Jaguar S-Type built on 2005
Jaguar is in intensive care. Continuing weak sales, high new-model development costs and a falling dollar produced a hefty $1.1 billion loss in 2003. Sources expect similar deficits to be reported for ‘04 and ‘05.
The Jaguar S-Type sedan was a great car when it was introduced and it’s a much better car now. When it was launched in 1999, we praised its beautiful exterior and rich interior, and enthused over the sporty handling. Jaguar then re-engineered the S-Type for 2003, a major change that revised 70 percent of the car. The result was improved response, a smoother ride, and enhanced comfort and convenience. In short, the car had improved dramatically. For 2005, Jaguar has updated the styling, revised the interior, and retuned the suspension. And the wonderful ZF six-speed automatic is now standard on all models.
Under orders from parent Ford Motor Company, Jaguar is rushing to cut overhead and rush out new models. A key player will be the redesigned S-Type expected in 2007, perhaps as an ‘08 entry for the U.S. Details are sketchy, but the new S-Type (a.k.a. Project X250) will definitely not be related to another Lincoln. Rather, it’s said to be a smaller version Jaguar’s latest flagship XJ sedan, with the same basic aluminum architecture, chassis, powertrains, and other underskin components. Performance and fuel economy should improve, as curb weight reportedly drops by at least 220 lb. Styling will shift from retro to modern, though with enough traditional cues to be recognizably Jaguar.
Related Car Review :
|
|
|
|
|
