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.

Read our Review: Jaguar S-Type Review

Jaguar's two-door personal luxury cars resurrect styling cues from the fabled 1960s two-seat icon - XK-E - thanks to that extended hoodline and aerodynamic prow. The only change between coupe and convertible occurs with the latter's retractable lid. Both use naturally-aspirated and supercharged versions of the 4.2-liter V8 found in S-Type and XJ cars, as well as the ZF automatic six-speed shifter. The natural plant slips into the XK8 coupe and convertible, worth 294 hp. The supercharged version goes to racy XKR, making 390 hp.

2005 editions reveal fresh styling points. Smooth monochromatic bumpers and side sills run deeper around the bottom of each car and the massive oval grille in front stretches wide across the face, with a horizontal grille splitter on XK8 and revamped mesh insert for XKR. At the tail, the chrome-tipped exhaust pipes are larger, with a pair for XK8 but dual pairs for XKR, and XKR gets a larger spoiler on the trunk deck. The cockpits for all XK models contain four plush seats clad in rich leather with hardwood slabs trimming dash and console.

Read our Review: Jaguar XK Review

Luxurious Jaguar sports sedans for the compact class reach America in four editions for 2005 -- X-Type 2.5 and X-Type 3.0, plus new X-Type Sport and X-Type VDP. All stock a computerized mechanism that applies power to all wheels. Sleek skin drapes over a sensuous form that projects the familiar slink of a Jaguar prow with signature round headlamps offset by a twin-port grille rimmed in chrome. However, X-Type breaks the Jaguar mold of a low-cast tail because it hikes higher to forge a wedge-shaped profile and craft a surprisingly spacious trunk. A generous cockpit adds twin front bucket seats and a rear bench for two or three, plus luxury touches and electronic controls for comfort, navigation and safety.

Price-leader X-Type 2.5 uses a 2.5-liter six with 192 hp. A second twin-cam V6 measures to 3.0 liters and drops into X-Type 3.0 with 227 hp. New X-Type Sport with the larger engine adds a front spoiler, sport suspension tuning and optional carbon fiber trim. The new VDP maximizes cabin luxuries with burl walnut trim, heated seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers and a premium sound system.

Read our Review: Jaguar X-Type Review