Image Gallery

Unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2004 and on sale in Australia in the middle of the year, the design has been extensively re-worked and refined to achieve a more athletic, contemporary look, with cleaner, tauter, more muscular lines and subtly modified proportions. The use of lightweight aluminium rather than steel for the bonnet gives improved weight distribution and handling balance. The revised shape also brings tighter panel fits and enhanced performance. Transformed by subtle and sophisticated changes, the S-TYPE retains its highly individual look and remains true to the Jaguar brand.

The new S-TYPE also introduces a significantly improved interior, adding to the feel of contemporary luxury. A redesigned instrument pack emphasises the S-TYPE's sporty character as well as presenting more information more clearly, and there is now a greater choice of colour and trim options. S-TYPE Sport and S-TYPE R models now have as standard a sporty aluminium facia finish. This style was made famous in Jaguar sports cars, such as the 1961 E-TYPE, but this is the first time that S-TYPE customers have been able to choose an interior without wood trim. Like the exterior, the new interior sees further improvements in material and build quality. Sporting luxury is the key-note here, in a cabin infused with Jaguar quality, from the cleverly engineered, driver-orientated ergonomics to the satisfying feel of the controls and trim.

The new S-TYPE also offers an even broader catalogue of comfort and convenience features, from new wheel styles to advanced cruise control and parking aid options.

The range of petrol engines and transmissions is unchanged, but will be extended by the addition of an all-new diesel option in the middle of 2004. Petrol engine choices begin with Jaguar's refined and efficient all-aluminium 2.5 and 3.0 litre V6s and also include both naturally aspirated and supercharged versions of the 4.2 litre V8 - the most powerful series production engine Jaguar has ever made. It is a range that offers everything, from the efficiency of the 2.5 litre V6, with its class-leading 150kW (DIN) power output, 10.3 l/100km combined economy and low 229g/km CO2 rating, to the 250 kph (and just 5.6sec from 0-100 kph) performance of the supercharged 298kW (DIN) S-TYPE R. Both versions of the 4.2 V8 are combined with Jaguar's six-speed ZF automatic transmission as standard. Both V6s are available with either the six-speed automatic or a five-speed Getrag manual gearbox.

The new S-TYPE enhances Jaguar's reputation for sporting character in a luxury saloon car. In 2002 the S-TYPE gained all-new front suspension and extensively revised rear suspension. The refined and sporty layout continues into the new S-TYPE, with a modified suspension including low friction ball joints and re-tuned dampers, providing improved ride and dynamics. Across the range the new S-TYPE features Servotronic variable-ratio power steering, powerful brakes with ABS anti-lock and Emergency Brake Assist, traction control and Dynamic Stability Control, all as standard equipment.

With the same underpinnings as its immediate predecessor, the new S-TYPE continues to deliver the outstandingly supple ride, taut body control and agile handling that are defining characteristics of Jaguar's sporting chassis dynamics. Sports suspension with uprated springs and dampers is available as an option, as are 18-inch alloy wheels on all versions of the new S-TYPE.

"The suspension revisions to the new S-TYPE are subtle but significant making the car even more refined and comfortable. The steering is very connected, linear and positive. The driving dynamics overall are a combination of stability and sporting agility, which makes the S-TYPE very satisfying to drive." Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity, Jaguar Cars.

The S-TYPE introduced the Electronic Parking Brake - an industry first in the executive segment - and that is now standard across all of the new S-TYPE range. Jaguar's acclaimed Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS), with electronically adjustable dampers for maximum control and comfort, is standard on the R model and optional on others.

A comprehensive armoury of safety features, from a strong bodyshell, through Electronic Traction Control and Dynamic Stability Control, to Jaguar's innovative Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.) is standard across the range. The new S-TYPE's security systems, including items such as automatic drive-away locking, are equally comprehensive. Together, the new S-TYPE's safety and security features ensure very competitive insurance ratings.

