Italian debut for new Jaguar

Jaguar today unveils the new S-Type Sport at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy.

With its colour-coded exterior, sports interior with grey stained maple veneers, 18-inch alloy wheels and sophisticated Dynamic Control System, Jaguar describes the S-Type as a car "for the true driving enthusiast.

Jaguar managing director Jonathan Browning said: "Since its launch last year, the distinctively stylish S-Type has fuelled a Jaguar sales explosion across the globe. The S-Type Sport will build on this success by satisfying the needs of predominantly younger buyers who demand a more sporty, purposeful, dynamic character, both inside and out."

The Sport will be available with the 240bhp 3.0-litre 24 valve V6 or 281bhp 32 valve, 4.0-litre V8 engine. The interior has sports leather seats and is equipped with Dynamic Stability Control. The 4.0-litre car also has Jaguar's Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) fitted as standard.

The DSC links the anti-lock, traction control and steering systems to control the onset of oversteer by automatically applying the brakes to a combination of any of the four wheels.

Also introduced for 2001 is a new ZF power steering system, which combines improved steering feel with lower noise levels and a reduction of vibration at the wheel.

Jaguar is also confident that the S-Type Sport offers excellent value for money.

With an on-the-road price of £30,600, the Sport 3.0 V6 costs £3,900 more than the standard 3.0-litre S-Type. However the additional equipment included in the Sport (silver 18-inch Monaco wheels, metallic paint, leather upholstery, sports seats, floor mats and front fog lamps) represents a value of £4,580.

At an on-the-road price of £38,400 the Sport 4.0 V8 costs £3,050 more than the existing V8 engined S-Type. In this case the additional equipment (CATS, silver 18-inch Monaco wheels, sports seats and floor mats) represents an increased value of £3,605. The car is due for launch in the UK in the first quarter of 2001.