With 298 kW on tap, Jaguar 's new 4.2 litre supercharged V8 engine propels the S-TYPE R from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds and then on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. What's more, the engine's broad torque band and the new, six-speed automatic ZF transmission ensure equally rewarding response and flexibility in everyday driving conditions.

To match the powerful engine and advanced transmission, the S-TYPE R is equipped with sports suspension, race-engineered Brembo brakes and the latest generation of Jaguar 's acclaimed Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) to optimise ride and handling. Now enhanced for improved stability and comfort, particularly during cornering and braking manoeuvres, CATS uses uprated springs for increased roll-stiffness and electronically controlled, two-stage adaptive dampers for ride refinement. CATS now automatically switches the rear dampers slightly ahead of the front pair at low speed to reduce transient understeer for improved agility and turn-in performance. At high speed, the system automatically switches the front dampers ahead of the rears to increase transient understeer for improved stability.

The car's luxurious, sports-style interior features leather-trimmed R Performance steering wheel and sports seats, which are 16-way adjustable, with memory on the driver's seat. The new-look S-TYPE facia and door casings are finished in distinctive, grey bird's-eye maple veneers. Exterior design cues clearly signal the spirited character of the S-TYPE R. They include a rear spoiler for high speed stability, exclusive (18 x 8 inch) 'Zeus' alloy wheels (18 x 9.5 inch on the rear), tinted lamps all round (including xenon headlights) and a bright-finish mesh front grille with body-coloured surround +óGé¼GÇ£ the hallmark of a supercharged Jaguar.

At the other end of the range, the new 2.5 litre V6 model, priced at only $85,500, combines a feature-rich standard specification with highly competitive ownership costs and a class-leading power output of 150 kW (DIN).

The standard specification of the 2.5 V6 entry-level model includes a wide range of features and advanced technologies, which provide real customer benefit in terms of comfort, convenience and safety:
Bronze-coloured bird's-eye maple veneers and leather gear knob.
Automatic dual-zone climate control, (combined odour and pollen filter)
Electrically adjustable leather seats (8 way driver, 6 way passenger) & steering column
60/40 split-folding rear seats
Electronic Parking Brake
Automatic headlamp activation
Dynamic Stability Control, with traction control and anti-lock brakes, including new panic-assist feature
140 watt Alpine sound system with four speakers
Jaguar's innovative Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.), with ultrasonic occupant sensing
Side curtain airbags and energy-absorbent front seat backs
16 inch 'Artemis" alloy wheels
Cruise control

Moving up the range, the 3.0 litre V6 and the new, larger capacity, naturally aspirated 4.2 litre V8 are also available in luxurious SE (Special Equipment) form, as are for those who demand the ultimate in Jaguar refined power.

The established 3.0 litre AJ-V6 engine delivers a class leading 179 kW (DIN) and in common with its new 2.5 litre stablemate features improved three-stage variable geometry induction and continuously Variable Cam Phasing systems for faster engine response and enhanced refinement.

The new 224 kW (DIN) 4.2 litre AJ-V8 engine develops seven per cent more power and eight percent more torque than the previous 4.0 litre power unit. This benefits driveability, refinement and performance throughout the rev range. At the same time fuel economy and emissions are also improved.

The emphasis of the SE variants is on contemporary luxury in true Jaguar style. Standard features of the SE are:
New, six-speed ZF automatic transmission
Leather seats with electric adjustment (six-way front passenger and eight-way driver, with memory)
Wood and leather steering wheel with integral controls for in-car entertainment and standard-fit cruise control
Front fog lamps
Electrochromatic rear view and door mirrors
‘Artemis' design alloy wheels (16 x 7.5 inch) on the 3.0 litre model
‘Kronos' design alloy wheels (17 x 7.5 inch) on the 4.2 V8

The new S-TYPE Sport models are designed for predominantly younger buyers who demand a more purposeful, dynamic character, both inside and out. With their distinctive colour-coded exterior, leather sports interior, up-rated sports suspension and brakes, the new Sport models are cars for the true driving enthusiast. The S-TYPE Sport is available with a choice of two powerful engines: the 3.0 litre V6 (179kW) and 4.2 litre V8 (224 kW). Prices start at $101,500 for the 3.0 litre V6 Sport and $112,000 for the 4.2 litre V8 Sport.

