Jaguar Reveals New S-Type at Birmingham Motor Show
20 October 1998
Jaguar Reveals New S-Type at Birmingham Motor Show MAHWAH, N.J., Oct. 20 -- Jaguar today revealed its new
luxury sport sedan, the S-TYPE, at the Birmingham Motor Show in England.
The S-TYPE will go on sale in North America in the spring of 1999 as
Jaguar's first release of the 2000 model year. The new model, built on a
completely new platform, adds a third line to the company's range of prestige
luxury sedans and sports cars.
"The launch of the S-TYPE signals the dawn of a new era in the history of
Jaguar," said Nicholas V. Scheele, Jaguar Cars chairman and chief executive.
"The new S-TYPE represents the first stage of a dramatic product-led expansion
of the company over the next four years, which will attract a new generation
of customers to the Jaguar marque."
S-TYPE: Cornerstone of Growth Program
The Jaguar S-TYPE was named in tribute to the company's high-performance
3.8 S-type of the 1960s. The car's styling, design and development was
carried out at Jaguar's Whitley Engineering Centre in Coventry, England. The
S-TYPE will be available with either a new Jaguar-engineered 3.0-liter AJ-V6
engine or Jaguar's acclaimed 4.0-liter AJ-V8 engine.
Jaguar will manufacture the S-TYPE in a new production complex at Castle
Bromwich, near Birmingham, England. The plant is Jaguar's first facility
where all operations from body shell construction through final assembly will
be completed on site. With a production capacity of approximately 50,000 cars
per year, the plant offers the potential to double Jaguar's current global
volume.
This added manufacturing capacity is the next step in Jaguar's expansion
toward becoming a full-range manufacturer of luxury-class automobiles. "The
S-TYPE extends Jaguar's reach to the heart of the luxury market," said Michael
H. Dale, president of Jaguar North America. "The value position and sporting
credentials of this car will enable us to bring the unique Jaguar ownership
experience to a far broader audience."
Innovations that Serve the Customer
The S-TYPE's standard and optional equipment offerings will provide buyers
with a variety of sophisticated features. Among the innovations is a system
of voice-activated controls (continuous-speech, independent of person
speaking) to operate the climate control, audio systems and telephone (not
available in Mexico).
An optional in-dash Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) navigation system
may be enhanced by the addition of Jaguar Assist, an emergency messaging
system that provides automated response in the event of an air bag deployment.
Other features in the S-TYPE include dual-zone automatic climate control,
a dashboard-mounted ignition lock, a heated windshield-wiper park, Dynamic
Stability Control, rain-sensitive windshield wipers and an electronic
obstacle-detection system called Reverse Park Control.
Unmistakable Jaguar Styling
The S-TYPE's exterior styling delivers a fresh, modern look while it
evokes Jaguar's powerful design legacy. The new design direction, evident
inside and outside the S-TYPE luxury sport sedan, is integral to Jaguar's
strategy of expanding its appeal.
"Our mission was to create an expression of spirited elegance," says Geoff
Lawson, Jaguar's director of Styling. "The S-TYPE carries the Jaguar genetic
code, so its heritage is evident, but it also underscores the sporting side of
our design portfolio."
The interior styling relies on traditional Jaguar design elements,
including richly finished wood and fine-quality leather, while the overall
atmosphere is contemporary and information intensive.
The telephone and audio system are optimally integrated, a six-disc CD can
be mounted in the glove box and the Jaguar Navigation System is an available
option.
Powertrains: Traditional Jaguar Agility and Power
The S-TYPE spans a broad range of buyer needs with two available
powertrains: the new Jaguar-engineered 3.0-liter AJ-V6 and the highly regarded
4.0-liter AJ-V8. Both engines have aluminum cylinder blocks and heads for
weight savings, and both are paired with a new five-speed automatic
transmission developed for this platform.
A finely tuned double-wishbone suspension supports the sporting intent of
the rear-wheel-drive S-TYPE. Forged aluminum control arms keep weight low,
and a speed-sensitive, variable-ratio rack-and-pinion steering system delivers
nimble cornering and excellent response. The optional Sport Package adds
Jaguar's adaptive Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) and 17-inch
wheels with Z-rated tires.
"The opportunity to create a new Jaguar sedan, smaller and sportier,
compelled the development team to find a clear vision," said David Szczupak,
chief engineer for the S-TYPE project. "We realized that the goal should be a
car with the appeal of a four-door version of the XK8."
Jaguar projects sales of approximately 20,000 cars for North America in
the first full year of production, equally distributed between V6 and V8
models.
