I went to test a 2020 SVR convertible this weekend and was shocked at how different the exhaust was.

The pops and cracks are all but gone. It'll do a little crackle/pop on throttle liftoff at maybe 4K and that's it. Nothing else - couldn't coax anything more from it. It will not respond to the gentle tap-tap method from the StraightPipes video. Additionally, the base tone itself is different. It is a bit lower in pitch and slightly bassier. It is noticeably quieter than my 2017 and quieter even more from the last 2017 convertible I've driven.

What gives? The removal of the factory burble tune is most certainly software. Did they change the exhaust system as well given the tone change? Or is there now an OPF somewhere in the system?

I'm worried now that the next time I take my 2017 in for service they might install an unwanted software update on my ECU. The 2017 sounds absolutely ridiculous... can any current 17/18 owners speak to this? Happy to compare software version codes

Pictures:

 

My MY18 pops and crackles like a demon. And that's after the software update that makes the car reset the dynamic mode setting on startup.

 

Appreciate the data point. Is that a standard software update they do now for existing models?

 

It was the H136 one, there's a later one that replaces it which I think does the same thing but I can't recall the number, H2 something.

 

my 19 pops like it always did, and it's been in for sched service twice so dunno..

 

DC and UNHNGD suggested I direct service dept at JLR Las Vegas to NOT download any updates in June 2021. Thwy answered "We understand completely, no problem". They know the situation, we just need to speak up. These guys on jaguarforums.com are SOLID and CAN BE TRUSTED.

 

My 2020 SVR Coupe crackles, pops, and if you're running hard for for a bit with the windows open my ears feel like they do after a rock concert. Hell if I'm on the phone with someone with the windows up and plant my right foot the person on the other end hears it loud and clear.

 

Just curious, does the newer R (575 HP) versions have the same lightweight titanium exhaust as the SVR?

 

Fairly sure the answer is No.

 

Yup, I plan on being very explicit next time I bring it in for service - absolutely no software updates allowed on the car

Can confirm, the titanium and Inconel exhaust was exclusive to the SVR. Not sure if the weight difference actually matters though given these aren't exactly lightweight cars haha. To my ears, the titanium exhaust changes the tone profile slightly. The R sounds more like a bellowing American muscle (like a Hellcat) and the titanium exhaust shifts the sound to something slightly more metallic/abrasive. Both sound great.

 

Hearing what some owners are doing to their vehicles to save a couple of pounds of weight on this site, a 35 pound difference between the two exhausts is relevant and can only be looked at as a positive. Having previously owned an R, I feel that the exhaust tones are very similar with the SVR being a little more pronounced at higher RPM's. I am also very impressed with the F-Type V6 exhaust and thinks it's one of the best sounding stock exhausts on the street.