The new S-TYPE holds further attractions for the rational buyer who expects strong value even from a luxury marque. From entry level to the top of the range, the Jaguar S-TYPE offers competitive pricing, in spite of richer standard feature specifications and extensive use of advanced technologies. It has competitive CO2 ratings, and strong residual values, making it attractive to company car drivers who appreciate low whole-life costs as well as style.

But crucially, while making so many gains, the new S-TYPE retains its unique and powerful Jaguar personality - a combination of bold, distinctive styling, sporting dynamics, outstanding comfort and refinement, and unrivalled emotional resonance. So the most captivating S-TYPE ever is also the most complete.

The New S-TYPE at a Glance

• New exterior styling gives a cleaner, leaner, more muscular look
• Aluminium, rather than steel, bonnet is lighter and improves weight distribution and further enhances handling balance
• Aluminium facia trim for S-TYPE Sport and S-TYPE R echoes classic sporting Jaguars, and offers S-TYPE customers an alternative to wood trim for the first time
• Revised exterior panels bring tighter panel fits, and improved quality
• Revised interior adds new instrument panel, clearer displays, greater choice of colours and higher-quality trims
• Revised and extended features include the option of 18-inch wheels across the range (standard on Sports and R models), Front Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Alert, in addition to existing driver aids
• Stronger differentiation between models and wider choice of special equipment packs
• Dynamics are sporty but luxurious for all models. Sports suspension option offers uprated springs and dampers for even tauter handling
• Broad choice of V6 and V8 petrol engines from 150 to 298kW (DIN)
• Comprehensive safety features include front, side and side-curtain airbags, and Jaguar's Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.)
• The most stylish and dynamic S-TYPE range to date

The New S-TYPE range

> S-TYPE 2.5 V6
> S-TYPE 3.0 V6 Sport
> S-TYPE 3.0 V6 SE
> S-TYPE 4.2 V8 Sport
> S-TYPE 4.2 V8 SE
> S-TYPE R 4.2 V8 Supercharged

The New S-TYPE in Detail

The S-TYPE marketplace: style aware, cost-conscious

In a highly competitive segment, the new S-TYPE builds on rock-solid foundations. When the original S-TYPE was introduced in 1999, it launched Jaguar into a wider market, and a new era of modern design and technology. As Jaguar's first all-new compact, luxury sports saloon for three decades, it made the brand more accessible and more appealing to a younger generation of buyers. At the heart of the premium mid-size segment, head to head with rivals such as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class, the S-TYPE created a real alternative for astute, confident, image-conscious individuals.

From its launch it defined a new spirit in Jaguar, and its immediate success virtually doubled Jaguar's worldwide sales. Into a sector dominated by similarity, the S-TYPE brought a unique combination of performance and style, all wrapped up in trademark Jaguar character. Its buyer profile is led by independent professionals who are successful, active and style-conscious, but also practical and realistic. These are buyers who have the confidence to stand out from the crowd rather than blend in anonymously.

They can reject the S-TYPE's competition because it's the norm, not in spite of it. And they are happy to reward themselves for their own success, to enjoy their individuality through the S-TYPE's unique personality, with spirited performance, contemporary luxury and outstanding refinement, all wrapped in bold and expressive styling.

The S-TYPE is now heading past 200,000 sales worldwide since launch, but it has never rested on its laurels. Recent research shows that awareness of the S-TYPE is higher in 2003 than it has ever been - even higher than at the time of the model's launch.

"The introduction of the S-TYPE in 1999 marked the beginning of a significant product expansion at Jaguar, bringing with it greater choice and new customers. This new generation, which builds on the strengths and attributes of a car that was extensively upgraded only two years ago, will ensure the S-TYPE continues to compete with the best-in-class." Joe Greenwell, Chairman and CEO, Jaguar Cars.

