Slinky sedans, coupes and convertibles from Britain's Jaguar segment into four distinct classes, based on size, with all issues packing high-tech engines and sophisticated safety systems plus elegant designs of high style.

In the 2005 collection, Jaguar adds three new stretched-wheelbase versions to the XJ series of full-size luxury sedans, as the X-Type -- all-wheel-drive sedans of compact dimensions -- spins out a new Sport edition with athletic styling and tight suspension tuning.

The full-size sedans from Jaguar employ a structure of lightweight aluminum. Jaguar delivers two XJ variations to North America with standard wheelbases, and then adds three more riding on a platform with the wheelbase stretched five inches longer. XJ8 is the primary model but a performance edition with supercharged boost wears the badge of XJR. Powertrains come from Jaguar's dual-cam 4.2-liter V8 engine with all torque translated through a ZF six-speed electronic automatic transmission. XJ8 stocks the naturally aspirated V8, which hits 294 hp. XJR adds an Eaton Roots blower to the V8 as well as dual air-to-water inter-coolers. As a result, it gushes to 390 hp. With the wheelbase extension, the new XJ8L has its roof raised and the rear seat area expanded.

A dressy version goes by the name of Vanden Plas and uses the wheelbase extension to fashion lavish rear quarters for chauffeured rides. And the Super V8 label returns to Jaguar to mark a powerful new supercharged flagship model. It combines the performance equipment of XJR, including Brembo brand disc brakes, with the premium cabin appointments of Vanden Plas spread over the stretched wheelbase. Deluxe gear includes a DVD touch-screen navigation system.

The ritzy S-Type sport sedans feature a unique prow with oval articulated headlamps flanking an unusual provocative grille. Jaguar redesigns the fleet in 2005 with the tail raised and a new luxury VDP version added. The entry model S-Type comes with a 3.0 V6, rated for 235 hp, and six-speed automatic ZF transmission. The S-Type 4.2 V8 bumps up to the Jaguar 4.2-liter eight for 294 hp with the six-speed ZF. The S-Type R -- rolling on 18-inch low-profile tires tied to Brembo brakes and packing the supercharged version of Jaguar's 4.2-liter V8 -- soars to 390 hp. The new S-Type VDP with the naturally-aspirated V8 gains a leather and wood steering wheel, burl walnut trim, heated bucket seats, a power-motivated sun blind in the rear window, xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, and 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.

The S-Type R goes further by applying a bright-finish mesh inset in the grille, a spoiler on the tail and electronic controls to automatically change suspension shock damping from soft to firm in order to maximize rider comfort, car handling and driver control. (CONTINUED...)

Read our Review: Jaguar S-Type Review