What is it?
2003 Jaguar S-Type and S-Type R
What's special about it?
Jaguar's lineup has never been of the domesticated housecat variety; their sleek, sensuous, distinctive shapes have always had some claim to performance to back up their refined visage. Now Jag increases the energy factor of their S-Type sedans further by injecting some more sporting elements to this handsome vehicle.
The standard 3.0-liter 240-horsepower V6 can be mated to a Getrag five-speed manual tranny, while a brand new ZF six-speed automatic unit is available as an option. Yes, you'll still have to row through the traditional J-gate; by pushing the gear shifter to the left and opting to row the gears yourself, you'll have five gears open to you. Hopefully this will address some of the sloppier Lincoln/Jaguar transmission woes of late. Meanwhile, the 4.0-liter 281 horse powerplant has been replaced with a 4.2-liter unit with an output of 300 horsepower, with a peak torque of 310 pound-feet of torque. This should be able to propel the S-Type from zero to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds; the six-speed auto comes standard with this engine.
To confuse you further with various numbers, Jaguar introduces the S-Type R, the high-performance version of the luxury sedan. It joins the XJR and XKR as some of the most desirable cars in the world. With 400 horsepower on tap from a supercharged rendering of the 4.2-liter V8, this makes for the most virile of the Jaguar pride. The zero to sixty mph sprint is shaved a full second to 5.3 seconds. You can distinguish an R by the mesh grille and the R badge in the rear.
An all-new front suspension and a revised rear suspension allow the chassis of the S-Type to provide greater torsional rigidity by 10 percent; the S-Type R increases it further than that by seven percent.
Other new toys in the Growler include an electronic parking brake that's operated by a console-mounted switch that automatically engages when the ignition key is removed. Dynamic Stability Control and Brake Assist are standard safety features in all trim levels as are side curtain airbags. Inside, you'll find a slightly redesigned interior, with a new bird's eye maple trim, seats and center stack. The navigation system is now DVD-based and electrically adjustable foot pedals are an option so that you can find the perfect driving position.
Why should you care?
Despite the flagellating economy, there seems to be no dip in the car market for those who can afford distinctive, well-equipped luxury sedans. While none of the new features are breakthrough innovations, they all add up to a compelling car to add to the list to consider when you finally make it to the corner office with executive bathroom privileges. -- Liz Kim
2003 Jaguar S-Type and S-Type R
What's special about it?
Jaguar's lineup has never been of the domesticated housecat variety; their sleek, sensuous, distinctive shapes have always had some claim to performance to back up their refined visage. Now Jag increases the energy factor of their S-Type sedans further by injecting some more sporting elements to this handsome vehicle.
The standard 3.0-liter 240-horsepower V6 can be mated to a Getrag five-speed manual tranny, while a brand new ZF six-speed automatic unit is available as an option. Yes, you'll still have to row through the traditional J-gate; by pushing the gear shifter to the left and opting to row the gears yourself, you'll have five gears open to you. Hopefully this will address some of the sloppier Lincoln/Jaguar transmission woes of late. Meanwhile, the 4.0-liter 281 horse powerplant has been replaced with a 4.2-liter unit with an output of 300 horsepower, with a peak torque of 310 pound-feet of torque. This should be able to propel the S-Type from zero to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds; the six-speed auto comes standard with this engine.
To confuse you further with various numbers, Jaguar introduces the S-Type R, the high-performance version of the luxury sedan. It joins the XJR and XKR as some of the most desirable cars in the world. With 400 horsepower on tap from a supercharged rendering of the 4.2-liter V8, this makes for the most virile of the Jaguar pride. The zero to sixty mph sprint is shaved a full second to 5.3 seconds. You can distinguish an R by the mesh grille and the R badge in the rear.
An all-new front suspension and a revised rear suspension allow the chassis of the S-Type to provide greater torsional rigidity by 10 percent; the S-Type R increases it further than that by seven percent.
Other new toys in the Growler include an electronic parking brake that's operated by a console-mounted switch that automatically engages when the ignition key is removed. Dynamic Stability Control and Brake Assist are standard safety features in all trim levels as are side curtain airbags. Inside, you'll find a slightly redesigned interior, with a new bird's eye maple trim, seats and center stack. The navigation system is now DVD-based and electrically adjustable foot pedals are an option so that you can find the perfect driving position.
Why should you care?
Despite the flagellating economy, there seems to be no dip in the car market for those who can afford distinctive, well-equipped luxury sedans. While none of the new features are breakthrough innovations, they all add up to a compelling car to add to the list to consider when you finally make it to the corner office with executive bathroom privileges. -- Liz Kim
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