Ride Along at 174 MPH in the 2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR Coupe

On paper, the Jaguar F-Type had all the makings of a proper sports car. But as we found in testing, the F-Type was more active exhaust bark than real performance bite. Now, Jaguar Land Rover’s hardcore SVO division is out to change that perception with the 2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR. Is it a true sports car this time around? Road test editor Chris Walton takes a few high-speed laps to find out.

The test drive takes place at MotorLand Aragón, an enormous 3-mile road course in Spain frequently used for motorcycle racing. We can hear Walton and the instructor talking before they get on track, but once the supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 starts wailing at full song the chatter is quickly drowned out. That engine makes 575 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, up 25 hp and 14 lb-ft from the F-Type R, and Walton puts it to good use on the mile-long straightaway, where the SVR hits 174 mph. Jaguar claims the SVR convertible can hit 195 mph, while the SVR coupe will be capable of 200 mph. Acceleration from 0-60 mph is estimated at 3.5 seconds, but given that an F-Type R Coupe did the deed in 3.3 seconds in our testing, expect that to be on the conservative side.

Like the lesser R models, the Jaguar F-Type SVR receives all-wheel drive, but also benefits from weight reduction, a unique suspension, and improved aero. The SVR appears to handle the twists and turns well, but is it the Jaguar sports car we’ve been waiting for? Read our full review here to find out and check out the video below to see the 2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR Coupe hit 174 mph.