A new S-TYPE Sport edition will be offered for 2002 and comes with either engine and features that include 17-inch low-profile tires, a Computer Active Technology Suspension, a perforated leather-trimmed interior and bolstered sport seats. Voice-activated control of radio station and temperature selection is available and capable of dialing the optional digital cellular phone. Simple voice commands such as “temperature 72 degrees” set the automatic system in operation. All Jaguars come with free scheduled maintenance for the warranty period, which is four years or 50,000 miles.

Exterior
To create the S-TYPE, Jaguar blended traditional styling cues from the British company's heritage with modern mechanical components from Ford, its parent company. Though the S-TYPE is built from the basic architecture of Lincoln’s LS, the kinship is masked by classic Jaguar design elements, including a heavily sculptured hood with a leaping cat ornament, a slim oval vertical-bar grille and four round headlights. In profile and at the rear end, Jaguar cues are also mixed with contemporary lines.

Measuring 191.3 inches long overall, the S-TYPE is a few inches shorter than the Lincoln LS and 6.5 inches shorter than Jaguar’s XJ8 sedan. Five-spoke alloy wheels are used on V-6 models, while V-8 sedans get 10-spoke alloys.

Interior
Five occupants can luxuriate in the same rich leather upholstery and warm wood accents that are provided in Jaguar’s upper-end models, which carry a long tradition of interior elegance. Reverse parking control is standard. Sensors in the rear bumper detect when the car is getting close to an object at the rear and issue an audible warning. An in-dash, satellite-based navigation system is optional.

Under the Hood
Although the base engine is essentially the same as the 3.0-liter V-6 in the Lincoln LS, Jaguar supplies its own cylinder heads, intake manifold and other components. As a result, its output is 240 hp rather than the 210 hp offered by Lincoln. The available V-8 is entirely different from Lincoln’s engine offering — a 281-hp 4.0-liter power plant that is also installed in Jaguar’s XJ Series sedans and the XK8 sports car. Both engines mate with a five-speed-automatic transmission.

Safety
Traction control, antilock brakes, an electronic stability system and side-impact airbags for the front seats are standard. An optional Sport Package includes a Computer Active Technology Suspension, which adjusts to firm or soft settings according to how the car is driven