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'03 Jaguar S-Type
EXTERIOR DESIGN – BEYOND BEAUTIFUL “The S-TYPE’s styling maintains Jaguar’s long tradition of producing some of the most beautiful, innovative and distinctive sedans in the world.” The S-TYPE reflects Jaguar-ness, and style is the number one reason for purchase. The S-TYPE's shield-like grille conjures up images of the legendary C-Type racer of the early ’50s, while its sculpted hood and quad headlamps have been a Jaguar hallmark since the Jaguar 2.4 sedan of the mid-50s. Launched in 1999, the S-TYPE was key to Jaguar’s future; it marked the beginning of its major product-led transformation. Following the S-TYPE’s introduction, Jaguar’s worldwide sales doubled in just over a year. Buyers loved the car’s distinctive nose, flowing lines, and bold stance. Most of all, they appreciated that striking chrome-edged grille. The car’s distinctive side profile came largely from the S-TYPE’s 114-inch wheelbase, which at the time exceeded that of the standard-bodied XJ8 by 1.5 inches. It gave the impression that the wheels were pushed out to the corners of the bodywork. For 2003, Jaguar focused its design efforts on revising the S-TYPE’s interior and mechanical specification, leaving the much-loved exterior largely untouched. A subtly modified grille, featuring an integrated Jaguar ‘growler’ emblem, was one of the few visual changes to the front of the car. But 2003 did see the arrival of the dramatic-looking supercharged S-TYPE R with its overtly sporting design cues. The car featured 18-inch alloy wheels, a trademark ‘R’ bright-finish mesh grille and discreet rear spoiler for extra stability at high speed. INTERIOR – CRAFTSMANSHIP MEETS TECHNOLGY The interior of the new S-TYPE harmoniously blends the latest technology and safety engineering with hand-crafted natural forms and surface materials. The result is a luxurious, functional and contemporary environment, with a distinctive Jaguar character.” The S-TYPE’s interior was significantly re-designed for 2003, to offer even greater comfort and superior levels of luxury. A new fascia and center console created an interior that combines Jaguar quality and craftsmanship, with leading-edge technology and the latest innovations in safety engineering. Built on a strong but exceptionally lightweight magnesium cross car beam structure, the re-designed fascia featured a luxurious full-width bird’s eye maple wood panel. In the middle of the new fascia, a re-designed center console houses the audio and climate control systems, and an optional 7-inch widescreen LCD touch-screen display, as part of the DVD satellite navigation system (when specified). The subtle, undulating curves of the fascia are complemented by the bold design and crisp detailing of the instrument cluster. Sharing a common family theme with the X-TYPE, the instrument gages, with their distinctive dials and slender pointers, reinforce the sporting feel, craftsmanship and quality of the S-TYPE’s enhanced interior. The center console running down from the fascia between the front seats, offers improved comfort and convenience, culminating in a wide, sliding front center armrest with dual cupholders shrouded by a convenient cubby box. The ’03 S-TYPE also saw the introduction of electronically-adjustable pedals that come standard on the 4.2-liter and S-TYPE R, optional on the 3.0-liter, and the industry-first use in the executive segment of an electronic parking brake. At the twist of a steering column-mounted button, the complete pedal assembly can be moved closer or further away from the driver. It is a particular benefit to shorter drivers by allowing them to sit further back from the wheel. The Electronic Parking Brake provides both ease of use, and space-saving benefits. It is operated by a console-mounted switch – lift up to engage and press down to release. The brake applies as the key is removed from the ignition, and releases as the gear selector moves from the "park" position. New front seats were also introduced to provide increased comfort, with Classic, Sport and R Performance front seat designs developed to suit specific models. Each of the seat designs is built around a strong but exceptionally lightweight magnesium frame. The most dramatic of the new S-TYPE interiors is without doubt the S-TYPE R’s. It features heavily-bolstered front R Performance sports seats with perforated leather inserts, stunning gray-stained bird’s eye maple veneer, an R Performance steering wheel trimmed in perforated leather,and a chrome and leather R Performance gearshift knob. SAFETY – BENCHMARK PROTECTION Key standard safety features
