Introduced as the world's first ultrasonic occupant sensing system Standard, A.R.T.S. is a major advance in passive safety that comes standard on all new JAGUAR S-TYPE derivatives. A.R.T.S. combines ultrasonic occupant sensing with a series of other sensors that collects data on passenger weight, position of the driver in relation to the steering wheel and whether or not safety belts are being worn.

Then, communicating through a central processor, A.R.T.S. can tailor airbag response to the needs of each front seat occupant and the severity of a frontal impact, controlling whether the two-stage airbags need to be inflated fully, partially, or at all.

Also working with A.R.T.S. is an effective energy-absorbing seating system which incorporates an anti-whiplash mechanism in the front seat back rests and pyrotechnic pre-tensioners for all safety belts, further minimizing risk of injury in the event of an accident. JAGUAR S-TYPE also features a decoupling brake pedal mechanism and a deformable plastic fuel tank.

While occupants are protected by A.R.T.S. inside, the stiff and strong S-TYPE body maximizes protection on the outside.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is a standard active safety system for the new S-TYPE, enhancing safety at the limits of grip and road holding to improve control in potentially dangerous driving conditions.

DSC recognizes the onset of instability and takes measures to counteract it by engaging the S-TYPE systems to act appropriately. Depending on the situation, DSC might respond by reducing engine torque, or selectively applying gentle braking to one or more wheels or a combination of both. The system also intervenes to prevent wheelspin in low grip conditions, automatically reducing power and, if necessary, braking individual wheels.

JAGUAR S-TYPE's ability to go fast is equally matched by its ability to stop. The new-in-2006 Conti-Teves four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) provides JAGUAR S-TYPE driver with greater stopping power, shorter braking distances and improved brake pedal feel.

For more severe situations, Jaguar's standard Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) provides the extra power needed. By detecting rapid, hard applications of the brake pedal (often known as an emergency-braking situation), EBA automatically applies the additional pressure that the driver has not provided in order to enter the ABS zone and achieve maximum braking. Faster acting than any driver, it can dramatically cut braking distances, with obvious safety benefits.

previous page