Eneos has built an unhinged Supra-engined Jaguar E-Type with 740bhp
In a mashup of British design and Japanese power, the E-Type 2JZ has been developed to offer supercar-level performance on road and track
Toyota’s 2JZ engine has found a home in all manner of project cars by virtue of its durability and huge performance ceiling, but none quite as stylish as this. Meet the Eneos Jaguar E-Type 2JZ: a fire-spitting 740bhp restomod that’s been engineered to offer supercar performance and ’60s style all at once.
The E-Type 2JZ debuts at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, where Eneos – Japan’s largest oil company – is showcasing a host of Japanese-powered vehicles, including a twin-Honda-engined Nissan 350Z. The E-Type is the centrepiece of the Eneos stand, featuring swollen bodywork and a bespoke mechanical layout to accommodate the new powertrain.
The 3-litre straight-six motor has been lifted from an A80-generation Toyota Supra, with a revised head, injectors and fuel system to boost power. A Borg Warner turbocharger and uprated rods and pistons will enable the E-Type to reach 740bhp once final tuning has been completed.
Of course, the E-Type was never designed with such power in mind, so modern chassis components have been installed beneath the fixed-head coupe body. The rear subframe, suspension and differential have been borrowed from an E60-generation BMW 5-series, requiring some specialist fabrication work from British firm Charlie’s Customs to make everything fit.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed ZF gearbox from an E36 3-series, with a wider 17-inch wheel and tyre package nestling within bespoke flared arches, which themselves are reinforced with carbonfibre.
The end result is far from an authentic E-Type, but it could be one of the fastest cars to wear the iconic nameplate. The current record holder is a 7.3-litre V12-engined race car built by Jaguar motorsport specialist Fred Cliffe – generating around 750bhp, Cliffe’s creation is good for a top speed of more than 180mph, making it the fastest E-Type ever built.