TODAY DURING THE first press day at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Jaguar is unveiling its new S-Type range including the BMW M5 competitor, the 400 bhp S-Type R.

The top-of-the-range all-new S-Type R is the most powerful Jaguar saloon ever. Representing a major revision of the sporting saloon that since its launch in 1999 have notched up more that 135.000 sales globally, the new S-Type is en even stronger proposition that its predecessor.

Spearheading the new range is the powerful R-model – the first R Performance derivative of the S-Type. With a 4.2-litre supercharged V8 powerplant developing 400 bhp, the new flagship is the strongest indication to date of Jaguar’s determination to build on it sporting saloon heritage (do you remember the special aluminium bodied Mk II´s?)

FACTS
· New Jaguar S-Type range
· World Debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show
· Two new S-Type engines:
· New 2.5-litre V6, 201 bhp
· New 4.2-litre supercharged V8, 400 bhp
· Total engine line up
· 2.5 V6 201 bhp, 3.0 V8 240 bhp, 4.2 V8 300 bhp, 4.2 V8 400 bhp
· £24,950 - £47,400

S-Type R must beat:
Forthcoming Audi RS6:
4-door, 5-seater saloon, 4.2-litre V8 twin turbo, app. 400 bhp
BMW M5:
4-door, 5-seater saloon, 4.9-litre V8 normal-asp. 400 bhp
Forthcoming AMG E 55:
4-door, 5-seater saloon, 5.4-litre V8 supercharged, 450 bhp

Images:
World Debut today: Jaguar S-Type R, V8, supercharger, 400 bhp. 6-speed automatic gearbox, 0-60 mph: 5.3 sec.



LA Auto Show opens to the public Saturday 5th January. Our American Editor Harvey Schwartz will report from this year’s first motor show.