"The emphasis of this engineering program has been on enhancing and evolving the inherent qualities of the S-TYPE," says Paul Walker, S-TYPE chief engineer. "The S-TYPE just gets better and better."

All eyes are drawn to the newly re-proportioned grille on this kitty. Certainly the defining element of its "face," everything else works around this piece as a focal point. Now fixed on the same plane as its neighboring twin headlamps, the grille is lower, broader and more upright and, for the first time, is visually emphasized by the addition of slim horizontal vanes. The front bumper is visually deeper and stands out more with reshaped and less-bulky inserts. The car's more defined V-shaped front end ties all of these elements together.

At the rear, the fender, upper and lower bumper surfaces and the lip of the trunk have been raised – a cosmetic lift to help prevent that signature and curvaceous profile from drooping, not to mention boost the S-TYPE's already aerodynamic edge.

Adhering to the "less is more" philosophy, the S-TYPE interior has been cleaned of any unnecessary technology and gadgets. Only value-added amenities remain and a host of functional standard and optional features. Two message centers allow clock, odometer, trip and warning information to be displayed concurrently and at all times.

Heated and electrically adjustable driver and front passenger seats with two-position memory; split-folding rear seats; automatic dual-zone climate control air conditioning with air filtration; variable-ratio power-assisted steering; electrically adjusted steering column with tilt-away entry and exit action; twin-function trip computer; and cruise control are some of many standard features on the 2005 S-TYPE.

To that, a new cat owner may add satellite navigation; electrically adjustable foot pedals; automatic, self-leveling xenon headlights; rain-sensing wipers with improved washing system; and adaptive cruise control, which detects slower moving vehicles by hidden radar sensors under the bumper cover and will slow down the '05 S-TYPE when necessary. Front Park Assist also is optional, while Rear Park Assist is standard across the range.

For the first time, S-TYPE owners may opt for a completely wood-free interior trim in exchange for a more "technical" look with the available aluminum fascia finish on Sport and R models – a first for production Jaguars that recalls the famous style of the 1960s E-TYPE. New color and trim options also allow more choices and stronger differentiation between models.

The 2005 S-TYPE underpinnings benefit from major revisions of the vehicle's last redesign, including a 10 percent stiffer body and a completely new front suspension. A new subframe with stiffer mountings and larger-diameter bushes now enhances the vehicle's already agile, poised and controlled ride-and-handling experience; a lowered roll center provides better balance; and a new toe-link improves rear-wheel alignment.

"The suspension revisions to the new S-TYPE are subtle but significant, making the car even more refined and comfortable. The steering is connected, linear and positive. The driving dynamics overall are a combination of handling and sporting agility, which makes the S-TYPE satisfying to drive," says Mike Cross, chief engineer, vehicle integrity.

At the heart of the 2005 S-TYPE are the same advanced powertrain options as the 2003 model: an all-aluminum, 3.0-liter V-6 engine producing 235 horsepower and a naturally aspirated or supercharged 4.2-liter V-8 engine, the latter of which is Jaguar's most powerful production engine ever, producing 390 horsepower and charging from 0-60 mph in just 5.3 seconds. All are mated to the six-speed ZF automatic transmission first introduced to the midsize luxury sedan segment by the 2003 S-TYPE.

The Electronic Parking Brake, also a segment-first in 2003, is now standard across the S-TYPE range and provides a drive-away function that automatically releases the parking brake when the vehicle is shifted into "Drive," but holds the car until the throttle is applied. Anti-lock brakes, traction control and Jaguar's Dynamic Stability Control also are standard on the 2005 S-TYPE.

When the S-TYPE first launched in 1999 as Jaguar's first all-new midsize luxury sports sedan in three decades, it doubled the manufacturer's sales worldwide. Now leaping past 200,000 S-TYPE models sold, the revised 2005 edition will be available to consumers in May.

"The introduction of the S-TYPE in 1999 marked the beginning of a significant product expansion at Jaguar, bringing with it greater choice and new customers," says Joe Greenwell, Jaguar chairman and CEO. "This new generation, which builds on the strengths and attributes of a car that was extensively upgraded only two years ago, will ensure the S-TYPE continues to compete with the best in class."