2006 Jaguar S-Type Diesel

“The Jaguar S-TYPE is already recognised as an excellent car and one of the leaders in the premium saloon segment. The introduction of an all-new, state-of-the-art Diesel engine, together with significant styling and specification enhancements, makes it an even more attractive proposition.” Mike Wright, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars

The addition of an advanced new 2.7 litre turbodiesel is not the only improvement in the new S-TYPE. Striking styling changes including a new rear-end design and a new aluminium bonnet, dynamic improvements, enhanced interior features and a wider choice of equipment, are among the highlights of a package of revisions announced at the beginning of the year.

Embracing diesel in the new S-TYPE is a natural progression for Jaguar, with diesel engines now able to deliver the refined performance that customers of the marque demand. The all-new AJD-V6 is a superb example of a state-of-the-art diesel engine and complements perfectly the advanced technical attributes and sporting character of the S-TYPE.

The engine’s specifications make for impressive reading. The four-cam, 24-valve, twin-turbo V6 features the second generation common-rail direct injection and super-fast piezo-electric injector operation. Maximum power from the 2.7 litre engine is 206bhp (153kw) DIN, putting the S-TYPE ahead of all but one of its directly comparable rivals. Torque peaks at a heady 320lb ft (435Nm) DIN, which is actually higher than that of the S-TYPE’s naturally aspirated 4.2 litre V8 petrol engine, yet the Diesel has 47 per cent better fuel consumption. More crucially still, 80 per cent of this torque is available from just 1500rev/min, all the way through to 4000rev/min.

This combination of substantial power and torque gives the new S-TYPE Diesel huge mid-range flexibility and refinement. True to Jaguar tradition, it is relaxed when cruising, yet pleasingly rapid cross-country - characteristics which buyers can accentuate by their choice of transmission: a standard six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic. In both guises, the new S-TYPE Diesel offers very accomplished performance: the benchmark 0-60mph sprint takes just 8.1 seconds in the manual and 8.2 seconds in the automatic, and the maximum speed for both is in excess of 140mph.

“Once again, the Jaguar Product Development team at Whitley has delivered an engine – and a car – that exceeds expectations. Our new V6 Diesel is a perfect complement to the existing S-TYPE petrol engines, with all the power, performance and refinement that Jaguar customers demand.” Joe Greenwell, Chairman and CEO, Jaguar Cars

The new S-TYPE Diesel also addresses environmental challenges, its CO2 emissions of 189g/km with manual transmission bringing accompanying tax benefits. Combined fuel economy is 40mpg, while in the extra-urban cycle this rises to 49.7mpg. Euro Stage 4 emission standard compliance will be available on manual transmission models (dependent on market).

Why Diesel?

The diesel market in Europe has experienced consistent – and significant – growth over the past decade and, in recent years, demand has increased dramatically in the premium market. Diesel now accounts for one in three sales across the premium segment in Europe and by the end of next year, this is expected to have risen to 40 per cent.

“Introducing the new V6 Diesel does much more than simply broaden the S-TYPE range – it makes Jaguar accessible to a significant number of premium saloon buyers who will only consider a diesel car. Our message to those people is simple: Jaguar now has the car that you want.” Mike Wright, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars

Jaguar added a Diesel model to the X-TYPE range last autumn and, as anticipated, this has proved very popular. In the final quarter of 2003, diesels accounted for one-third of global X-TYPE sales. In Europe, this proportion increased to as much as 80 per cent in some key markets, evidence of considerable pent-up demand for diesel among Jaguar customers. There is every indication that a similar latent demand exists in the S-TYPE marketplace, and with its all-new, high-technology, twin-turbo V6, the S-TYPE Diesel is perfectly poised to capitalise on this.

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The AJD-V6 Engine

As with all engines in the Jaguar line-up, the AJD-V6 has benefited from the expertise of engineers at the company’s Whitley Engineering Centre. Delivering the performance and refinement that customers expect – and demand – is key to the success of any Jaguar and the new S-TYPE Diesel is no exception. Ensuring maximum control of noise, vibration and refinement was one of the Product Development team’s primary goals – and they succeeded. The engine uses unique, dual-isolated mounts and its own final-drive assembly to soften take-up of the engine’s huge torque, together with sound-attenuating features such as the double-skinned sump and the elastomeric-isolated, composite cam cover.