In 2002, Jaguar's luxurious mid-sized sports saloon forged ahead with revised powertrains, including the new entry-level 2.5 litre V6 and the all-new supercharged 4.2-litre V8 of Jaguar's most powerful saloon car ever, the 298kW (DIN) S-TYPE R. Jaguar also introduced the first ever six-speed automatic transmission in the executive segment, an innovative and effort-saving Electronic Parking Brake, plus a completely restyled interior, blending traditional Jaguar luxury and craftsmanship with advanced technology. When combined with automatic transmission, the Electronic Parking Brake features a drive-away function, which automatically releases the parking brake when the driver selects Drive, but holds the car until the throttle is applied - even on gradients of up to 1 in 3.

The 2002 revisions also introduced suspension changes to deliver exceptional ride comfort with poised, agile handling fully in keeping with Jaguar's peerless tradition. And of course it had the benefits of Jaguar's rational use of advanced design, from Computer Active Suspension Technology (CATS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) to the company's standard-setting Adaptive Restraint Technology (A.R.T.S.).

And now the S-TYPE moves on again.

Styling and Design - Less is More

Style has always been a major consideration for Jaguar buyers. The sleek lines of the new S-TYPE have been redrawn, to be more athletic, contemporary, leaner and with more obvious muscle definition. The new S-TYPE has changed dramatically by changing subtly - pursuing the classic design philosophy of less is more. All that changes as the new S-TYPE tones up.

As Jaguar Director of Design Ian Callum says, "Too much detailing becomes too confusing, with no focal point. This car has a focal point and it's clear what it is - the front grille and twin headlamps. But to make it work, everything around that focus has to be as simple as possible, and the extensive changes for 2004 are designed to achieve precisely that."

A new aluminium bonnet (previously steel), not only improves weight distribution and handling balance, but also introduces a more defined vee shape, drawing the eye forwards to the revised grille and giving the whole front of the car a crisper, more powerful look and stance. The way the curvaceous bonnet meets the complex curves of the headlamp apertures changes too, giving much tighter fit lines and emphasising Jaguar's fine build quality. Overall, the front of the new S-TYPE displays a stronger, more dominant character.

A simpler, cleaner front bumper gives more volume and more visual strength with less fussiness. Reshaped bumper inserts look less bulky, and the bumper is visually deeper. The only breaks in the pure lines of the front bumper now are for the air intakes, fog lights (now standard on all versions except the R) and the smoother covers for parking and Adaptive Cruise Control sensors. Taking styling cues from the sportier R bumper, the standard bumper lets the grille stand out more strongly, strengthening the overall "face". And the R bumper takes an even more dynamic look, with its larger central air vent and additional side vents, with mesh inserts - which take the place of the front fog lights - to feed the S-TYPE R's twin oil coolers.

On all models, the grille itself is totally re-proportioned, to be subtly lower and broader, and to sit more upright. Now sitting on the same plane as the signature twin headlamps (rather than on two very slightly conflicting planes) it looks simpler, more modern and more assertive. It has a new, round Jaguar growler badge, and its vertical vanes are slimmer and neater.

The addition of slim horizontal vanes for the first time emphasises the lower, broader look and, of course, the new S-TYPE R still has its distinctive and sporty mesh grille style with body-coloured surround. And there are now three solid and no fewer than 11 metallic body colours to choose from.

The prominent sills of the original have been reshaped to blend seamlessly into the side contours. One less curve and one less deep horizontal line below the doors returns visual emphasis to the strong, sweeping styling line through the centre of the car, where it should be, making the new S-TYPE longer and leaner between the wheels, while balancing the stronger proportions of the nose.

That signature sideline is now far better resolved because, most dramatically of all, the rear of the new S-TYPE has been made more consistent with the rest of the body line. Again, bumper side details are simpler, while the rear wing line, upper and lower rear bumper surfaces and the rear lip of the bootlid are all raised by a significant amount, and subtly reshaped to continue the sweeping sideline right through the profile. That lifts the original drooping curves, in profile and across the tail, so the new S-TYPE lifts its shoulders and rises up from its haunches, giving a far more powerful, forward-pushing stance and producing a younger, fresher, more athletic shape without losing its unmistakable Jaguar identity. The new S-TYPE also features a new boot 'signature blade' which gives added presence to the rear of the car.

