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 Classic 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 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 201bhp (DIN) 2.5 litre V6 and its bigger cousin, the 219bhp (DIN) 3.0 litre V6, through to the naturally aspirated 300bhp (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 400bhp (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 201bhp (150kW DIN) at 6800rpm and 184lb ft (250Nm DIN) of torque at 4000rpm. It gives the new S-TYPE a top speed of 142mph (228km/h) and 0-60mph in 8.2 seconds with the standard five-speed manual transmission or 140mph (225km/h) and 9.4 seconds to 60mph with the optional six-speed automatic. In manual form it returns 38.7mpg (7.3 litres/100km) in the EU extra-urban cycle, a combined 29.6mpg (9.5 litres/100km) and a CO 2 rating of 229g/km. The equivalent figures for the automatic version are 35.8mpg (7.9 litres/100km), 27.4mpg (10.3 litres/100km) and 249g/km.

The 3.0 litre V6 S-TYPE has 219bhp (179kW DIN) at 6800rpm and peak torque of 221lb ft (300Nm DIN) at 4100rpm, for a maximum of 146mph (235km/h) and 0-60mph in 7.3 seconds in the manual, or 145mph (233km/h) and 7.5 seconds in the six-speed automatic. In manual form it offers 36.7mpg (7.7 litres/100km) extra-urban, 27.4mpg (10.3 litres/100km) combined, and a CO 2 rating of 249g/km. The automatic returns 35.1mpg (8.0 litres/100km), 26.4mpg (10.7 litres/100km) and 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 300bhp (224kW DIN) at 6000rpm and 310lb ft (420Nm DIN) of torque at 4100rpm. The supercharged S-TYPE R version develops 400bhp (298kW DIN) at 6100rpm and 408lb ft (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 300bhp (DIN) S-TYPE achieves 34.2mpg (8.2 litres/100km) in the EU extra-urban cycle, a combined 24.5mpg (11.5 litres/100km) and a CO 2 rating of 274g/km. The supercharged 400bhp (DIN) R delivers 30.5mpg (9.2 litres/100km) in the extra-urban cycle and a combined figure of 22.5mpg (12.5 litres/100km) with a CO 2 rating of 314g/km.

They offer excellent performance – an electronically limited maximum speed of 155mph with either of the engines, 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds for the naturally aspirated S-TYPE, and just 5.3 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.