Every German automaker has been printing money with expensive high-performance SUVs. So plucky brands like Jaguar and Alfa Romeo decided to do the same. Today, we're going to look at an exciting but pretty rare drag race featuring the F-Pace SVR.
The F-Pace is easily the most popular Jaguar model, but the SVR version is not getting any attention. Sure, it is a bit overpriced, but the chances of something like this being built ever again are pretty low. And if you're worried about fake exhaust sound on modern sports models, there's nothing better to cure your woes than a supercharged 5-liter V8.
It's pretty wild that Jaguar managed to stuff the F-Pace with a 5-liter engine or even that it tried to do so. The output isn't mind-blowing - 550 horsepower and 680 Nm of torque - because as we all know supercharged engine have certain limitations. The advantages, meanwhile, have been outweighed by the development of better turbochargers or hybrid systems.
But Jaguar doesn't have a turbo V8, not until they get one from BMW. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio QV is pretty close in concept to the F-Pace, being more of a crossover than an SUV. However, it draws breath via a much smaller 2.9-liter V6. This amazing engine was engineered by Ferrari and makes a respectable 510 HP and 600 Nm of torque.
The measuring stick by which the other two are measured today is the Mercedes-AMG G63. It's way more expensive and heavier too, but the 4-liter bi-turbo V8 engine produces 585 HP and 850 Nm of torque. This is the fastest brick in the west and would eat the other two if this was an off-road race.
The race is so close that it requires a second attempt where the Alfa finishes ahead of the Jaguar by a nose. But the G63 puts up a really good fight too. And in the rolling race, it proves how good the AMG 4-liter V8 can be.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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