Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) was renowned for its contributions to motorsport and high-performance vehicles in the 1990s. The company produced several memorable road- and racecars over the years. TWR shot into the headlines a few weeks ago when it unveiled the TWR Supercat (link here). However, this is just the latest creation by the firm that is now run by the founder’s son. Here, we explore TWR’s greatest hits.

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Jaguar XJ220

The Jaguar XJ220 is perhaps the most famous creation of TWR. Jaguar’s supercar was launched in 1992, it was initially conceived as a racing car for Group B competition but ultimately became a road-legal supercar. A twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which was a departure from the expected V12, powered the XJ220. Its lightweight aluminum construction and aerodynamic design (penned by South African Keith Helfet) contributed to its performance. The 220 part of its name was a nod to its claimed top speed in mph, but it never quite reached that mark.

  • Power: 404 kW
  • Torque: 644 N.m
  • Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 4,4 seconds
  • Top Speed: 340 km/h

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Jaguar XJR-15

Overlapping in development with the XJ220, TWR was developing the Jaguar XJR-15, which debuted in 1990 as a road-going version of the successful XJR-9 racecar. This model was based around a racecar-derived carbon-fibre monocoque. The XJR-15 featured a naturally aspirated 6,0-litre V12 engine, the same engine that should have gone into the XJ220. Just 53 units of the XJ15 were produced.
It was essentially a road-going Group C racer. As a result it proved the ideal basis for the JaguarSport Intercontinental Challenge. This one-make series gave owners chance to race against former F1 pilots. The winner of the three-race championship bagged $1m.

  • Power: 336 kW
  • Torque: 569 N.m
  • Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 3,2 seconds
  • Top Speed: 297 km/h

Click here to read about the best one-make race series of all time.

Volvo 850 Estate Touring Car

The Volvo 850 Estate Touring Car is an example of TWR’s involvement in developing vehicles for motorsport. The 850 Estate is probably the most famous touring car of all time. TWR’s engineering expertise allowed for significant enhancements to the car’s suspension system and powertrain, with some left-field thinking applied to extract more power from the production version’s engine. The aerodynamics of the estate were slightly better than the saloon version, but deciding factor, however, was that the estate would attract more attention. Team driver Rickard Rydell recalls: “Our best finish was fifth place at Oulton Park, although there were more column inches written about us than about any other team.”

  • Power: Approximately 250 kW 
  • Torque: up to 400 N.m
  • Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in around 6,0 seconds

Click here to read about a replica 850 Estate Touring Car replica made by a South African fan.

Renault Clio V6

The Renault Clio V6, produced between 2001 and 2005, is another example of TWR’s ability to create high-performance versions of everyday cars. This compact hatchback was re-engineered with a mid-mounted V6. The Clio V6 had aggressive styling and a rear-wheel-drive layout. It is, by all accounts, a truly tricky thing to tame. Nervous, on-the-limit dynamics and a short wheelbase made it a right handful. A short production run and glorious engine note make it collector’s item.

  • Power: 170 -188 kW
  • Torque: 300 N.m
  • Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in approximately 6,2 seconds
  • Top Speed: Around 240 km/h

Aston Martin DB7

The mid-1990s Aston Martin DB7 was a sort of revival for the brand. TWR didn’t create this model but lent its engineering expertise in developing this model. The DB7 featured a supercharged inline-six engine or a V12 option later in its production run.

  • Power: Up to 335 kW
  • Torque: Approximately 400 N.m
  • Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in about 5,9 seconds
  • Top Speed: Approximately 250 km/h