2004 Jaguar S-Type

Jaguar's premium mid-sized sports sedan, the S-TYPE, has further developed. Únveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2004 and on sale from May, 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 aluminum rather than steel for the hood 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 emphasizes the S-TYPE's sporty character as well as presenting more information more clearly, and there is now a greater choice of color and trim options. S-TYPE Sport and S-TYPE R models now have an available aluminum fascia finish. This style was made famous in Jaguar sports cars, such as the 1961 E-TYPE and XKE, 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 alloy wheel styles to advanced cruise control.

The range of engines and transmissions is unchanged over the 2004 range. Engine choices begin with Jaguar's refined and powerful all-aluminum 3.0 liter V6 and includes 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 3.0 liter V6, with its class-leading 235 bhp (SAE) power output, to the 155mph (and just 5.3sec from 0-60mph) performance of the supercharged 390bhp (SAE) S-TYPE R.

All engines are combined with Jaguar's first in class six-speed ZF automatic transmission as standard.

The new S-TYPE enhances Jaguar's reputation for sporting character in a luxury sedan. (concept carz) For the 2003 model year, S-TYPE gained all-new front suspension and extensively revised rear suspension. That 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 Emergency Brake Assist, traction control and Dynamic Stability Control all as standard equipment.

With the same improved underpinnings as its immediate predecessors, the new 2005 model year 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 up rated springs and dampers is available as part of the Sport package available on the 3.0-liter and 4.2-liter 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," said Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity.

The S-TYPE introduced the Electronic Parking Brake, an industry first in the executive segment, a convenient, intuitive feature that is now standard across 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 4.2-liter V8 and S-TYPE R models.

A comprehensive armory 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.



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.

Source - Jaguar Media