Leading the radically revised S-TYPE line-up is Jaguar's most powerful saloon yet, the formidable S-TYPE R. Its hard-charging abilities are delivered with the full complement of luxury, comfort, and style that Jaguar is known for.
With 400 horsepower on tap, Jaguar's new 4.2 litre supercharged V8 engine propels the S-TYPE R from zero to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds and then on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. What's more, the engine's broad torque band and the new, six-speed automatic ZF transmission ensures equally rewarding response and flexibility in everyday driving conditions.
"The S-TYPE R has a dual personality, in line with Jaguar's philosophy for our ultra high performance flagship vehicles. The new car is inherently quiet, refined and comfortable - but when stirred, it becomes a true performance machine, satisfying the demands of the driving enthusiast. Power is instantly available, without ever being intimidating or overly demanding of the driver." Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity
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 Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS), to optimize ride and handling. Now enhanced for improved stability and comfort, particularly during cornering and braking maneuvers, 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 fascia and door casings are finished in distinctive, grey birds-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), xenon headlights and a bright-finish mesh front grille with color keyed surround.
Reflecting the ultra-high performance of the S-TYPE R, it carries the same distinctive red R logo that will be featured on the nose cone of the new Jaguar R3 Formula One racing car for the 2002 season. First seen on the R Coupe Concept at the 2001 Frankfurt autoshow, the R badge will be incorporated onto all future Jaguar R Performance derivatives and options.
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