And that elegant, tactile chrome flap on the center console may look like a piece of automotive jewelry, but it controls the S-TYPE's electronic parking brake. It replaces the traditional, space-consuming handbrake, or awkward pedal in the footwell.

For rear seat passengers, JAGUAR S-TYPE's contoured bench seat is a place of real luxury and comfort, providing an excellent 37 inches of legroom. But the backrest is split 60/40 and folds to increase dramatically the car's luggage space - along with JAGUAR S-TYPE's versatility and practicality.


V6 OR V8 - REFINED JAGUAR POWER

The 2007 Jaguar S-TYPE leaps way ahead of the pack when it comes to a refined, but sporting character in a luxury package. Outfitted with an impressive range of power options, from the 235bhp 3.0-liter V6 engine to the spectacular supercharged version of the technically advanced V8 engine in the 400bhp JAGUAR S-TYPE R, and paired with a ZF six-speed automatic, JAGUAR S-TYPE delivers on its performance promise.

The standard lightweight, all-aluminum V6 engine offers outstanding specific power outputs resulting from four overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable cam phasing and four-mode variable geometry air intakes.

The 3.0-liter AJ-V6 produces 235bhp at 6,800 rpm and a muscular 216 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,100rpm. That gives standstill-to-60mph acceleration in 7.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 121mph.

JAGUAR S-TYPE's 4.2-liter four-cam 32-valve V8, with Variable Camshaft Phasing, is available in two versions: naturally aspirated or mechanically supercharged in the range-topping S-TYPE R. Both versions are extremely light and strong due to the extensive use of aluminum. The exceptional stiffness minimizes engine noise and increases reliability, while direct-acting aluminum bucket tappets need no adjustment for the life of the engine.

JAGUAR S-TYPE 4.2's naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 develops 300bhp at 6,000 rpm and 303 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,100 rpm, while the supercharged S-TYPE R version delivers 400bhp at 6,100 rpm and 413 lb.-ft. of torque at only 3,500 rpm. At least 86 percent of the peak torque figure is available all the way from 2,000 rpm to maximum engine speed - and that massive flexibility remains a defining characteristic of JAGUAR S-TYPE R performance.

Each 2007 S-TYPE V8 model offers athletic performance. The naturally-aspirated 4.2 V8 offers 0-to-60mph acceleration in just 6.2 seconds and an electronically limited maximum speed of 121 mph. The thrilling supercharged JAGUAR S-TYPE R dispenses with the 0-to-60 mph sprint in a mere 5.3 seconds - and keeps accelerating till it reaches its electronically-limited top speed of 155mph.

Back in 2002, JAGUAR S-TYPE R adopted a six-speed automatic transmission, a perfect match for the V8's power and torque. It now comes standard with all of JAGUAR S-TYPE engines.

Built by ZF, the light, compact unit is a traditional automatic with six ratios and an adaptive Mechatronic shift, which responds to both road conditions and handling of the car. Paired with Jaguar's trademark J-gate gear selector, recently upgraded with electronic 'shift-by-wire' control for improved feel and lever action, the winning combination boasts smooth gearshifts and optimum performance.


DRIVING DYNAMICS - PERFORMANCE WITH POISE

Alongside style, JAGUAR S-TYPE's key characteristic and the Jaguar buyer's key expectation is exceptional driving dynamics - combining the comfort and refinement of a luxury car with the handling, stability, response and driver involvement of a sports car. And, just like the styling, JAGUAR S-TYPE's dynamics raise it above the premium sedan crowd.

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