News Source: topspeed.com

It doesn’t matter if you’ve got almost 95 years of experience in the world of performance cars – if you want to move product these days, high-stance utility is where it’s at. What’s more, customers now demand speed with their practicality, flagrantly abusing the laws of physics through forced induction and an oversized contact patch. It’s certainly a popular formula – Porsche,  Bentley,  Maserati,  and Lamborghini  have all heard the siren call of the sporty SUV.  So has Jaguar,  which recently unveiled its first-ever crossover  just last year. It’s called the F-Pace,  and it’s pretty quick. But some think it could be quicker, and rumor has it there’s a new apex-munching, V-8-powered range-topper headed our way called the SVR.

The Cat Badge has yet to confirm the F-Pace  SVR’s existence, but Car And Driver is optimistic, reporting Jag already has prototypes up and running. That’s a pretty quick turnaround, considering the SUV just started production.

That said, JLR certainly has what it takes to make it happen. The letters “SVR” are a reference to Special Vehicle Operations, the brand’s specialty tuning division, which means the F-Pace SVR would join the same go-faster stable as the F-Type SVR and Range Rover Sport SVR. 

Should it become a thing, the F-Pace SVR could see a reveal as early as next year, possibly at the Geneva International Motor Show.  Assuming it does indeed become a reality, what will the F-Pace SVR offer? Read on for my speculative review.

As is, the F-Pace already looks very sporty. It employs Jaguar’s latest design language to great effect, mixing the bold qualities of a traditional SUV, such as an elevated stance, beefy haunches, and a tall seating position, with the crisp lines and refined elegance already present in the rest of the lineup. Up front, the fascia echoes the XE, particularly around the headlights, grille, and lower intakes, while the rear is like a hatchback version of the F-Type. Amazingly, it all comes together without a hitch.

If Jaguar follows through with an F-Pace SVR, expect the inherently muscular design to take on an even more aggressive demeanor, with many cues taken straight from the F-Type. The front bumper would receive larger intakes, plus a chrome accent along the lower center grille and a glossy black insert. The narrow, LED-equipped headlights would remain as is, but the hood would receive black vents. Additional vents would be placed on the tail-side of the front fenders, also finished in black.

A front splitter, side skirt extensions, and a rear diffuser would enhance the aerodynamics while also bringing the SUV a little closer to the ground, both visually and dimensionally. Large wheels, low-profile tires, and plus-sized brake calipers would be found in the corners. SVR badges would reiterate the SUV’s intentions, just in case they weren’t already crystal clear.

One of the greatest appeals of the sporty SUV is a comfortable, luxury-laden cabin, where high-end materials and high-tech amenities complement generous passenger volume. To that end, brushed metal trim, aluminum shift paddles, leather upholstery, and customizable ambient lighting would all come standard on the F-Pace SVR.

For infotainment, Jag should offer the latest iteration of its InControl system, including navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone app support. Controlling it all will be a large touchscreen mounted in the center console, plus a few redundant buttons at the three- and nine-o-clock positions on the three-spoke steering wheel. Occupying the gauge cluster will be an all-digital readout, while a Meridian sound system provides the jams.

Of course, being a product of SVO, the SVR would also get sportier seats, boasting big lateral bolsters and quilted-leather upholstery, plus a heating function. More SVR badges would be emblazoned upon the headrests. Up top, the panoramic roof might get ditched to save a few pounds (er, kilograms).

Options would include new upholstery colors, plus driver’s aides like automatic braking, lane-keep assist, and parking assist. There should also be an option for carbon fiber trim.

In addition to seating for five, the F-Pace SVR will also offer lots of room for things. As is, the cargo area on the F-Pace already swallows 33.5 cubic feet of stuff with the bench in the upright position, and I don’t see the SVR cutting into that number for any reason.