Automotive production might be slowed or
even halted as the world deals with Coronavirus, but prototype testing
continues. A batch of spy shots at the Nürburgring show Jaguar thrashing its
updated F-Pace around the Green Hell’s many corners. It’s not any old F-Pace
either – it appears to be the hot SVR. There’s no missing the quad exhaust
outlets at the rear, not to mention the aggressive bodywork we can suss out
beneath the camouflage wrap.
The front fascia is still well concealed
behind panels, but we expect the large, chiseled chin of the current model to
live on. It’s unclear if those massive corner vents will change shape, but we
suspect the grille might be a bit larger since that’s the current trend among
most automakers. Minor changes should befall the headlights as well, though
based on these new shots the change should be quite minimal overall.
The SVR’s profile looks virtually
unchanged despite the camo wrap, with the large vertical fender vents still
clearly visible on the sides. At the rear, changes could be more pronounced
with a fascia that minimizes the pronounced vertical openings at the edges. New
taillights are likely part of the package as well, but the overall take is that
the facelift should be fairly quiet on the outside.
Inside is still a mystery, as we haven’t
had a very good look at what’s in store. Inside sources tell us the greenhouse
will get a rather significant update that includes a new digital instrument
cluster. The dash should be tweaked to make it fit, and a larger infotainment
screen is a likely bet. More technology with over-the-air updates should be
available too. As for power, we expect the current supercharged 5.0-liter V8 to
carry over, still producing 550 hp and 680 Nm of twist. The rumor mill has been rather silent on a debut
for the refreshed F-Pace. The SVR should be a 2021 model, but it’s unclear if
we’ll see it revealed this year or early next year.
