Established in 1954 as a race car manufacturer, Lister became famous when it won the 1957 British Empire Trophy with a heavily modified Jaguar D-Type, affectionately known as the Lister Knobbly. In the 1990s, Lister launched the Storm, a V-12 coupe that was sold as both a road car and an FIA-spec race car. The company returned to the market with an anniversary version of the original Lister Knobbly in 2014, including a tribute model for Sir Stirling Moss. Come 2018 and Lister launched the Storm, a modern sports car based on the already famous Jaguar F-Type.
Just like in the good old days, Lister once again chose a Jaguar as a base for its sports. But unlike the Storm, which featured a unique body over a Jaguar drivetrain, the Thunder looks almost identical to the F-Type. The body did get a few changes, but the big news is that Lister retuned the supercharged, 5.0-liter V-8 engine to deliver in excess of 600 horsepower, a feat you can't get from the factory. What other features make the Thunder stand out? Find out in the review below.
Continue reading to learn more about the Lister Thunder.
2018 Lister Thunder
- Make: Array
- Model: 2018 Lister Thunder
- Engine/Motor: V8
- Horsepower: 657
- Torque: 720
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Lister Thunder Design
Although it looks very familiar, the Thunder stands out next to the F-Type SVR thanks to a few unique features. Up front, you'll notice that the grille no longer features the thick, black-painted horizontal slat. The opening is now a big honeycomb mesh, while the "Jaguar" badge was replaced with Lister's green and yellow emblem. The inside of the grille is also finished in bright green instead of the usual black. If you're not a fan of green though, you can opt from more than 30 other colors.
Next up, Lister modified the bumper side vents. While their outer edges are almost vertical on the F-Type SVR, they're more rounded and angled toward the center bumper on the Thunder. The lower vent is also bigger than usual, while the carbon-fiber splitter is a bit larger and is no longer made from three different elements. Lister also redesigned the hood vents and widened the fenders.
The profile benefits greatly from the wider fenders, the redesigned fender vents, and the more aggressive side skirts.
Around back, it's somewhat shocking to see that the SVR's wing is gone. Given the extra power, you'd think that the Thunder would need that spoiler to stick to the ground, but Lister probably got the downforce it needs from the revised carbon-fiber body kit. Needless to say, the car looks better without the SVR wing. The taillights and the rear bumper look the same, but the diffuser has new tailpipes and a revised center section. The wider rear tires are also more visible from behind.
Finally, the Thunder rides on new multi-spoke wheels and sits a bit closer to the ground. The revised carbon body kit is said to improve aerodynamics, but Lister didn't release actual numbers with this claim.
Lister Thunder Interior
Lister didn't have much to say about the Thunder's interior, but the photos reveal that the coupe gained a new pair of seats. Although the standard SVR seats are more than ready for track duty, Lister added heavier bolstering and new, integrated headrests, turning the Thunder into a race-ready vehicle. There's accent stitching everywhere, including on the seats and the door panels, while nearly all surfaces are covered in Nappa leather. The British firm offers 36 different colors matched to the exterior accents.
It's safe to assume that the technology package was carried over from the F-Type SVR, so look for standard features like navigation and an infotainment system with SiriusXM Satellite Radio and HD Radio, a 770-watt Meridian sound system, InControl Apps, and InControl Protect emergency and breakdown call system. The SVR is also fitted with the latest InControl Remote function, which now supports wearable technology such as the Apple Watch. Using this device, drivers can lock and unlock the doors, check information such as fuel level or mileage, locate the car on a map, and even start the engine and set the climate control system temperature.
Lister Thunder Performance
The Thunder uses the same supercharged, 5.0-liter V-8 engine as the F-Type SVR, but Lister made a few modifications in order to obtain more oomph. By adding two modified supercharger pulleys, a revised intercooler, an improved air intake system, and a different ECU, the British firm increased output to 666 PS and 976 Nm of torque, which converts to 657 horsepower and 720 pound-feet of twist. That's an extra 90 horsepower and 204 pound-feet of torque over the F-Type SVR, which makes the Thunder the most powerful series production F-Type yet.
The extra oomph makes the Thunder quicker too. The sports car needs 3.2 seconds to hit 60 mph, three tenths quicker than the F-Type SVR, while the sprint to 100 mph takes only 6.8 clicks. The F-Type SVR's already spectacular top speed of 200 mph was increased to 208 mph, which makes the Thunder almost as fast as high-end supercars.
Not surprisingly, the Thunder features an all-wheel-drive system. Needless to say, 657 horsepower to the rear wheels would have been insane for a road-legal vehicle.
Lister Thunder Pricing
Pricing for the Lister Thunder starts from £139,950, which converts to around $185,910 as of May 2018. That's nearly £30,000 more than an F-Type SVR, but it's definitely worth it given the revised carbon-fiber body kit, the leather interior, and the beefed-up engine. It's also limited to only 90 units and the entire run is probably sold out at the time of this writing.
Lister Thunder Competition
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
While not as exclusive as the Lister Thunder, the Corvette ZR1 has the looks and the power to take on the beefed-up F-Type SVR. Fitted with a host of aerodynamic upgrades that give it a race-inspired look, the Corvette also uses a supercharged V-8 engine. However, the mill is slightly bigger at 6.2 liters and delivers significantly more oomph, being rated at 755 horsepower and 715 pound-feet of torque. Naturally, it's quicker from 0 to 60 mph too, needing only 2.8 seconds to achieve the benchmark. The ZR1's top speed is slightly higher too at "over 210 mph." The ZR1 is also easier to get. Not only its production run isn't as limited as the Thunder's, but it's also available in the United States. What's more, it's more affordable too, costing $119,995 before options.
Read our full review of the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.
McLaren 720S
If you're into more exclusive machinery, then the McLaren 720S should quench your thirst. Sure, it made in more than 99 units, but it's also more expensive and sports its own, unique design. Developed as a replacement for the 650S, the 720S is obviously a potent supercar and has an aggressive, race-inspired design. It also has a mid-engined layout, which makes the comparison a bit unfair. Unlike the competition shown here, the 720S is made almost entirely of carbon-fiber, and its cabin is far more radical in terms of design and technology. Under the hood, it hides a twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 that cranks out a massive 710 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. Going from 0 to 60 mph takes only 2.8 seconds, while its top speed is rated at 212 mph. Pricing likely exceeds $280,000.
Read our full story on the 2018 McLaren 720S.
Conclusion
Lister might not be the most famous British automaker out there, but it's Britain's oldest surviving race car company, so there's a bit of heritage to consider. Unfortunately, Lister chose a different path for the Thunder, which unlike the Storm doesn't have a unique design and it's a mildly modified F-Type SVR on the outside. There is good news though, as Lister selected the most potent version of the F-Type as a base for the Thunder. As far as I'm concerned, the Thunder isn't about owning an exotic sports car, but about owning the heritage that comes with the brand. Although the Thunder still is a Jaguar, this is part of a tradition that goes back to the 1950s. And that's pretty cool!
References
Jaguar F-Type
The Lister Thunder: A 660 Horsepower, 200+ MPH Jaguar F-Type That You Need in Your Life
Read our full review on the 2017 Jaguar F-Type.
Read our full review on the 2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR.