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Though you can't tell by looking at it, Jaguar has transformed its S-Type sedans for 2003 with a new transmission, a new suspension, redesigned engines, and more sophisticated technology. Driving one of the S-Type cars is highly satisfying. It imparts a feeling of class and sophistication to passengers. It is beautiful to behold, and it offers a compelling alternative to Mercedes and BMW.The importance of a good transmission can't be underestimated and the new S-Type comes with a great one, perhaps the best available. The six-speed automatic ZF is the same transmission used in the new BMW 7 Series (which starts at $67,850). This transmission is extremely responsive and silky smooth. It offers improved drivability around town, a benefit of the additional ratios. It delivers both better performance and improved fuel economy. It features a Sport mode, allowing the driver to shift manually. Select this mode and the transmission will not shift above the highest gear selected, though it will shift up and down below this gear according to conditions. The transmission has two overdrive ratios. Sport mode stays in fifth unless the driver maintains a steady state for 30 seconds. But most of the time we preferred to simply leave it in Drive and let it do its thing, as it does it so well. It's a smart transmission: lift off the throttle for a corner and it senses the steering angle and holds it in gear. It also holds a gear on hills, eliminating hunting between gears. The 3.0-liter V6 engine is smooth and delivers plenty of power for most drivers. Jaguar revised the V6 with an improved variable induction system and continuously variable cam phasing. That means the engine can breathe better at different engine speeds for faster response around town. We have not driven an X-Type 3.0 since the V6 was revised nor have we tried it with the optional six-speed automatic, which should further improve responsiveness and performance. Acceleration performance and fuel economy are improved over the 2002 model. Also available for the 3.0 is a Getrag five-speed manual transmission. Like other S-Type models, the 3.0 comes standard with Dynamic Stability Control, traction control, and the new electronic parking brake. About 65 percent of S-Type buyers choose the 3.0 V6 model. We also got about 300 miles in an S-Type with the 240-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine, which was just as impressive in its own way. The acceleration was so good that we came away believing a driver would have to be fairly power-hungry to need the 4.2. It was enormously smooth and civilized; for many years Jaguar was known for building silky inline six engines, and now it does the same with V6s. But it was the ZF six-speed automatic transmission that seemed to make the engine more powerful. Torque is not an issue, because of the way the transmission kept the engine so magically in the muscle of the powerband. Passing on a two-lane, you floor it at 50 mph in fifth gear and in a heartbeat (no, quicker) you're directly in second gear at 5500 rpm, surging without lurching. Whether in the manual mode or in Drive, it does exactly the same thing. In manual, however, you have to upshift yourself to stay off the rev limiter. The 300 horsepower of the 4.2-liter V8 engine might provide more visceral pleasure, and still quicker passing, but it can't offer more practicality or perfection. We might add that our 3.0-liter S-type did not have the Sport package with its firmer suspension, but we still found the cornering to be exceptional. The 4.2-liter V8 engine delivers truly spirited performance. Jaguar has redesigned this engine, improving its low-rpm torque for quicker acceleration. Jaguar says this model will accelerate form 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, which is quite quick, though not quite as quick as the 2002 BMW 540i. Changes over last year's 4.0 engine include new cylinder heads, forged pistons, a new exhaust manifold, and many other changes to the
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