2003 Jaguar S-Type R

Jaguar's chief engineer, Mike Cross, himself a very talented driver, has again shown us he knows just what he's doing within Jaguar's performance and panache envelopes. Besides selected reinforced panels, there's a hidden bulkhead behind the rear seats (unfortunately, they no longer fold) that stiffens the body and boosts torsional rigidity by 14 percent. Lightweight components saved about 100 pounds vs. standard models. Other S-Type additions include sport seats and a fat, leather-wrapped steering wheel. Outside, there are new, aerodynamic front and rear spoilers. Beneath, the suspension has the obligatory stiffer springs and bushings. The sweet-shifting automatic can be used in Normal or Sport (with higher rev limits) mode. There's a new, space-saving electronic handbrake—you lift it to apply and push it to release. Nice touch.

In typical Jaguar fashion, the interior is luxurious, modern and functional featuring "racing green" instrument dials and electronically adjustable foot pedals.

Nearly every option is included: the moonroof, a premium 320-watt sound system with 6-disc CD, Xenon headlamps and heated front seats. If you want the nav system, it's about the only extra. All S-Type Rs come standard with the S1 Premium package including power adjustable pedals, rain-sensing wipers and lumbar support system, to name just a few. And if you want the Sport features like trick seats, the S-Type R's gray-stained bird-eye maple, body-colored surrounds, improved Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS), 17-inch wheels, and bigger front brakes on "regular" V-6 and V-8 S-Types, you can opt for the Sport2 package. You won't have 400-bhp, but it'll improve both cars immensely.


Summing up, at about $7,500 less than an M5, the S-Type R is a definite contender, offering Jaguar refinement with enough performance to satisfy all but the most fanatical road racers. (www.jaguar.com)