The Car That Offers Supercar Thrills Without The Supercar Price

Supercars are the dream for many a gearhead; they offer everything you could ask for in terms of style, performance tech, engine power, and head-turning designs. However, if you are up to speed with current pricing for new supercars, you’ll know that they are generally meant for those of us with deep pockets. Some of the most expensive supercars from the last couple of years always top out over $1 million.

It is not all bad news, though. Today, there is a model that was released by Jaguar only eight years ago that offers supercar performance, an exceptional engine under the hood, and oodles of luxury features that has dropped in price by a huge amount. We are talking about the 2017–2020 Jaguar F-Type SVR — potentially the best and most important car that the British marque has rolled out in recent years.

The Jaguar F-Type SVR Can Be Yours For Under $65,000

That’s right, for less than $65,000, you could get yourself a 2017–2020 Jaguar F-Type SVR: the zenith of the already sumptuous, E-Type-inspired, and heritage-loving Jaguar F-Type. Built for only one generation between 2017 and 2020, the F-Type SVR takes everything we love about the F-Type and dials things up to a whole new level. Of course, different model years and configurations (coupe or convertible) mean different used prices, but the main thing to note is that all models have dropped like a rock in price from their original starting prices, with average used prices for the 2017-2020 MY ranging from $44,464 to $60,398.

You Get Classy Looks, Racing Heritage, And A Beast Of A Supercharged V-8

The heart of the F-Type SVR is a supercharged V8 that kicks out over 550 horsepower, and yes, we know that may not be at the same level of power as some models by Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Koenigsegg. However, for the available power, lower original prices, classy yet aggressive exterior design with hood louvres, an aggressive front splitter, side vents, a long hood, 20-inch forged wheels, a rear diffuser, quad exhaust outlets, and all the racing heritage of Jaguar, and more specifically, the E-Type Jaguar, there isn’t much not to love for the price.

Jaguar hasn’t had the easiest time in the last few years, but we think that just five years ago, they pulled possibly one of the best reasonably priced road menaces created in recent years from production. We can blame Jag for streamlining the F-Type line for that, but thanks to the nose-diving prices in the used luxury market, we can now get a huge amount of car for not a lot of money (relatively speaking; $65,000 is still $65,000).

Jaguar F-Type SVR Performance Specifications

575 horsepower in the right hands is a lot of car to drive, especially if it comes courtesy of a supercharged V8. The SVR’s V8 was developed by Jaguar-Land-Rover’s SVO (Special Vehicle Operations) division, and was built utilizing an all-aluminum block with dual overhead cams and 32 valves. It is mated to a sixth-gen twin-vortex (TVS) supercharger, which provides immense feedback and a menacing sound from the tail.

2017-2020 Jaguar F-Type SVR Specifications

Fuel is delivered by a high-pressure Bosch direct-injection system with centrally-mounted multi-hole injectors; ultra-low friction piston rings are equipped; a twin contra-rotating balancer shaft system is utilized, and a lightweight titanium and Inconel exhaust system with active valves provides low backpressure for a happy revving (approx. 6,600 rpm redline). 0–60 mph sprints are impressive at 3.5 seconds; you can hit 200 mph in the coupe at full chat, and if you are thinking in terms of value for money, even at its most expensive, you are only paying just under $109 per horsepower. Not so shabby for a lot of performance guts.

For Un-Supercar Prices, You Get A Lightweight Frame, Performance-Tuned Suspension, And A Classy Cabin

The beauty of its engine is not where the F-Type SVR’s majesty ends; the whole build is designed with both performance and luxe driving in mind. The curb weight of the SVR coupe is just 3,759 pounds, while the drop-top flavor weighs slightly more at 3,792 pounds, but you do get the fresh air in the canyons. The SVR rides on a rigid, lightweight aluminum chassis. Everything Jaguar did in the SVR’s design was to shave pounds off the ride, with the already-mentioned exhaust system shaving around 35 pounds off the build compared to the F-Type R.

Mated with a lightweight frame, the SVR boasts carefully sculpted aerodynamics in the shape of an active rear spoiler, front splitter, cutting body lines, large air intakes, and hood vents. Not only do these elements make the SVR look menacing, but help it stick to the tarmac through the corners and help to suck in air for the supercharger and brakes. To top off the handling credentials, Jag also bolted on adaptive dampers, performance-calibrated anti-roll bars, stiff rear knuckles, and a rear-biased all-wheel drive system. The result: sports car feels behind the wheel with immense traction.

Some of the most legendary supercars leave a lot to be desired in the cabin, but not the SVR; it is as sporty as it is luxurious. It comes equipped with 14-way power-adjustable seats wrapped in high-end leather with originally optional suedecloth inserts, contrast stitching, and the SVR logo embossed on the headrest, while a leather-trimmed dashboard and door panels complete the luxe feel in the cabin. The flat-bottom steering wheel, which is available finished in leather or suede, features aluminum shift paddles and makes everything feel very athletic and in control, while the pedals and footrest are also finished in aluminum for an added sporty touch.

