JAGUAR S-Type R 2002-2004 Photos, engines & full specs

When Jaguar introduced the S-Type on the market, the fans warmly welcomed it since it was the first completely new model in decades offered by the British brand.

But the hype didn't last too long before customers understood that underneath the remarkable retro-styled design resembled the original S-Type introduced by Jaguar in 1963. A heart-shaped grille completed its rounded lines and the design of the quad headlights. It was a superb design built on top of an American platform. The R-version was the most potent version of the new range, and it was a sleeper. Or a wolf in sheep clothes.

But every silver lining has its cloud, and the Jaguar S-Type R proved to have its design flaws. While a genuine Jaguar used to pamper its passengers only with leather, wood, and metallic parts inside the cabin, the S-Type R was stuffed with plastic panels and Ford buttons so that carmaker could drop the price. Otherwise, the well-composed interior design was both elegant and comfortable. At least for the front seats, since the rear passengers had to suffer due to lack of adequate legroom.

Under the hood (bonnet to keep the Jaguar's language), Jaguar dropped its supercharged V-8 engine that produced almost 400 horses. It was paired as standard to a 6-speed automatic that was able to shift in manual mode. Power went to the rear wheels, as in any Lincoln LS, on which platform the S-Type was built.