In keeping with Jaguar's new styling direction, there is a more technical look to the distinctive round tail lamps. These now blend smoothly into the new curves of the tail and have more complex shapes behind their clear lenses, giving a jewel-like appearance. The wider boot finisher, or signature blade (in either chrome or body colour, depending on model) is simplified, running the full width between the new rear lamps and losing its centre boot-push button to adopt an uninterrupted Jaguar script in line with other new Jaguars. Even the shape of the licence plate recess has changed subtly, toning down the oval theme, reducing the number of conflicting lines and - again - adding new muscle tone.

The new lines improve aerodynamics and enhance performance, helped particularly by the revised upper surface of the bootlid, which reduces rear lift. And, as at the front, the new S-TYPE R has its own distinctive signature at the rear, with a discreet but effective spoiler along the boot lip, which adds aerodynamic stability at maximum speeds and gives a more assertive, muscular stance.

A choice of five new alloy wheel designs, in sizes up to 18-inch diameter, confirm the sophisticated, sporty image. Sport models now have 18-inch rather than 17-inch wheels as standard, while SE versions move from 16-inch to 17-inch as standard. And the S-TYPE R has maximum visual impact with that trademark mesh grille, new unique wheels, dark tail lamps, a discreet boot spoiler and twin tail pipes - all subtle ways of saying 'performance'.

Interiors - More Style, More Choice

Like the exterior, the new Jaguar S-TYPE's interior styling has been moved forward by close attention to detail, concentrating on taking away what wasn't necessary and adding or improving what is desirable. The result is a combination of more contemporary style and improved practicality. The strikingly new instrument layout features round chronograph dials and two message centres, which now allow clock, odometer, trip and warning information to be displayed concurrently and at all times. A new aluminium facia finish option is a first for a production Jaguar saloon, allowing buyers to choose a more "technical" finish.

The new palette of interior colours and trims offers more choice and stronger differentiation between models. It also offers subtly enhanced material quality, echoing the improved body quality. Trim choices now include cloth, Classic leather, perforated leather and the unique R leather. There are four trim colour options - Champagne, Warm Charcoal, Dove and Ivory - and three new two-tone trim colour combinations, depending on model - Granite and Dove for Sport models, Warm Charcoal and Light Sand for Sport and R, and Warm Charcoal and Dove for the R only. There are also three wood veneer choices: Bronze Madrona, Grey Birds Eye Maple and classic Burr Walnut. Topping the list is the High Luxury pack, with extensive use of classic walnut veneers (including a half-walnut, half-leather steering wheel), softgrain leather, premium floor mats, heated seats with subtle chrome highlights on the headrest bezels and rear cup holders.

Externally there is the option of chrome or body-coloured highlighting to define the new S-TYPE's personality (except on the R, which is body-colour only). Inside, there is a similar choice and, with that sporty aluminium dash finish on the Sport and R (a much-loved feature of some of Jaguar's greatest sports cars) even a revolutionary touch. The S-TYPE now also offers a completely wood-free trim, which handsomely underlines the contemporary message.

"The emphasis of this engineering programme has been very much on enhancing and evolving the inherent qualities of the S-TYPE.

For the interior, we listened carefully to our customers to create a more contemporary cabin feel, combining craftsmanship with leading-edge technology.

The exterior of the car is noticeably different with an all-new rear design, while a new aluminium bonnet brings a fresh look to the front. The S-TYPE just gets better and better." Paul Walker, Chief Engineer, S-TYPE, Jaguar Cars.

