Jaguar R and R-S/SVR models are a range of high performance versions of certain car models from the British automotive marque Jaguar Cars, part of parent business Jaguar Land Rover. These cars primarily focus on enhanced "sport" performance. Jaguar began producing R models in 1988 with the introduction of the first XJR, and began producing R-S models in limited production numbers and input from Jaguar SVO (Special Vehicle Operations) with the introduction of the 2012 XKR-S. The R-S mark has since been replaced^[1] by the SVR (Special Vehicle Racing) designation, which was first introduced on the 2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR, effectively making the XFR-S the last Jaguar SVO car not to carry the SVR moniker.

This article relies excessively on references to primary sources. (December 2019)

Quick Facts Overview, Manufacturer ...

Jaguar R, Jaguar R-S/SVR
Overview
Manufacturer	Jaguar
Production	1995–present
Assembly	Jaguar Land Rover Castle Bromwich Assembly
Body and chassis
Class	Sports cars (S)
Layout	Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
Related	Jaguar XJ220

Close

The 1995 XJR was powered by a supercharged 6-cylinder engine, the car produced approximately 322 horsepower. With the revamped line of engines, the powerplant would be based on an eight-cylinder engine with supercharger from 1997 to present. The 1997–2003 XJR produced 370 horsepower (276 kW) and 385 pound-feet (522 N⋅m) of torque, taking the car to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 5 seconds. The new aluminium bodyshell from 2004 to 2009 and increased power to 400 hp (298 kW) and enhanced computer systems decreased the time to 60 mph (97 km/h) to 4.8 seconds. Starting after year 2000, XJRs were equipped with Jaguar's CATS (Computer Active Technology Suspension), which helped firm up the ride in sporty driving without compromising comfort during day-to-day use.

The first XKR was introduced in 1997 and kept with the same power increases as the XJR except for after 2006 the power in the XKR was boosted to 420 hp (313 kW). The S-Type R had a short production run from 2003 to 2008, and came equipped with the same 400 horsepower (298 kW) supercharged V8 as the other R models. It was replaced by the XFR, featuring a 5.0 L supercharged V8 producing 510 hp (380 kW) R-S models were then added to the range starting with the XKR-S in 2012 and later in 2014, the XFR-S. Both these cars produced 550bhp, boasting zero to sixty times of sub 4 seconds. With the introduction of the F Type R some two years later, the then-to-be called Jaguar F-Type R-S was renamed the F-Type SVR along with the all future Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) cars in the model range.^[2]

Positioned below the R and SVR ranges, Jaguar offers an S variant on many of their vehicles, which includes sportier styling on both the exterior and interior, more horsepower and a firmer suspension.

Although not carrying SV in its name - unlike the later SV Project 8 - this limited edition speedster variant of the F-Type was developed for production by SVO. It began life as a skunkworks design penned by Italian-Brazilian designer César Pieri.^[5] It was discovered by chance when Pieri accidentally showed it to Jaguar then chief designer Ian Callum. The concept then became a functional prototype and eventually reached production.

Powered by the same 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine as the F-Type SVR, both sharing a maximum power output of 575 hp (429 kW), it was the joint most powerful Jaguar ever at the time.

BMW's M models,^[6] Audi's RS models,^[7] Mercedes-Benz's AMG models^[8] are often reviewed in direct competition to a similarly-positioned R, R-S or SVR car, as well as models from other manufacturers such as Porsche^[9][10] and Maserati^[11] - also being comparable to Alfa Romeo's Quadrifoglio^[12] and Lexus' F model ranges.

S models compare closely with BMW's M Sport range, Audi's S models, Mercedes-Benz's lower AMG models in addition to sporting versions of many cars by a variety of makes.