TWR returns with the V12 Supercat inspired by the Jaguar XJS

TWR – Tom Walkinshaw Racing – returns to the automotive world after two decades to continue the motorsport and performance engineering for which it was famous in the 1980s and 1990s. As a new entity under Fergus Walkinshaw, son of Tom Walkinshaw, the company aims to stretch the famous name into the modern automotive world.

The modern TWR will share much of the DNA and spirit of original TWR brand as a constructor of bespoke automobiles for a whole new generation, seeking to protect and perfect the analogue driving experience with its own products, whilst also working with class-leading manufacturers to help maximise the potential of their own offerings.

After more than 2 years of extensive design, engineering and development work, the UK-based company has revealed design of its debut product. Described as a true drivers’ Super-GT built from the foundations of the iconic Jaguar XJS, it is named the Supercat.

It is fitting that TWR has chosen a Jaguar as the first chapter in its contemporary history. The original company had a long winning association with Jaguar and the XJS through victories in the most demanding motorsports environments in the world including Spa and Bathurst.

Only 88 units will be built, the number chosen to celebrate the 1988 Le Mans win by the TWR Jaguar XJR-9. Orders are now accepted with prices starting from £225,000 ex-factory (almost RM1.4 million), with first deliveries starting towards the end of 2024.

In realising this first landmark product, TWR has drawn inspiration from previous masterpieces across the history of the great name, stemming from Tom Walkinshaw’s work with touring cars, Le Mans monsters like the XJR-9, XJR-15, and even the XJ220 supercar.

The Supercat has been engineered by a team led by Fergus with technical and operational talent from the most celebrated names in motorsport and performance car development. This includes  McLaren, Ferrari, Porsche, Williams, Mercedes F1 and Renault F1.

The design, engineering and development programme of the Supercat series sets the standard for all future TWR products and production runs. This includes a full test and development programme that has taken place across specialist proving-ground facilities utilised by the world’s leading performance car brands, F1 teams and performance specialists. Full aerodynamic and CFD testing and durability and dynamic testing replicates highly dynamic driving scenarios on both the road and the track.

Of the design, Khyzyl Saleem, Vehicle Designer at TWR said: “This project is an incredible opportunity to interpret TWR’s winning legacy in today’s design language. In merging the requirements of Super-GT form and racing functionality, we have created a unique identity that is instantly recognisable from its silhouette. I cannot wait to work with our clients in shaping their own personal styling requirements for this incredible modern interpretation of a car that deserves its place among the most celebrated examples of British automotive design.”

While the Supercat retains the unmistakable stance and silhouette of the Jaguar XJS, every exterior panel has been re-sculpted in carbonfibre. This material selection reflects the utilisation of motorsport engineering principles that will characterise this and all future TWR products.

Using carbonfibre has delivered a significant weight saving, drag improvements and significant rigidity benefits over traditional panel materials. Delivering the mechanical dynamic advantage is fundamental to TWR’s promise to deliver a truly involving and analogue Super-GT experience for both road and track.

For now, TWR does not delve into the technical aspects of the car, saying only that it will have a supercharged V12 powered Super-GT engine producing more than 600 bhp and a 5-speed manual gearbox. It will be built from the legendary Jaguar XJS platform.

We’ll probably get the full details when the car makes its first public debut in the middle of this year, most likely at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

“The Supercat is the first TWR product for the 21st century, and as such is a rolling showcase for what the company can do, fusing modern engineering and production techniques with a classic base to create something truly unique, truly sporting, and truly TWR,” said Fergus.

“As order books open, we cannot wait for clients to experience the most powerful, dynamic and visceral evocation of a British icon that has been revolutionised from the ground-up to be ready for those that demand to be connected to the cars they drive, whether on the track or the road. This is the TWR way and will define this and every future project we undertake,” he declared.

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