Jaguar to Build SVR Version of I-Pace

Following the lead of carmakers such as Porsche and Tesla, Jaguar will build an SVR version of its I-Pace model, which is already being billed as narrowing the performance gap with Tesla.

In an interview with Autocar magazine, Jaguar’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) chief, Michael van der Sande, said that an I-Pace SVR is a matter of “when, not if.”

Jaguar’s SVO division currently develops and builds the Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy race cars that support the Formula E electric race series. However, the eTrophy race car produces no more power than the road-going I-Pace and the changes come in the form of updates to the chassis, race kit to make it lighter and a roll cage.

It is expected that the SVR version of the I-Pace will feature an upgrade over the existing car’s 395bhp output to bring the 0-62mph time down significantly from 4.8 seconds.

First unveiled at the 2016 Los Angeles Motor Show, the Jaguar I-PACE was Jaguar’s first all-electric SUV and in 2019 won the World Car of the Year Award.