ROAD TEST: Jaguar is making news from top to bottom these days. We covered the bottom bit in our road test of the new entry-level 2.0 litre with front-wheel-drive last week. At the top, the story is the new supercharged version of the S-Type, writes Andrew Hamilton.
It shared its launch with the 2.0 litre even though they are worlds apart in power and pricing.
There is only one car that demands comparison with the S-Type R - that's the BMW M5. Both have 400bhp engines, accelerate from 0 to 60 in about five seconds and can top 150 mph. Outwardly, there is little to distinguish them from lesser versions of the S-Type and 5-series that have half as much power and are half the price. They are for performance connoisseurs, five-seat executive saloons with supercar capabilities. They deliver that performance in rather different ways. The Jaguar has the Series 2 version of the AJ-V8 engine, 4.2 litre boosted with a mechanical supercharger. It's available only with automatic transmission, a new ZF six-speed unit which, ironically, was first seen in the new BMW 7-series.
The M5's V8 is bigger at 4.9 litres, it's more highly tuned and it does without supercharging. It comes with a six-speed gearbox and there is no automatic option.
The R model feels more solid and poised than other S-Types. Indeed the body is stiffer because it has a solid bulkhead where often versions have rear seats that fold to increase the luggage space. The suspension incorporates the latest development of CATS, Jaguar's computer-controlled damping system, and it has racing brakes.
S-Types owners here will probably be delighted that a facelift for the range has been internal. The thorough makeover means a nicer fascia and higher-quality materials, reflecting widespread criticism of the original S-Type.