| 2004 Jaguar S-TYPE |
| 2004 Jaguar S-TYPE interior |
| Jaguar S-type |
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| Manufacturer: | Jaguar Cars |
| Production: | Standard S-type, 1963–8: 25,171; 420: 9,801;
2000–present: not known |
| Class: | Saloon |
| Layout: | Front-engined, rear-wheel-drive |
| Predecessor: | |
| Successor: | Original model: Jaguar XJ6
Current model: still in production |
| Similar models: | |
| This article is part of the automobile series. |
The Jaguar S-Type saloon is a model of automobile produced from 1963-1968, built by British manufacturer Jaguar. The car returned as the S-TYPE in 1999, and is expected to be updated again in 2008.
1963
In marketing terms, the 1963 S-Type was essentially a larger, plusher version of the company's popular Jaguar Mark II but sported innovations such as independent rear suspension, which it shared with the larger Mark X and the E-type sports car. It only shared one body panel with the Mark II, namely the bonnet.
It is thought that Jaguar developed the S-Type as a replacement for the Mark II. The earlier car been developed under the code name 'Utah Mk II', and the S-type was the 'Utah Mk III'. Due to various reasonsthe Mark II being a strong seller even in 1963, and the Mark X being a poor sellerJaguar decided to have all three models in its range concurrently.
Variants
S-Types had either a 3.4 or a 3.8 litre engine, the latter the only unit offered in the United States. A larger 4.2 litre engine was introduced in a related model called the Jaguar 420, which sported a grille that was reminiscent of the full-size Jaguar Mark X. The 420 was twinned with a more luxurious model called the Daimler Sovereignthis was the first time a Daimler did not have its own engines, but was a rebadged Jaguar with minor trim differences.
The original S-Types were cancelled in August 1968 with the arrival of the larger Jaguar XJ6.
2000
The S-Type name was revived in 1999 as the S-TYPE (for the 2000 model year) on a new Jaguar, which remains in production at its Castle Bromwich facility in Birmingham, England. It is based on the Ford DEW platform, but with substantial modifications. The car was styled by the late Geoff Lawson. A minor facelift in 2004 smartened the car's overall appearance.
The supercharged S-type R joined the lineup in 2003. The "R" is powered by a supercharged V8 producing 390 hp, and can reach 0-60 mph in just over 5 seconds. It includes 18-inch wheels, wire mesh grille and dramatic monochromatic paint. The R also has a sportier front fascia with fog lamps built in, a rear spoiler, and "R" badging on the rear deck lid and both front fenders. It is the most expensive S-type, with a base price of $58,995 USD.
Powertrain
The rear-wheel-drive S-TYPE is currently produced (as of model year 2003) with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed J-Gate transmission that allows automatic gear selection or clutchless manual gear selection.
From model years 2000 to 2002, the S-TYPE was equipped with either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed J-Gate transmission.
Rear view of Jaguar S-TYPE |
Side view of Jaguar S-TYPE |
The vehicle is powered by a variety of petrol engines (Jaguar intends to introduce a diesel model in the future). The 2.5 litre engine is not available for vehicles exported to the United States and Canada.
2008
The S-TYPE is expected to be updated for the 2008 model year.
Competitors
External link
Jaguar S-types in Australia (http://webtrade.com.au/s-type/style/Stype%20Style.htm)
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