Tom Walkinshaw Racing is making a comeback, and they’re marking the occasion with the unveiling of the Supercat, a restomodded Jaguar XJS coupe with a racing-inspired design. Given Walkinshaw’s legacy in racing Jaguars, the choice isn’t surprising. But this isn’t just your average hot-rodded XJS with wide fenders and a body kit. TWR enlisted Khyzyl Saleem as the lead designer and brought on British car enthusiast Magnus Walker as a design consultant.
Of course, the heart of any car is its engine. Under the hood of the Supercat lies a supercharged V12, reportedly producing over 600 horsepower. However, since this is only a design reveal, specifics like power output, engine displacement, and whether it’s sourced from Cosworth or a modified Jaguar engine remain undisclosed until the full reveal later this summer. One unique feature is the inclusion of a six-speed manual transmission.
TWR boasts an engineering team with experience from top-tier brands like McLaren, Ferrari, Porsche, Williams, Mercedes F1, and Renault F1 to ensure that the Supercat not only packs a punch but also offers an exhilarating driving experience. Yet, despite the performance pedigree, there’s something about the design that feels slightly off. The LED headlights, in particular, stand out as a contentious point, although such discrepancies are common in the world of restomods.
To clarify, the official stance from Jalopnik isn’t that the Supercat is inherently flawed. There’s just a subtle element that doesn’t quite click. Nevertheless, this is a common challenge faced by many restomodders attempting to blend classic aesthetics with modern enhancements. Perhaps it’s a matter of personal taste, as one staffer described it as “sick as fuck.”
However, opinions aside, TWR intends to produce only 88 units of the Supercat, starting at a price of $281,521. With such limited availability and a hefty price tag, securing one may prove challenging. Prospective buyers must submit a $12,512 refundable deposit to reserve a spot in line, with deliveries expected to commence in Q4 of this year. And if you do manage to snag one, consider granting Bradley the opportunity to experience the Supercat firsthand. He’d undoubtedly be grateful for the chance.
