Jaguar S-Type

Impressions: This S-Type has achieved one very important goal for Jaguar: people buy it for the way it looks. Not everyone for that reason, mind you, but the S-Type exudes its own aura of, as the company puts it, "Jaguar-ness." Last year, the S-type received a precision nose job (including a mesh grille for all models) that put some new pounce in this proud cat. That will have to do for the time being as Jaguar is concentrating on the launch of its new XK series of coupes and roadsters. Still based on the basic platform of the discontinued Lincoln LS (Ford owns Lincoln and Jaguar), the S-Type has always had its own identity through its powertrains, suspension tuning, steering and, obviously, the design. It's also built in Castle Bromwich . . . in England. Base S-types come with a 235-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 and a six-speed automatic transmission. The displacement-beefed S-Type 4.2 (V8) comes with 300 ponies; and, of course, there's the top-of-the-line supercharged 400-horsepower S-Type R with its computer-aided sport suspension, Brembo-brand high-performance brakes and 18-inch wheels. Standard features, even on base models, include stability control, panic-assist brakes, anti-whiplash front seats, side-curtain airbags for front and rear seats and power-adjustable pedals. This year, the content from the Premium package is added to the standard-content list: power adjustable foot pedals; memory for the driver's seat, outside mirrors, steering column and foot pedals; rain-activated wipers; and self-dimming mirrors. All models get softer leather and more light-weight aluminum suspension parts while a Luxury package (adaptive cruise control, electric rears sunshade, walnut trim) can be added to the hotrod S-Type R. Base price: $49,000 (including destination) Type: Four-door sedan Base engine (hp): 3.0-liter DOHC V6 (235) Optional engine (hp): 4.2-liter DOHC V8 (300), 4.2-liter DOHC V8, supercharged (400, S-Type R) Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive Transmissions: Six-speed automatic Mileage (city/hwy): 18/26 (3.0) Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes; traction control; stability control Weight (lb.): 3,700 Basic warranty: 4/50,000 Roadside assistance: Yes Web: jaguarcars.com