The S-TYPE’s comprehensive occupant safety systems include Jaguar’s leading edge Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.) first seen on the XK sports cars in 2001, as standard fitment. A.R.T.S. uses ultrasonic sensing technology to monitor the position of the front passenger, while an array of other sensors detect the front passenger’s weight, the position of the driver in relation to the steering wheel, whether seatbelts are being worn and, should a crash occur, the severity of the impact. The system greatly reduces the risk of airbag-related injuries caused by inappropriate airbag deployments. Further safety enhancements include front and rear side-curtain airbags, energy-absorbing front seat backrests, and front and rear seat belt pre-tensioners. In addition, Xenon headlights are available across the range – they’re standard on the S-TYPE R, a special order option on the 3.0 liter, and a cost option on the 4.2-liter. For rear impact protection, both front seats have an energy-absorbent seating system, with correctly positioned headrests designed to reduce the risk of neck and spinal whiplash injuries in the event of rear impact by controlling the rearward motion of the seat back. In a rear-end collision, depending on the severity of the impact, occupant weight and occupant posture, the front seat backrest moves rearwards and reclines in a controlled motion, minimizing the relative motion of the head and torso. The already extensive use of advanced steels in critical areas of the body was increased for the revised S-TYPE, with the addition of ultra-high strength steels in key areas such as sills, pillars, and cant-rails, for enhanced structural integrity, and to accommodate side-curtain airbags. V6 or V8 – REFINED JAGUAR POWER S-TYPE 3.0 AJ-V6. 2,967cc (181 cu. in.) S-TYPE 4.2 AJ-V8. 4,196cc (256 cu. in) S-TYPE R Supercharged AJ-V8. 4,196cc (256 cu. in.) “The S-TYPE R has a dual personality. It’s 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.” The formidable 4.2-liter S-TYPE R spearheads Jaguar’s S-TYPE line-up for 2004. With 390 bhp on tap, the supercharged AJ-V8 rockets the S-TYPE R from zero to 60mph in just 5.3 seconds – and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. More importantly for everyday driving, the massive torque of the supercharged engine delivers blistering in-gear performance, with instantly accessible acceleration for safe passing. At only 1,300 rpm, the supercharged V8 is already producing more torque than the naturally-aspirated 4.2 engine at its peak. From 1,500 rpm, in excess of 80 percent of torque is always available. Special developments for the supercharged AJ-V8 include forged pistons with oil-cooling jets, high fin-density intercoolers, and a bespoke twin fuel pump system. The ZF six-speed automatic that’s fitted as standard to the S-TYPE R’s engine only enhances the performance feel – six speeds instead of the more usual five, for seamless, rapid-fire changes. The S-TYPE line-up starts with six-cylinder power in the 3.0-liter Jaguar AJ-V6. This smooth-spinning ‘six’ features three-stage variable geometry induction and continuously variable camshaft phasing, for faster engine response and enhanced refinement. It delivers a punchy 235 bhp and 216 lb-ft of torque – muscle to accelerate the S-TYPE 3.0 from rest to 60mph in 7.5 seconds when coupled with the standard six-speed ZF automatic transmission. For 2004, Jaguar continues to offer a five-speed Getrag manual transmission for the S-TYPE 3.0, but it is now limited to special order only. Last year, Jaguar’s silky-smooth, normally-aspirated AJ-V8 went up in capacity from 4.0-liters to 4.2 and saw a five percent power hike and nine percent torque increase. Now with a muscular 294 bhp, there’s power to drive the S-TYPE 4.2 from rest to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds while still returning 28 miles per gallon EPA highway mileage. The increased displacement and longer stroke of the 4.2 improves drivability and increases power throughout the rev range, with particular benefit at lower engine speeds. The already high compression ratio was increased to 11:1 (from 10.5:1), benefiting combustion efficiency. As with all 