Jaguar may be stepping into a future dominated by ultra-luxury electric vehicles, but for fans of its illustrious past, a thrilling resurrection is taking place. The iconic Jaguar XJS, a grand tourer beloved for its opulence and performance, is making a bold return—not from Jaguar itself, but through the engineering mastery of TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing). With its radical styling, lightweight carbon fiber construction, and monstrous supercharged V-12 engine, the restomod aptly named “Supercat” is a head-turning homage to the glory days of the leaping cat. TWR, re-established in 2020 as an independent engineering company, has made the XJS its inaugural project. The Supercat is a reimagining of the 1980s luxury tourer, shedding nearly 10% of its original weight thanks to its sleek, carbon fiber body. This new shell, designed by visionary artist Khyzyl Saleem, exudes modern aggression with boxy wheel arches, a flattened underbody, and a massive rear diffuser. A side-exit exhaust not only amplifies the Supercat’s auditory drama but also accommodates its aerodynamic enhancements.
The dimensions have grown slightly as well: the Supercat is wider than the original XJS and rides on larger wheels—18-inch rims at the front and 19-inch at the rear, replacing the stock 15-inch setup. For enthusiasts who demand peak performance, carbon-ceramic brakes are also on the options list.
While its striking exterior demands attention, the real magic lies under the Supercat’s carbon fiber skin. The chassis has been extensively reinforced with advanced materials, and the subframe utilizes high-strength T45 tubular stainless steel. The suspension has been completely modernized with a double-wishbone setup and active, adjustable dampers, delivering a driving experience tailored to both spirited cornering and relaxed cruising. A limited-slip differential and traction control further enhance stability, complemented by five selectable driving modes to suit a variety of conditions.
At the heart of the Supercat is a heavily reworked 6.5-liter supercharged V-12 engine, an evolution of the original XJS’s 5.3-liter mill. Producing an astonishing 660 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque, this powerplant eclipses the modest 281 horsepower of the stock XJS V12 HE. The Supercat channels all this power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox equipped with launch control, ensuring a visceral connection between driver and machine.
While the Supercat is a performance beast, it retains the elegance expected of a grand tourer. Inside, it features carbon-fiber-backed leather seats, a refined shifter, and expanded cargo space due to its two-seat configuration. TWR has embraced modern conveniences with a fully digital instrument cluster (though some may argue analog gauges would have been more fitting) and an infotainment system offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The limited production run of 88 units is a nod to 1988, when TWR’s Silk Cut Jaguar team claimed victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the XJR-9. This historic achievement is embedded in the Supercat’s DNA, and each unit will be available in both left- and right-hand drive. TWR is accepting orders worldwide, with prices starting at £225,000 ($285,000) in the UK. Securing one requires a £35,000 ($44,000) deposit, so only serious collectors and enthusiasts need apply.
The TWR Supercat is more than just a restomod—it’s a love letter to Jaguar’s legacy and a testament to TWR’s engineering prowess. With its jaw-dropping design, cutting-edge technology, and a roaring V-12 under the hood, the Supercat stands as a beacon of what modern classics can achieve. For those who yearn for the golden days of Jaguar, this is the ultimate tribute—a car that roars into the future while embracing the past.
Wael is an automotive content writer specializes in creating written content for Motor 283. Producing a wide range of content, including blog posts, articles, product descriptions, reviews, and technical guides related to cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles, with an unprecedented passion for cars, and motorcycles.
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