The Jaguar 3.0-liter V6 engine now has more
power and refinement for model year ’03 and it’s quickly noticeable. Introduced
in 1999, the S-TYPE has managed to lure luxury car buyers away from the competition and
into the Jaguar family. To date, Jaguar North America has sold over 37,000 S-Types,
140,000 worldwide, having recently seen its best first quarter in the company’s
history, selling 16,389 vehicles across the lineup. As with the affordable X-TYPE, Jaguar
was aiming at bringing new buyers into the Jaguar lineup, so far succeeding. According to
Simon Sproule, V.P. Communications and Marketing, "nine out of 10 buyers coming to
the S-TYPE are new to the Jaguar franchise."
Other improvements on the 2003 S-TYPE include a new crankshaft,
revised lubrication system and exhaust system, modified cylinder heads, revised engine
management system and improved camshaft drive system. Noise, Vibration and Harshness has
been significantly improved, and a new electronic "J-gate" gear selector
incorporated. A switch mounted on the center console enables drivers to choose between
normal driving and sport shift modes.
The 2003 Jaguar S-Type SPECS are:
Wheelbase: 114.5 in.
Height: 56.0 in.
Width: 81.1 in.
Length: 192.0 in.
Weight:
3.0 V6 5-sp manual, 3695 lbs;
3.0 V6 6-sp. automatic, 3777 lbs;
4.2 V8 6-sp automatic, 3874 lbs;
4.2 V8 s/c 6-sp. automatic, 4046 lbs.
All new 2003 S-TYPE models are equipped with a new 140-watt Alpine
audio system, with single-slot CD, AM/FM/Cassette configuration. On all S-TYPE models, new
lightweight magnesium frame seating is standard; on the 3.0-liter, seats are eight-way
driver/six-way passenger adjustment, and on the 4.2-liter models, 10-way driver/eight-way
passenger.
The new S-TYPES are equipped with lots of telemetrics, including
Jaguar’s premier Voice activation system with five languages plus a DVD satellite
navigation system. Of course, front and side airbags, as well as anti-lock brakes are all
standard equipment.