In summary, the distinguishing features of the Sport models are:
Leather sports seats with eight-way power adjustment for driver (six-way for front passenger)
Leather sports steering wheel
Grey-stained bird 's-eye maple veneers
‘De-chromed' exterior details: body-coloured front grille surround /boot plinth/bumper blades and black window surrounds
Sports suspension with uprated springs and dampers
Six-speed automatic ZF transmission
Larger ventilated front brake discs (320mm x 30mm)
Unique-design 17 x 7.5 inch 'Herakles' alloy wheels
Two optional R Performance alloy wheel designs are also available +óGé¼GÇ£'Indianapolis' (18 x 8 inch) and 'Monaco' (18 x 8 inch) which may also be specified on any new S-TYPE model

The Jaguar S-TYPE is the first car in its class to offer a state-of-the-art ZF 6 six-speed automatic transmission, delivering refined, accessible performance with seamless gearchanges. It is standard across the S-TYPE range.

Jaguar's unique 'J-gate 'gear selector system is uprated to suit the new six-speed transmission and now features electronic control, contributing to smoother shift operation and ergonomics.

Electronic Parking Brake with fully automatic operation -
All models are fitted with an Electronic Parking Brake, which replaces the conventional handbrake lever. It is operated by a console-mounted switch, providing both ease of use and space saving benefits. With the automatic transmission the brake is also applied automatically whenever the ignition key is removed, and released whenever the gear selector is moved from the 'park ' position.

The braking system on the new S-TYPE features new large diameter, ventilated front and solid rear discs, a four channel anti-lock system, now with panic assist braking, together with Electronic Traction Control and Dynamic Stability Control system as standard. New, lightweight steel-braided brake hoses deliver improved durability.

One of the new S-TYPE 's most innovative features is its optional, electronically adjustable pedal system. Used in conjunction with the seat, steering wheel and exterior mirror adjustment, it helps achieve the optimum driving position.

Furthermore, pedal location can be programmed with two memorised positions for different drivers.

All models are fitted with all-new front and revised rear suspensions, enhancing S-TYPE 's outstanding ride comfort and poised, agile handling.

The new front suspension incorporates forged aluminium control arms, new stiffened cast aluminium front knuckles and new front subframe. The rear suspension is extensively revised and includes a new rear subframe, more rigidly mounted to the body, new control arms and knuckles, and a new toe-link for improved rear wheel alignment.

Jaguar engineers have developed the suspension system to accommodate the stringent ride and handling standards set for the high performance supercharged S-TYPE R. Many of these developments are included in the standard suspension design, benefiting all models in the range.

The new S-TYPE's highly stable body structure, now 10 per cent stiffer, delivers significant benefits. It ensures highly consistent door-to-body shut lines and door seal location, benefiting both cosmetic appearance and vehicle refinement. S-TYPE's stiff body also contributes to a smooth, stable ride by providing a rigid mounting for the new suspension components, allowing them to work to optimum efficiency. This helps to isolate the effects of road irregularities, minimising the transmission of noise and vibration into the cabin. It also contributes to an overall feel of robustness in all driver interfaces, including steering, pedals and instruments.

Overall vehicle weight is reduced by an average 50 kg through increased use of lightweight materials including forged aluminium control arms, the use of magnesium for front seat frames, facia structure and cross-car beam, and the use of lightweight steel in the rear seat structure.

NEW S-TYPE PRICING

S-TYPE 2.5 litre V6 $85,500
S-TYPE 3.0 litre V6 SE $97,500
S-TYPE 3.0 litre V6 Sport $101,500
S-TYPE 4.2 litre V8 SE $112,000
S-TYPE 4.2 litre V8 Sport $112,000
S-TYPE R (4.2 litre supercharged) $162,000

For further information contact
Amanda Wheeler
Jaguar Australia
Phone: (02) 9020 1413
Mobile: 0412 524 827
Email: awheele9@jaguar.com