Models like the Dodge Durango Hellcat demonstrate just how far SUVs have come when it comes to performance. Not only is it possible to buy a 710-hp 3-row SUV, but some tuners can also offer you a 1000-hp one. Compared to that, the Jaguar F-Pace SVR is arguably a bit under-powered. But with a bit of tweaking from British tuner Lister, it can out-pace a Bentley Bentayga Speed.

The ‘normal’ Jaguar F-Pace SVR is fast, but not fast enough

To be fair, the 2020 Jaguar F-Pace SVR isn’t exactly slow. It’s powered by a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 rated at 550 hp and 502 lb-ft. With standard all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic, the 4655-lb crossover/SUV goes 0-60 in 4.1 seconds, Car and Driver reports.

But the Jaguar F-Pace SVR is about more than straight-line speed. It has an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential, stiffer springs, and performance-tuned adaptive dampers. With the optional summer tires, Motor Trend reports it handles very well for a vehicle its size, with tight and precise steering. The new rubber also helps improve braking performance.

Unfortunately, in MT’s high-performance SUV, the Jaguar F-Pace SVR came in last place behind the Bentley Bentayga Speed, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, and Lamborghini Urus. It’s slower than those SUVs despite being lighter than all of them. Plus, Top Gear reports the Urus and Cayenne require less attention to drive quickly. Though may arguably be a good thing.

It’s a similar story when you compare the F-Pace SVR with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio. It costs roughly the same as the Jaguar, and its 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 ‘only’ makes 505 hp and 443 lb-ft. But in Car and Driver’s hands, it went 0-60 in 3.4 seconds. And it handles even better than the Jaguar F-Pace SVR.

Enter Lister.

Lister’s and Jaguar’s history

Lister has a long history with modifying Jaguars, Hemmings reports. The company’s founder, Brian Lister, initially tweaked MGs for competitions, Mecum reports. But after a customer suggested Lister use a Jaguar engine for its 1956 racer, a formal relationship was established between the two automakers.

The result was the 1957 Lister-Jaguar ‘Knobbly,’ so named for its pronounced swooping bodywork, Bonhams explains. In the hands of American racing driver Briggs Cunningham, the ‘Knobbly’ cars would go on to win multiple SCCA championships. And just like Bentley and Jaguar have made continuation cars, so too has Lister. You can still get a continuation ‘Knobbly’ today, with either a 3.8-liter Jaguar six-cylinder or a 4.6-liter Chevrolet V8. It’s even certified for historic racing.

But now, Lister’s also modified a modern Jaguar. Specifically, it’s turned the Jaguar F-Pace SVR into the Lister Stealth. Which the company claims is the fastest production SUV in the world.

 The Lister Stealth: specs, features, and claims

The Lister Stealth is still powered by a 5.0-liter supercharged V8, Hagerty reports. However, the engine receives new supercharger pulleys, a custom intercooler, and a high-flow air filter. As a result, it makes 666 bhp and 650 lb-ft, Autoblog reports. That ‘bhp’ stands for ‘brake horsepower,’ which is measured on the engine’s output shaft, Auto Express explains. Measured conventionally (at the crank), the Lister Stealth makes 675 hp, MT reports.

Besides the added power, Lister gives the Jaguar F-Pace SVR a new front bumper and splitter, rear diffuser, side skirts, and wheel-arch extensions. All of them are made from carbon fiber. Even the stainless-steel exhaust has carbon-fiber tips. That new bumper is functional, with extra air intakes for improved cooling. Plus, the SUV rides lower, and comes with new 23” wheels and upgraded brakes, Evo reports. The interior is also upgraded, with quilted hand-stitched Nappa leather—there are 36 leather colors and 90 stitching options available.

As a result of all these changes, the Lister Stealth can go 0-60 in 3.6 seconds. And it tops out at a claimed 195 mph, 5 mph faster than the Bentayga Speed. Which, Lister claims, makes it both the world’s fastest production SUV and Britain’s fastest SUV.

Pricing and availability

Whether or not the Guinness Book of World Records will recognize the Lister Stealth as a ‘production SUV’ remains to be seen. However, that’s to do with it being a modified F-Pace SVR at heart, rather than production volume.

Lister is only making 100 Stealths, for a base price of about $146,800. That’s about $66,000 more than a base Jaguar F-Pace SVR costs. It’s also $62,000 more than a Porsche Macan Turbo, which Car and Driver reports can match the Stealth’s 0-60 time. So can the Cayenne Turbo, Car and Driver reports, which is about $20,000 cheaper.

But then, neither of those Porsches can come close to the ‘world’s fastest SUV’ title.

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