S-TYPE Equipment - A Broader Catalogue of Advanced Technologies

The new S-TYPE's comprehensive list of standard features and options includes enough practical and comfort equipment to place the sporty Jaguar ahead of its premium saloon rivals in many areas, while still competing aggressively on price. Depending on model, the list encompasses electrically adjustable driver and front passenger seats with two-position memory, a split-folding rear seat with three head restraints and Isofix child seat brackets, automatic dual-zone climate control air conditioning with air filtration, variable-ratio power-assisted steering, an electrically adjustable steering column with tilt-away entry and exit action, twin-function trip computer, cruise control and high-level audio equipment options. Satellite navigation, TV, electrically adjustable foot pedals and built-in telephone systems are all on the options list, and so are automatic, self-levelling xenon headlights and rain-sensing wipers. The wipers also feature an improved washing system, with the washer jets now incorporated into the wiper arms for better full windscreen coverage.

The new S-TYPE adds the option of Front Park Assist to the Reverse Park Assist that is already available across the range. It is a sophisticated speed-sensitive system which helps the driver to avoid unseen obstacles such as hidden kerbs or low bollards, and it switches off automatically at speeds above 15km/h. It is also less sensitive than the rear system, so that it does not, for instance, pick up cars ahead in slow-moving traffic.

A radar sensor mounted under the smooth new bumper cover is used in addition to the new S-TYPE Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Alert. Conventional cruise control is now standard across the new S-TYPE range, with Adaptive Cruise Control optional. Adaptive Cruise is an additional feature which, like normal cruise control, allows the driver to set and maintain a cruising speed, but is also able to detect slower-moving vehicles ahead and will slow the new S-TYPE below the set speed as necessary. When the traffic ahead speeds up, Adaptive Cruise will return to the driver's chosen speed.

Forward Alert uses the same sensors to detect obstacles ahead of the car even when it is not in Adaptive Cruise mode, and alerts the driver with an audible signal and a dashboard light. The driver can adjust its sensitivity to cover a preferred range and can switch it on or off as desired. As with Front Park Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control, it is available across the full model range.

Avoiding technology for technology's sake, Jaguar prefers to apply advanced systems only where they are relevant and useful, as these customer-orientated devices demonstrate.

"The new S-TYPE continues to challenge existing perceptions of Jaguar, broadening the appeal and the accessibility of the marque. Jaguar's world-wide sales success with this car signals the company's growth strategy and the outstanding strength of our unique brand. Jaguar is offering world leading technology in a superior driving environment for our customers in a competitive value for money package." Mike Wright, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars.

Safety and Safety Technology

In addition to front, side, and front and rear side-curtain airbags, the new S-TYPE offers Jaguar's industry-leading Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.) which has ultrasonic front passenger sensing coupled with dual-stage front airbags. It also features an energy-absorbing seating system, incorporating an anti-whiplash mechanism in the front seat back rests, and pyrotechnic pre-tensioners for all seat belts. The stiff and strong S-TYPE body exceeds crash legislation requirements worldwide, and it also has a decoupling brake pedal mechanism and a deformable plastic fuel tank.

A.R.T.S. is standard on all new S-TYPEs and is a major advance in passive safety systems. It introduced the world's first Ultrasonic Occupant Sensing System, to give maximum control over the deployment of airbags in any kind of impact. A.R.T.S. can even decide not to deploy airbags when that would be either unnecessary or dangerous. As part of A.R.T.S., Ultrasonic Occupant Sensing is combined with a series of other sensors which assess a passenger's weight, the position of the driver in relation to the steering wheel, whether or not seat belts are being worn and, in the event of an accident, whether or not the impact is severe enough to need the airbags.

