.: 2008 Jaguar S-Type: First Look

Bologna, Italy — The Ford-owned luxury British marque, Jaguar, used the Bologna Motor Show to unveil the 2008 model year Jaguar S-Type. Though it doesn't look terribly different from the last model, Jaguar insists the face lifted models will offer much better value for money, with a range of standard feature and specification enhancements and even reduced prices on some models.

According to Jaguar, the S-Type continues to be respected and admired by customers throughout the world. However, with dwindling sales and a lack of new models, the marque could be seen to be ailing. Most luxury marques have an SUV in their arsenal, such as the Audi Q7 and BMW X5, which often bolster sales but Jaguar has not indicated it will build a 4x4.

In Bologna, the new S-Type looked very much like the older model, however Jaguar says all new 2008 S-Types gain the sporting S-Type 'R' front apron and mesh grille. The new look mesh grille replaces the slotted grille of previous models, and Jaguar adds that an upgraded range of alloy wheels adds to the new appearance of the 2008 model, as do tinted headlight lenses.

The new multi-spoke 17-inch Antares wheel is now standard on the entry level models, giving them a stronger road presence, while all SE versions now feature the 18-inch Triton alloy wheel. The Limited Edition XS model has replaced the existing S-Type Sport model, with a sports body kit, upgraded interior trim and 18-inch Mercury wheels, while the top-of-the-range the S-Type R now comes with a stunning 19-inch wheels as standard.

Mike Cross, the Chief Engineer for vehicle integrity at Jaguar, summed up the car he lives with every day: "The S-Type R has a dual personality, in line with Jaguar's philosophy for our ultra high performance flagship vehicles. The car is inherently quiet, refined and comfortable – but when stirred, it becomes a true performance machine, satisfying the demands of the driving enthusiast.

"Power is instantly available, without ever being intimidating or overly demanding of the driver," said Cross.

Considered a competitor so AMG-tuned Mercedes-Benz E-Class and perhaps even the BMW M5, the S-Type R is powered by a supercharged 4.2-litre V8 engine that belts out 298kW of power and 553Nm of torque, and can sprint from zero to 100km/h in about five and half seconds.

Altogether, the new 2008 model Jaguar S-Type has three engines choices. As well as the powerful 4.2-litre supercharged V8 that powers the above mentioned S-Type R, there's also the acclaimed twin-turbo 2.7-litre V6 Jaguar diesel engine that can offer impressive performance alongside outstanding fuel economy. Finally, there's also the 3.0-litre V6 engine, which makes 179kW and 300Nm of torque.

Transmission options for the new model include manual and automatic gearboxes, and Jaguar says that every S-Type has a broad equipment specification, including many of Jaguar's latest technical features, together with quality interiors that reflect high levels of craftsmanship.

For the 2008 model, the S-Type's interior is also upgraded explains the British automaker. The introduction of multi-function seats with non-perforated leather instead of the previous 'classic' is now standard for all SE models. Impressively, the entry-level cars now come with Jaguar's acclaimed 6-speed automatic transmission, leather seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel as standard, while a new Satin Mahogany veneer is available as an option across the range (excluding XS) explains Jag. It also says that choice is further extended with the availability of a new Ivory and Charcoal leather colour combination for SE models and with technical excellence and innovation very much part of the S-Type's appeal, Rear Park Assist has become standard on all models.

Jaguar's UK chief, Geoff Cousins, had this to say about the new '08 S-type:: "From the quiet, refined 2.7 diesel engine to the hard-charging 'R', the S-Type range has always been an attractive proposition. These specification enhancements offer our customers a real value-for-money proposition – to my mind, there has never been a better time to re-appraise the S-Type range. Whether petrol or diesel, the S-Type delivers a combination of bold, athletic styling and unrivalled emotional appeal underpinned by outstanding driving dynamics."

The new models will be released for sale first in the UK, followed by the rest of Europe, then globally. Here are new models and their UK pricing:

• S-Type Spirit (2.7 diesel and 3.0 petrol) – The new entry to the range will be the 2.7 diesel and 3.0 petrol Spirit models. These cars feature 8x6 way leather seats and automatic transmission as standard in addition to the other changes being made to the whole range. Importantly the 08MY S-Type Spirit models also feature a £1,000 price reduction and offer outstanding value with diesel prices starting at under £30,000 and petrol prices below £29,000.