2004 S-TYPEs, the 4.2 is matched to the highly-impressive ZF six-speed automatic controlled by Jaguar’s electronic ‘J-gate’ gear selector. Changes last year added electronic ‘shift-by-wire’ control, for improved feel and lever action. HANDLING THE ROAD “The 2004 S-TYPE has very connected, linear and positive steering – it’s never nervous – so the car inspires confidence under all conditions and speeds. It’s fun to drive on twisting roads while safe and secure at high speed.” The 2004 S-TYPE defines the luxury sports sedan – athletic performance, agile handling, and a smooth, refined ride. Last year’s changes saw the addition of essentially all-new front suspension, with the addition of forged aluminum upper and lower control arms. The rear suspension was also revised, with re-tuned springs, dampers and bushes, and anti-roll bars to reinforce the S-TYPE’s reputation for outstanding ride comfort and poised, sporty handling. The S-TYPE’s stiffer body – by 10 percent – also contributes to the car’s smooth, stable ride by providing rigid mounting points for the suspension components. Thanks to this, the components work to optimum efficiency, isolating the effects of road irregularities with little or no transfer to the body. To improve the S-TYPE’s handling, particularly at the limit, Dynamic Stability Control comes standard on all models. DSC works by detecting and countering the effects of both understeer and oversteer. The system employs electronic sensors to calculate actual vehicle motion and compares it with the direction initially chosen by the driver. If the system perceives that the driver’s intended direction doesn’t match that of the vehicle, it intervenes by seamlessly applying brake force to any required combination of four wheels. The S-TYPE’s ability to go fast is matched only by its ability to stop. Large diameter, ventilated front and solid rear discs, and a four-channel anti-lock system with emergency brake assist, provide the S-TYPE driver with exceptional braking power. For the ultimate in sports sedan handling, look no further than the S-TYPE R. With that ‘R’ badge on the tail comes sports suspension with CATS (Computer Active Technology Suspension) two-stage, adaptive damping ride control, Brembo race-engineered brakes, and 18-inch wheels shod with high-performance, low profile tires. On a twisty, bumpy road, CATS maximizes comfort, handling and driver control by switching the system’s dampers from their normal ‘soft’ setting to ‘firm’ to improve stability, particularly during cornering or braking. CATS 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 rear pair to increase understeer for improved stability. BUILDING THE S-TYPE The 2004 S-TYPE is manufactured at Jaguar’s plant at Castle Bromwich, England where state-of-the-art production facilities and leading-edge logistics practices combine to ensure the highest standards of quality and efficiency. Development of the Castle Bromwich plant, which began with the approval of the original S-TYPE program, represented one of the largest UK inner city investments for 50 years. At the plant, 142 robots apply 4,500 spot welds to create the S-TYPE’s steel bodyshell. The one-piece body side pressings, incorporating the rear fender are nearly 12 feet long, and formed in a 2,000-ton capacity press. Door and hood outer panels are made from bake-hardening steel that’s more resistant to minor dings and dents. The accurate fitting of doors, hood and trunklid is ensured by precise measurement of body openings that’s achieved by means of a laser camera system, which also performs a final check on the overall geometry of the body. Much of the recent investment at the plant has been centered on upgrades to the paint shop, which is now one of Europe’s best. Jaguar’s Castle Bromwich plant also produces the aluminum body for the latest flagship XJ, though final assembly of the XJ is at the company’s Browns Lane plant, in nearby Coventry, England. Jaguar New Vehicle Warranty This comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty includes corrosion coverage for 6 years/unlimited mileage as well as wear parts and service adjustments for 1 year/12,500 miles, whichever comes first. Jaguar owners also receive complimentary scheduled maintenance every 12 months or 10,000 miles, up to 50,000 miles or 4 years. * All information is current at time of press July 2003. |
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