Communicating through a central processor, A.R.T.S. controls whether the two-stage airbags are inflated fully or partially, or whether they are deployed at all. It is sophisticated enough to tailor airbag response to the needs of each front seat occupant and the severity of any impact. It greatly reduces the risk of injury caused by unnecessary airbag deployment and is particularly beneficial for smaller front seat occupants, who are more vulnerable to airbag-related injury. It also avoids the cost of airbag replacement when a deployment wasn't needed - either because the seat was unoccupied or because the impact didn't require it.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is another standard-fit active safety system for the new S-TYPE, enhancing safety at the limits of grip and roadholding, which is especially valuable when road conditions are poor. If it recognises the onset of instability - either understeer or oversteer - it takes measures to counteract it. That might be by reducing engine torque (by causing the ECU to reduce throttle opening) or selectively applying gentle braking to one or more wheels, or a combination of both. The system also intervenes to prevent wheelspin in low grip conditions, automatically reducing power and, if necessary, braking individual wheels.

The new S-TYPE is fitted with Jaguar's Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) as standard. When EBA detects a rapid, hard application of the brake pedal - an emergency braking situation - it automatically applies the additional pressure that the driver has not provided, to enter the ABS zone and produce maximum braking effort. Faster-acting than any driver, it can dramatically cut braking distances, with obvious safety benefits.

Dynamics - Performance with Poise

Alongside style, the new S-TYPE's key characteristic and the Jaguar buyer's key expectation, is exceptional driving dynamics, combining the comfort and refinement of a luxury car with the handling, stability, responses and driver involvement of a sports car. Just like its styling, the new S-TYPE's dynamics raise it above the premium saloon crowd.

The latest S-TYPE bodyshell, as introduced in 2002 and carried over into the new S-TYPE, is 10 per cent stiffer than that of the original car. It is a perfect platform for the new suspension, with aluminium control arms, also introduced in 2002. At the front, the new S-TYPE uses unequal-length wishbones to minimise track and camber changes. The two forged aluminium arms of the lower wishbone are linked by a ball joint and are connected by rubber and hydraulic bushes to the non-isolated front subframe. The forged aluminium upper A-frame incorporates two fluid-block bushes and an integral ball joint for added refinement. It connects to the body and controls the geometry for improved straight-line stability. The upper control arm axis is also inclined, to provide improved anti-dive characteristics under heavy braking. The coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bars and steering are all tuned to provide the subtly different characters of the different models, from the 2.5 V6 to the very high performance, supercharged 4.2 litre V8 R.

At the rear, the recent revisions include a new subframe with stiffer mountings and larger-diameter bushes for enhanced, and more refined, ride and handling. A new toe-link improves rear wheel alignment, while a lowered roll centre maintains overall balance with the totally new front suspension. The new S-TYPE's class-leading body stiffness and carefully revised reduced friction suspension mountings, not only optimise ride and handling balance and give the car a solidly engineered quality, but also have a significant effect on refinement, minimising road noise and vibration and eliminating potential squeaks and rattles.

Servotronic variable-ratio power-assisted steering is standard across the range, for minimum parking effort at low speeds and maximum precision and feedback at higher speeds.

Standard on the new 4.2 Sport and S-TYPE R, and optional on other models, Jaguar's Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) is an electronic control system, which combines uprated springs with adaptive dampers to deliver the blend of driving dynamics, comfort and refinement that is a Jaguar hallmark. It continuously adjusts damping characteristics to suit the driving conditions, optimising both ride and handling. A series of sensors provides information to the electronic control unit, which is mapped to deliver the best solution to the dampers and can switch between firm and soft settings within milliseconds.

Powertrains - The Perfect Combination of Practicality and Power

The new S-TYPE continues to offer an impressive range of power options, from the super-smooth 150kW (DIN) 2.5 litre V6 and its bigger cousin, the 179kW (DIN) 3.0 litre V6, through to the naturally aspirated 224lW (DIN) version of Jaguar's superb lightweight 4.2 litre V8. And the range is again topped by the spectacular supercharged version of that technically advanced V8 engine in the 298kW (DIN) S-TYPE R. All of which, combined with the industry-leading six-speed automatic and universally acclaimed chassis dynamics, keep the new Jaguar S-TYPE way ahead of the pack for refined but sporting character in a luxury package.