“Strong performance is an inherent characteristic of the new V6 Diesel engine, but the accompanying levels of refinement are even more impressive. I am proud that the Jaguar Product Development team at Whitley has done an excellent job.” Phil Hodgkinson, Jaguar Programmes Director

The Diesel-engined S-TYPE is offered with a choice of six-speed ZF automatic or a new six-speed ZF manual transmission. The transmissions are developed to maximise both the performance and great flexibility of the twin-turbo V6 engine. The 2.7 litre Diesel engine will also be used in other applications, in line with the co-operative agreement on diesel technologies and development between Ford Motor Company and PSA Peugeot Citroën. However, S-TYPE owners will benefit particularly from the exceptional Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) performance that results from the efforts of Jaguar’s engineers at Whitley.

Achieving an engine installation that satisfies or exceeds all engineering requirements is easier if the engine itself is exemplary and the all-new 2.7 litre AJD-V6 can lay claim to that accolade. Not only does it have class-leading specific power outputs, but the use of compacted graphite iron (CGI) in the engine structure ensures outstanding strength, durability and – of particular relevance in a diesel engine – low weight.

Because less material is needed to construct a CGI block than a conventional cast iron block, the engine can be both lighter and shorter. The result is that the engine in the new S-TYPE Diesel is the lightest unit of its type and size. It weighs just 202kg – only 15kg more than the equivalent petrol V6.

In short, the new S-TYPE has a new diesel engine that provides exactly what Jaguar customers want: the best engine in the best car. Whatever the engine choice, every version of the new S-TYPE benefits from the visual, dynamic, quality and specification improvements announced in January.

The styling changes introduced across the range give the new S-TYPE a more athletic, more contemporary look, with cleaner and leaner lines and subtly revised proportions. The new shape remains highly individual and true to the Jaguar brand, but brings with it significant quality improvements, especially in tighter panel fits.

The car’s dynamics benefit from revisions such as sleeker aerodynamics and a lighter aluminium (rather than steel) bonnet that improves weight distribution and optimises handling balance.

Every new S-TYPE also features new instruments, improvements to material and build quality, and a wider choice of colour and trim – including a sporty aluminium facia as standard on the S-TYPE Sport and S-TYPE R and a new Bronze Madrona wood veneer option on other models – increasing the feel of contemporary luxury but in an unmistakably Jaguar style. The aluminium facia echoes that of legendary Jaguar sports cars such as the E-type – known as the XKE in the American market – but is actually the first time that an alternative to wood trim has been available inside a Jaguar S-TYPE.

The new S-TYPE also offers an even greater range of styling, comfort and convenience features. These include five new wheel styles, Adaptive Cruise Control and the option of Front Park Assist.

The new front suspension and extensively revised rear suspension introduced in 2002 continues in the new S-TYPE with material and tuning improvements to provide even better body control. As such, the new S-TYPE continues to deliver the outstandingly supple ride, taut body control and agile handling that are the defining characteristics of Jaguar’s sporting chassis dynamics.

The modified S-TYPE Diesel’s suspension includes retuned dampers and revised spring rates to achieve improved handling-balance and poise, and low friction ball joints which facilitate free suspension movement, allowing the dampers to work more efficiently and producing a smoother and more consistent ride. Sports suspension with optimised springs and uprated dampers is an optional package, and 18-inch alloy wheels are now available as an option on any version of the new S-TYPE.

Servotronic variable-ratio power steering, powerful all-disc brakes with traction control, ABS anti-lock and Emergency Brake Assist are standard across the new S-TYPE range. Other key features that highlight the S-TYPE’s technological approach to the premium sports saloon customer are the Electronic Parking Brake (standard on all models) and Jaguar’s acclaimed Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS). This latter system – standard on the R derivative and optional on all others – provides sophisticated electronic damper control while retaining maximum comfort.

Electronic Traction Control, Dynamic Stability Control and Jaguar’s innovative occupant-sensing Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.) also come as standard.

Summary

The all-new Diesel model is a logical and welcome addition to the new S-TYPE range. It complements perfectly the existing 2.5 litre V6, 3.0 litre V6 and 4.2 litre V8 models, offering S-TYPE customers the choice of diesel power without sacrifice.

“The new S-TYPE Diesel delivers on all levels. Not only does it have the performance and dynamic abilities for which Jaguars are renowned, it also offers exceptional refinement and flexibility. This is a great engine in a great car.” Paul Walker, Chief Engineer, S-TYPE, Jaguar Cars

As with the rest of the range, the new S-TYPE Diesel boasts attractive costs of ownership to appeal the premium segment buyer who expects strong value for money as well as style and performance – even from a luxury marque. And for the company car user, all new S-TYPEs have competitive CO2 ratings and strong residual values.

But perhaps most crucially, whether petrol or diesel, the new S-TYPE retains its unique Jaguar personality: a combination of bold, athletic styling, driver-focused performance, outstanding comfort and refinement, and unrivalled emotional appeal underpinned by outstanding driving dynamics.

The New S-TYPE at a Glance...