SPY PHOTOS: New Jaguar S-Type

Testing in Californian desert

The Ford-owned British sports car maker Jaguar is currently testing among others the cooling and air conditioning system for the next generation S-Type in the Californian desert under real world conditions. The crew of engineers have several prototypes of the new model, some of which are shown on these recent photos.

Code-named X 250, the next S-Type aims in particular at buyers of the very successful BMW 5-Series. The current S-Type has been on the market since 1998, and although it had found many faithful buyers, the nostalgic styling turned out not to be for everybody.

Now Jaguar is about to develop a more modern and futuristic looking car and to abandon the old styling. The pictured prototypes have still body parts from the current S-type but already the new front end, still partly hidden under disguise.

According to insider information, the new S-Type will adapt styling elements from both, the RD 6 and R-Coupe concept cars and will be getting an oval mesh grille split by a chrome bar with the Jaguar badge. Furthermore, it is said to get twin single- unit headlights and the bumper has integrated twin fog lamps.

Engines come from the current S line up, a choice of an entry level 3.0 litre fuel engine and a 2.7 litre twin-turbodiesel, furthermore a 4.2 litre V8 delivering 300 bhp plus a top-of-the-line 420 bhp V8 from the recently launched XKR. The new S-Type is scheduled for release in 2008.

The photos are showing S-Type prototypes. Two additional computer images are giving an artist’s impression of how the new model could look like upon its release.