Both versions of Jaguar's compact and sporty V6 engine have four overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable cam phasing and four-mode variable geometry air intakes. These lightweight all-aluminium engines offer best-in-class specific power outputs and excellent flexibility, delivering more than 80 per cent of peak torque from below 1500rpm through to maximum engine speed at 6800rpm.

The 2.5 litre V6 develops 150kW (DIN) at 6800rpm and 250Nm (DIN) of torque at 4000rpm. It gives the new S-TYPE a top speed of 228km/h and 0-100 kph in 9.9 seconds with the six-speed automatic. It returns 7.9 litres/100km in the EU extra-urban cycle, a combined 10.3 litres/100km and a CO2 rating of 249g/km.

The 3.0 litre V6 S-TYPE has 179kW (DIN) at 6800rpm and peak torque of 300Nm (DIN) at 4100rpm, for a maximum of 233km/h and 0-100mph in 7.9 seconds for the automatic. The automatic returns 8.0 litres/100km (EU extra-urban cycle), 10.7 litres/100km (combined) and a CO2 rating of 259g/km.

The new S-TYPE's 4.2 litre four-cam 32-valve V8, with Variable Camshaft Phasing, is available in two versions: naturally aspirated, or mechanically supercharged in the range-topping S-TYPE R. In either version it is very light due to the extensive use of aluminium, but extremely strong. Its best-in-class stiffness minimises engine noise and increases reliability, while direct-acting aluminium bucket tappets need no adjustment for the life of the engine.

The naturally aspirated 4.2 litre V8 develops exactly 224kW (DIN) at 6000rpm and 420Nm (DIN) of torque at 4100rpm. The supercharged S-TYPE R version develops 298kW (DIN) at 6100rpm and 553Nm (DIN) of torque at only 3500rpm. At least 86 per cent of the peak torque figure is available all the way from 2000rpm through to maximum engine speed - and that massive flexibility remains a defining characteristic of S-TYPE R performance.

The 4.2 litre V8s also have excellent economy and low emissions for this level of performance. With standard six-speed automatic transmission, the naturally aspirated 224kW (DIN) S-TYPE achieves 8.2 litres/100km in the EU extra-urban cycle, a combined 11.5 litres/100km and a CO2 rating of 274g/km. The supercharged 298kW (DIN) R delivers 9.2 litres/100km in the extra-urban cycle and a combined figure of 12.5 litres/100km with a CO2 rating of 314g/km.

They offer excellent performance - an electronically limited maximum speed of 250kph with either of the engines, 0-100kph in 6.5 seconds for the naturally aspirated S-TYPE, and just 5.6 seconds for the S-TYPE R.

In 2002, the S-TYPE R adopted the world's first stepped six-speed automatic transmission, a perfect match for the V8's power and torque. Built by ZF, the light, compact unit is also a major contributor to the new S-TYPE's refinement. Now it is available with any of the new S-TYPE's engine choices, from 2.5 litre V6 to supercharged V8 R. It is a traditional automatic with six ratios and an adaptive Mechatronic shift, which responds to both road conditions and the way the car is being driven, to give the smoothest gear shifts and optimum performance. It also uses the latest version of Jaguar's J Gate selector, with its very smooth shift action - and it requires no scheduled maintenance.

The alternative five-speed manual gearbox, available with either of the new S-TYPE's V6 engines, is a close-ratio Getrag unit with a direct-drive fifth gear, for excellent performance with economy and refinement. Its rod-shift mechanism provides smooth and precise shifts while isolating the lever from vibration. It also has a self-adjusting clutch and filled-for-life oil system.

With its new looks, enhanced performance and broader range of trim and equipment choices, the new S-TYPE offers everything that makes a Jaguar stand out from the crowd, combining original, distinctive style with sporting luxury in a car designed to thrill.