The latest JAGUAR S TYPE bodyshell, initially introduced in 2003, is 10 percent stiffer than that of the original car, creating a perfect platform for the drastically revised suspension, with aluminum control arms, which was also introduced in 2003.

At the front, JAGUAR S TYPE's suspension uses unequal length wishbones to minimize track and camber changes. The two forged aluminum arms of the lower wishbone are linked by a ball joint and are connected by rubber and hydraulic bushes to the non-isolated front subframe.

The forged aluminum upper A-frame incorporates two fluid-block bushes and an integral ball joint for added refinement. It connects to the body and controls the geometry for improved straight-line stability. The upper control arm axis is also inclined, providing improved anti-dive characteristics under heavy braking.

The coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bars and steering are all tuned to provide the subtly different characters of the different models from the 3.0-liter V6 to the very high performance, supercharged 4.2-liter V8 R.

Recent revisions include a new subframe with stiffer mountings and larger diameter bushes for enhanced, and more refined ride and handling. A revised toe-link, introduced in the 2003 model year, improves rear wheel alignment, while a lowered roll center maintains overall balance with the completely new front suspension.

Impressive stopping performance is provided by recently introduced (2006MY) Conti-Teves braking systems that are designed to provide greater stopping power, shorter braking distances and improved brake pedal feel.

JAGUAR S TYPE's exceptional body stiffness and carefully revised reduced-friction suspension mountings, not only optimize ride and handling balance and give the car a solidly engineered quality, but also have a significant effect on refinement and minimizing road noise and vibration, not to mention the elimination of potential squeaks and rattles.

Servotronic variable-ratio power-assisted steering is standard across the range, for minimum parking effort at low speeds and maximum precision and feedback at higher speeds.

For the ultimate in sports sedan handling, look no further than JAGUAR S TYPE R, which comes standard with enhanced Computer Active Technology Suspension (eCATS), a two-stage sport suspension. On a twisty, bumpy road, eCATS maximizes comfort, handling and driver control by switching the system's dampers from the normal 'soft' setting to 'firm' in milliseconds, which improves vehicle stability, particularly during cornering or braking.

Depending on the situation, eCATS automatically switches the rear dampers slightly ahead of the front pair at a 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.

For maximum performance, JAGUAR S TYPE R pairs eCATS with R Performance brakes and 18-inch alloys fitted with high-performance, P245/40 R18 tires.


JAGUAR S TYPE SAFETY - BENCHMARK PROTECTION

Another area where Jaguar continues to exceed expectations is safety. In addition to front, side-impact, and front and rear side-curtain airbags, the 2007 JAGUAR S TYPE offers Jaguar's industry-leading Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.) with ultrasonic front passenger sensing coupled with dual-stage front airbags.

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