• S-Type XS (2.7 diesel and 3.0 petrol) – The highly successful XS model replaces the existing S-Type Sport. The 3.0 petrol XS is based upon the 08MY 3.0 Spirit and includes automatic transmission, SE steering wheel and reverse park control as standard. Additional standard features include 18-inch Mercury Alloy wheels, an Exterior Styling Pack displaying a stylish front spoiler with fog lamps, perforated leather sports seats, sports interior theme, de-chromed bumpers and sports suspension. The 2008 model year S-Type 3.0 XS will be priced at £31,995. The specification of this car also includes automatic transmission as standard. A 2.7 diesel XS with identical specification is also offered, priced at £32,995.

• S-Type SE (2.7 diesel and 3.0 petrol) – Improvements to the SE include the addition of 18-inch Triton wheels, 10x8 leather seats and rain sensing wipers, as well as the bumper and grille enhancements being applied to the whole range. Pricing at £33,495 (3.0 litre) and £34,495 (2.7 diesel) is £455 more than the prior model year.

• S-Type R (4.2 supercharged V8) – Following the success of a similar change on XJR at 07MY, the flagship S-Type R derivative has been repositioned. This range-topping model offers increased value through the fitment of 19-inch Barcelona wheels as standard. More significantly the on-the-road price is reduced to £45,000 (from £50,040). This lower price further reinforces the car's outstanding value.

.: Jaguars made news in Great Britain in two symbolic ways this week.

First, Prince Charles issued an emissions report on his royal household accounts that included the proud disclosure that his personal Jaguar and Land Rover run on 100 percent biodiesel made of used cooking oil. Then the transfer of power from outgoing Prime Minister Tony Blair to his successor, Gordon Brown, was symbolized by Brown's arrival at the official residence in a Vauxhall Omega and departure in a bulletproof Jaguar.

The cooking-oil-fueled Jaguar may be a tiny change for someone who made three overseas trips last year and carried out 632 official engagements. Nevertheless, the prince's household reduced its carbon emissions by 9 percent last year, according to the official financial statement released this past week. Among other changes, the 130 private and official employees of the sovereign-in-waiting are being encouraged to ride bicycles on short trips around London, the Times reported.

Meanwhile, at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday, the outgoing prime minister, Tony Blair, left his ceremonial armored Jaguar behind after he officially turned over the reins in an audience with Queen Elizabeth II. His successor, Gordon Brown, arrived in a red Vauxhall Omega and left as prime minister about an hour later and — "as a sign that it's official," said the Daily Telegraph — climbed into the official Jaguar to head to No. 10 Downing Street.

What this means to you: Jaguars are at center stage in Britain's memorable moments.

.: Jaguar XF Voted most "Exciting Car of 2007"

The new Jaguar XF has picked up a major reader award as ‘The Most Exciting Car to be Launched in 2007’ at the prestigious What Car? Car of the Year Awards, held in London last night.

Thousands of readers of Whatcar.com and the woman’s glossy magazine Eve voted the new XF top of 10 cars not yet on sale, but due to be launched in 2007.

Steve Fowler, Group Editor of What Car? magazine, commented: “There’s little that excites our readers as much as a new Jag - this is the second year running that Jaguar has won our Reader Award following last year’s success with the XK. There’s a huge amount of interest in the new XF, fuelled, no doubt, by the stunning C-XF concept unveiled at Detroit last week. If that interest translates into sales, then the future looks very good indeed for Jaguar.”

Bibiana Boerio, Managing Director of Jaguar Cars, said: “We are delighted with the very positive reaction the XF is creating already in advance of its launch.  The C-XF was the star of the show at Detroit and as we move into a new era here at Jaguar, it’s fantastic that the public continue to support us. We’ve already had an enormous amount of interest in both the C-XF and the XF and we’re looking forward to building on this when the XF goes on sale.”

Jaguar has recently announced that the Jaguar XF will be revealed for the first time in autumn this year.

The Jaguar XF will be built at Jaguar’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Castle Bromwich, Birmingham.

.: Jaguar News

The Jaguar XJ has picked up the award for Best Luxury car in the 2006 Fleet World Awards for a third consecutive year. The trophy was presented at a special ceremony held at the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall on Thursday 18 May.

The awards are judged by a panel of experts representing the leasing industry, fleet managers, motoring journalists, residual value guides and Fleet World’s own editorial team. The judges took several factors into account, including residual values, maintenance costs, reliability, driver appeal and manufacturer back-up. The judging panel is chaired by industry professional, George Emmerson, who has managed fleets at IBM, NHBC and Black Horse Agencies.

Managing Director of Jaguar in the UK, Geoff Cousins said: "We are honoured to win this award for the third year running, and particularly pleased that it is the diesel engine that has impressed so soon after going on sale in September last year. With XJ sales up almost 40% on last year in the UK, and 55% of these are diesel sales, introducing a diesel derivative to the XJ range has certainly been a great success."