EDMUNDS.COM 2005 JAGUAR S-TYPE R
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Traditional English styling, combined with performance typically reserved for its German rivals, gives the S-Type R unique appeal in a segment full of worthy competitors.
Pros
Endless torque from supercharged V8, sure-footed handling, understated styling enhancements over the regular S-Type, luxurious interior, competitive price.
Cons
A few cheap interior bits, smallish rear seat, no manual transmission available.
Overview
Introduction:
After watching BMW and Mercedes have all the fun with their Motorsport-tuned 5 Series (the M5) and AMG-bolstered E-Class (the E55), Jaguar finally jumped into the fray with the S-Type R midsize sport sedan. Fortified with a supercharged V8, it''s one of the fastest Jaguars ever produced. It may seem a bit out of character for such a traditional brand, but Jaguar''s success in racing dates back many decades, so it only seems fitting that its production models would show a little bit more of the company''s competitive spirit. Nearly every aspect of the car was reengineered to answer to a higher power, that power being its 4.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that produces 390 horsepower and 399 pound-feet of torque. With its standard six-speed automatic transmission, the S-Type R can rocket to 60 miles per hour in a scant 5.3 seconds and attain an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. High-performance Brembo brakes are enlisted to haul it down from such blinding speeds and a sport suspension enhanced with Jaguar''s Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) technology keeps it under control in even the most demanding conditions. There''s more to the S-Type R than just beefy mechanicals, however, as both the interior and exterior were given special treatments to distinguish the R from its less potent stablemates. The cabin features a leather-trimmed "R" steering wheel, 16-way power-adjustable sport seats and gray bird''s eye maple wood trim. Exterior modifications include a modest rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights and a bright metal mesh grille with a color-keyed surround. Already a distinctive and luxurious sedan, the S-Type R achieves a level of performance that few sedans on the road can match. Its German rivals may have an edge in performance to a certain degree, but you would be hard-pressed to drive the R and not come away thoroughly impressed with its capabilities. In a world of stylish luxury sedans and hard-edged performance cars, the S-Type R successfully blends equal parts of both.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The S-Type R is available only as a four-door sedan in one trim level. Owing to its luxury roots, nearly every type of comfort and convenience feature comes standard including 16-way power-adjustable sport seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, an active suspension, power-adjustable pedals, a leather-wrapped performance steering wheel, a rear parking sensor, bird''s eye maple wood trim, automatic dual-zone climate control, xenon headlights and a 10-speaker Alpine audio system. A DVD-based navigation system and adaptive cruise control are the only options.
Powertrains and Performance:
The standard engine is a supercharged 4.2-liter V8 rated at 390 horsepower and 399 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission sends the power to the rear wheels. Performance is exemplary, with a 0-to-60 time of just 5.3 seconds, according to Jaguar, and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Mileage is about average for the category, with an EPA rating of 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway.
Safety:
Standard safety equipment on the S-Type R includes seat-mounted side airbags for front occupants, side curtain airbags for the front and rear, anti-whiplash seats, electronic stability and traction control and high-performance Brembo brakes with emergency braking assist.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Slathered in real bird''s eye maple wood trim and sumptuous leather, the S-Type R''s interior has few competitors when it comes to outright opulence. The sporty gray wood trim gives the car a less traditional look in tune with its hot-rod image. For the first time ever on a Jaguar sedan, there''s a high-tech aluminum trim option this year, in place of traditional wood. The cabin features an optional touchscreen telematics system that controls the stereo, climate, optional DVD navigation and telephone features, requiring the driver to cycle through tedious menus. Jaguar has done away with a traditional handbrake, replacing it with an electronic parking brake operated using a switch on the console.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The S-Type R is a real thrill ride. Between its explosive V8, taut handling, hefty steering and powerful brakes, the S Type R is the kind of sedan that makes you seek out every twist and turn. As adept as it is in the turns, however, it doesn''t punish you during more sedate driving, as its suspension offers an acceptable compromise between hard-edged performance and everyday comfort. Sure, a manual transmission would give an added measure of sport sedan feel, but as it is, you''re not apt to miss it much.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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