lozenge Quilt pattern, contrast stitching, micro-piping, and headrests embossed with the SVR logo. The steering wheel is also unique to this model. Available in either Jet leather or Jet leather with suede cloth, it features black-painted spokes, and contrast stitching in a range of four colors. Behind it, there are anodized aluminum shift paddles that are larger than those in other F-Type models.

Highlights also include a suede cloth covering for the instrument cluster and center console, which Jaguar says is reminiscent of the CX-16 concept.

Standard features also include the touchscreen navigation and infotainment system with SiriusXM Satellite Radio and HD Radio, the 770-watt Meridican sound system, InControl Apps, and InControl Protect emergency and breakdown call system. Additionally, the SVR gets the latest InControl Remote function, which now supports wearable technology such as the Apple Watch. Using this device, drivers can lock and unlock the doors, check information such as fuel level or mileage, locate the car on a map, and even start the engine and set the climate control system temperature. Now that’s a really cool feature.

Drivetrain

As expected, the SVR uses the same supercharged, 5.0-liter V-8 available in all performance-oriented Jaguars and Range Rovers, but with the same horsepower output as the Project 7. Specifically, the SVR’s engine cranks out 575 PS (567 horsepower) and 700 Nm (516 pound-feet) of twist. While it has the same amount of horses as the Project 7, the SVR is a bit torquier than its race-bred sibling, having 14 extra pound-feet at its disposal.

The SVR needs only 3.5 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start, which makes nearly a half-second quicker than the R model

Being a V-8-powered Jag, the mill mates to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The ZF-sourced gearbox has been recalibrated to reduce shift times and increase torque availability during launch. The wider tires and the optimized AWD system also contribute to the SVR’s fantastic performance.

Stick and three-pedal fans will probably be disappointed by this, but at least the automatic will provide incredibly fast shifts for the quickest acceleration times out there. Speaking of which, the SVR needs only 3.5 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start, which makes nearly a half-second quicker than the R model and a tenth-second quicker than the Project 7.

Top speed is also higher than any other F-Type at 200 mph. The convertible version tops out at 194 mph, which is also impressive.

The improved performance is also the result of a lower curb weight. The wheels are 22 pounds lighter, the optional ceramic brakes weigh 46 pounds less than the standard rotors, while the titanium exhaust system saves another 26 pounds. That’s 96 pounds from only three revised components!

Drivetrain Specifications

Engine capacity (cc) 5,000 Cylinders V8 Supercharged Valves per cylinder 4; DOHC Bore/ stroke (in) 3.64/ 3.66 Compression ratio 9.5:1 Fuel injection 150bar direct injection Power 575 HP @ 6,500 RPM Torque 516 LB-FT @ 3,500-5,000 RPM Transmission 8-speed Quickshift 0-60mph (sec) 3.5 Top Speed 200 MPH

Chassis, Suspension and Brakes

The F-Type SVR also received an enhanced suspension system. Tweaked to deliver improved agility, precision, control, and response, the revised suspension is said to deliver the same ride quality available with the standard F-Type, making the SVR a comfortable day-to-day vehicle. Modifications include a new rear knuckle, a thicker rear anti-roll bar, revised damper control software, a unique setup for the torque vectoring system, and and an optimized Jaguar Adaptive Dynamics system.

Stopping power comes from Jaguar's Super Performance braking system with 380 mm and 376 mm discs front and rear.

Stopping power comes from Jaguar’s Super Performance braking system with 380 mm and 376 mm discs front and rear. Optionally, the SVR can be equipped with the Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) system featuring 398 mm and 380 mm discs and six- and four-piston calipers front and rear, respectively.

The braking system is hidden behind lightweight, 20-inch, forged aluminum wheels wrapped in specially-developed Pirelli P Zero 265/35/ZR20 and 305/30/ZR20 tires. The rims feature an SVR-exclusive Coriolis design and are finished in Satin Technical Grey as standard and Gloss Black for models fitted with the CCM braking system. Maelstrom wheels are also available in polished Satin Black.

Prices

Pricing for the F-Type SVR starts from $125,950 for the coupe and from $128,800 for the convertible. This sticker slots the SVR between the R and the limited-edition Project 7, priced at $103,000 and $165,000, respectively.

Competition

The F-Type and the 911 may have very little in common, but it’s more than obvious that Jaguar developed its halo sports car for the same league. The current 911 Turbo comes with a 3.8-liter, six-cylinder engine under its rear lid. But despite having smaller displacement and using fewer cylinders, the unit pumps out 580 horsepower in Turbo S spec, which launches the sports car to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 205 mph. Performance-wise, the Turbo S is the big winner here.

Moreover, on top of being packed with luxury goodies, the Turbo S is also one of the most efficient sports cars in its segment. The coupe is estimated to return 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, figures the F-Type SVR likely won’t be able to match with a supercharged V-8 under the hood. Pricing is where the Turbo S comes at a disadvantage, though, as it starts from $182,700.

Learn more about the 911 Turbo S in our full review here.

Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Although it’s significantly larger than the F-Type, the seventh-generation Corvette is the type of vehicle a lot of customers will likely cross-shop with the Jag. Additionally, it’s the only American option to feature an automatic transmission, and, unlike the 911 Turbo S, it has a front-engine layout.

New for 2015, the Z06 is the most aggressive version of the C7 Corvette yet, featuring not only a race-bred body kit, but a supercharged V-8 too. The newly developed 6.2-liter LT4 cranks out 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, placing it above its direct competitors and into near-supercar territory. It’s incredibly quick from 0 to 60 mph, at 2.95 seconds, and hits a mind-boggling top speed of 205 mph. Making things that much better is that the base model costs only $78,995. (Um, that’s two 911 Turbo S’s with change.)

Learn more about it here.

Conclusion

Granted, the F-Type SVR is exciting news. Having already seen the Project 7, it’s fantastic that Jaguar manage to improve the F-Type’s performance yet again, while also offering a perfect blend of luxury and sportiness. I could rant about the lack of a manual tranny and the absence of a RWD version, but the F-Type SVR is the quickest and most powerful Jag you can buy and it deserves all the respect it can get.

Love it The quickest and most powerful F-Type in existence Performance, design features borrowed from the Project 7 Sporty yet luxurious interior

Leave it Pretty expensive No manual transmission The 911 remains the king of force-fed sports car realm



Updated History

Updated 02/17/2016: Jaguar dropped the official details and images on the new F-Type SVR Coupe. The model will make its official debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show and will be put on sale in the summer of 2016 at a starting price of $125,950.

Updated 01/27/2016: Jaguar officially confirmed that the new F-Type SVR will be officially unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. However, we will get to see the first details on the car on February 17, 2016 - so stay tuned!

Updated 01/22/2016: A leaked brochure revealed the first information on the upcoming F-Type SVR - aka the most powerful F-Type ever.

Updated 09/18/2015: The upcoming Jaguar F-Type SVR Coupe was caught testing around Nurburgring once again. While the car is still heavily camouflaged, one thing is for sure: its engine sounds amazing. Enjoy!

Spy Shots

July 7, 2015 - Jaguar F-Type SVR Coupe caught wearing its full production body