Sensuously styled sedans, coupes and convertibles badged by Britain's classy Jaguar coachmaker leap into 2006 with powerful engines and sophisticated safety systems plus new features added for comfort and convenience. Models include the X-Type all-wheel-drive (AWD) sedan and sport wagon of compact dimensions, the elegant XJ series of full-size and stretched flagship sedans, sporty XK mid-size coupes and convertibles, and curvaceous S-Type mid-size sports sedans. Newest Jaguar is also the rarest -- XJ Super V8 Portfolio, a plush yet powerful luxury sedan on a stretched wheelbase and available strictly in limited numbers.

For 2006 iterations of Jaguar's full-size sedans, Jaguar offers two trims for standard wheelbase, then adds four more with a five-inch wheelbase extension. Powertrains come from Jaguar's dual-cam 4.2-liter V8 with all torque translated through ZF's six-speed electronic automatic transmission. Prime model XJ8 packs the naturally-aspirated V8, which gains power in 2006 to reach 300 hp, while a performance edition badged as XJR scores a supercharged boost to 400 hp this year.

XJ8L with stretched wheelbase has the roof raised and rear seat section expanded, as a dressy version called Vanden Plas provides lavish rear quarters for chauffeured rides. Super V8 defines a stretched and powerful supercharged flagship for Jaguar with performance equipment from XJR like Brembo disc brakes plus premium cabin appointments from Vanden Plas. Jaguar's most luxurious model emerges in 2006 as the Super V8 Portfolio, identified by sculpted aluminum power side vents.

The sleek shell of Jaguar's ritzy rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sports sedans feature a unique prow with oval articulated headlamps flanking a bold front grille that looks provocative. Entry issue S-Type 3.0 uses a 3.0 V6, rated for 235 hp with a six-speed ZF automatic transmission, while S-Type 3.0 Aluminum Sport adds a sport-tuned suspension plus aluminum cockpit trim and sport seats with perforated leather.

S-Type 4.2 gets Jaguar's 4.2-liter V8, which climbs to 300 hp in 2006 with the six-speed ZF automatic. Deluxe 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 up front and 17-inch alloy wheels. But 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 400 hp.

Jaguar's two-door personal luxury cars resurrect styling cues from the 1960s 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 vehicles use naturally-aspirated and supercharged versions of the 4.2-liter V8 found in XJ and S-Type cars, as well as the ZF automatic six-speed shifter. The natural plant slips into XK8 coupe and convertible. The supercharged V8 goes to racy XKR.

Trims multiply in 2006 with special checkered-flag Victory edition commemorating Jaguar's success in Trans-Am road racing. In the cockpit of XK8 Victory, grained elm wood veneer replaces burl walnut, while on XKR Victory the burl walnut gives way to carbon fiber veneer. XK8 Victory rolls on 19-inch chrome wheels with Brembo brakes while XKR shows 20-inch two-piece BBS wheels and cross-drilling of the brake discs.

A chrome mesh grille mounts on the reshaped prow of Jaguar's luxurious compact-class cars, which conform as a slinky four-door sports sedan or five-door touring wagon. The 2006 models consist of three sedans -- X-Type 3.0, X-Type Sport and X-Type VDP -- and one wagon, X-Type 3.0 Sportwagon. All carry a computerized AWD device which applies power to all of the wheels all of the time. The engine for all is a dual-cam V6.. This plant makes 227 hp through a five-speed automatic with Jaguar's J-pattern gate for automatic and clutch-less manual shifts.

A spacious cockpit installs twin front bucket seats and a rear bench for three, plus luxury touches and electronic controls for comfort, navigation and safety. VDP maximizes appoint-ments in plush leather and burl walnut with standard Reverse Park Control (RPC) and a 320-watt premium audio system.