The SVR comes with a decent suite of tech and is equipped with a 10-inch inControl Touch Pro infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation, while a 770W Meridian surround-sound system delivers crisp sounds when you don’t want to hear the intense dual-exhaust note. The F-Type SVR is not as cramped as it may look from the outside, and even tall drivers won’t find it uncomfortable with 42.8 inches of legroom and 37.5 inches of headroom.

The SVR Takes The ‘Regular’ F-Types Prowess And Ups It

As standard, the F-Type is equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 good for between 340 and 380 horsepower, while the very impressive F-Type R comes equipped with the same supercharged V8 as the SVR, only detuned to 550 horsepower. Already, the SVR is the most powerful factory variant ever. To handle the higher power output, Jaguar also fitted the SVR with an upgraded eight-speed auto box and a fixed 37:63 AWD system to keep the rear stuck to the floor when you pin the gas.

We’ve already mentioned the lower weight of the SVR and its chassis, and have mentioned how useful it is for the fun stuff, but it is the differences compared to the underside of the Type R that show that Jaguar meant business with it. The adaptive dampers utilized boast control software tuned by SVO; a torque vectoring electronic differential is included to tighten up steering, and the rear knuckles are redesigned to be 37 percent stiffer in camber and 41 percent stiffer in toe, which helps in keeping tire contact under heavy loads.

Why The Jag F-Type SVR Stands Out For The British Marque

We were sad to see the end of the SVR in 2020, and even sadder to see the end of the road for the F-Type last year; today, a model like the SVR could really help Jaguar’s recent woes. It truly showed what Jaguar and their SVO division could achieve, and was the absolute peak of F-Type performance. With the F-Type Project 7, the SVR is the most powerful factory-produced F-Type ever created, and while it was short-lived, it was a beast and rolled in real British racing heritage into modern driving.

It was great when it was originally released, but now holds a greater significance as the epitome of a legendary British sports car that we can no longer get. As Jaguar transitions into an all-electric future, alongside the ‘regular’ F-Types, the SVR is the last of a generation for the illustrious British marque. Its short lineage makes it collectible, its low prices make it obtainable, and its engine and performance-focused setup make it one of the most visceral and road-dominating Jaguar models ever created.

Owning A Jaguar 2017–2020 F-Type SVR

We do not doubt that owning a Jaguar F-Type SVR will be awesome. It is fast from a standstill; it hits the magic 200, and it can be driven like it was stolen. With low-for-its-caliber prices, awesome performance specs, plush cabin, its sultry exterior design, and high overall owner ratings across the model years, which are below, we think it is the whole package in one. However, there is a caveat to owning an F-Type SVR: the price of owning one.

• 2017 Jaguar F-Type. Overall J.D. Power Rating: 80/100
• 2018 Jaguar F-Type. Overall Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.7/5
• 2019 Jaguar F-Type. Overall Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.7/5
• 2020 Jaguar F-Type. Overall Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.7/5

The Costs Involved Each Year

The low used prices are very tempting, and so is what you can do in an SVR, but you pay for it elsewhere, namely for gas. According to FuelEconomy.gov, both the coupe and convertible F-Type SVR can achieve a combined mpg rating of 18 mpg (16 mpg in city and 24 mpg on highways), costing, on average, $3,300 a year on gas. Or, $8,500 more over five years compared to your average modern car.

On top of the fuel costs, the F-Type (all models) doesn’t have the most frugal relationship with costs. According to RepairPal, the F-Type has a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5, while CarEdge says that it will cost you approximately $4,591 in maintenance, just over $23,000 in insurance, and just over $12,000 in fuel over five years. That equals a CarEdge value rating of ‘D-,’ so not fantastic. The SVR, being a higher-performance beast, will likely mean having higher costs than the lower-trim F-Types. That being said, though, if you were to buy an AMG-GT, it would cost you just over $5,600 in maintenance and $16,500 in gas over the same time (on top of average auction prices of roughly $152,000).

Other Supercars With Low Prices

While we think the Jaguar F-Type SVR represents remarkable value for money, it is not the only supercar/sports car you can buy that punches way above its pay grade. If you look at the likes of the 2025 Ferrari SF90 XX with its $900,000 price tag, the $1.7 million Gordon Murray Automotive T.33, the $1.7 million Koenigsegg Gemera, the $2.4 million 2025 Pininfarina Battista, and the $32 million four-only-build 562-horsepower bi-turbocharged V12-equipped Rolls-Royce Droptail, anything $100,000 or a lot less that can perform will do (for the most of us).

There are both new and used supercars that we think offer a huge amount of value for money. These models include:

Sources: Kelley Blue Book, RepairPal, J.D. Power, Classic.com, and CarEdge.