Britain's classy coachmaker turns out sensuously styled sedans, coupes and convertibles outfitted with powerful engines and sophisticated safety systems plus luxurious on-board amenities. Models for 2007 include the elegant XJ series of full-size and stretched flagship sedans, sporty XK mid-size coupes and convertibles, curvaceous S-Type mid-size sports sedans, and compact-class X-Type all-wheel-drive (AWD) sedan and sport wagon. The XK series of premium luxury cars in a new generation for 2007 switches from steel to aluminum for structural elements and in the process lops a lot of weight off the chassis.

Jaguar's full-size luxury sedans split between standard wheelbase or five-inch wheelbase extension. Powertrains use Jaguar's 4.2-liter V8 with ZF's six-speed electronic auto transmission. XJ8 packs the naturally-aspirated V8 worth 300 hp, while the performance edition XJR gets a supercharged boost to 400 hp. XJ8L with stretched wheelbase has the roof raised and rear seat section expanded, as dressy Vanden Plas provides lavish rear quarters for chauffeured rides. Super V8 is a stretched and supercharged flagship with performance equipment and premium appointments, and Super V8 Portfolio -- sporting sculpted aluminum side vents -- is the ultimate Jaguar.

Jaguar's new XK 2+2 sports coupe and convertible are recast with an aluminum structure and stunning body styling. The design tucks between the long prow and short tail a cockpit with only two doors and seats for up to four. Power stems from Jaguar's four-cam 4.2-liter V8. The naturally-aspirated version makes 300 hp, but a supercharged rendition for the performance-tuned XKR coupe and convertible hits 420 hp. All XK models employ a four-wheel independent suspension in aluminum, with Jaguar's Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) adding automatic shock damping to maximize handling and driver control. [Read RTM's Full Review]

Jaguar's mid-size and rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sports sedans feature a unique prow with oval articulated headlamps flanking a bold center grille. Entry issue S-Type 3.0 uses a 3.0-liter V6 rated to 235 hp with six-speed ZF automatic, while S-Type 4.2 gets Jaguar's 4.2-liter V8 pumping 300 hp. S-Type R -- rolling on low-profile tires tied to Brembo brakes and packing the supercharged V8 -- soars to 400 hp. A Premium Package is standard on S-Type 3.0 for 2007, and a new SV8 package for S-Type R puts soft-grain leather on seats and trim in burl walnut veneers.

More standard equipment goes to Jaguar's compact cars, conformed as a four-door sports sedan or five-door touring wagon. X-Type 3.0 sedan and X-Type 3.0 Sportwagon carry a computerized AWD device which applies power to all wheels all of the time. Engine is a dual-cam 3.0-liter V6 delivering 227 hp through a five-speed automatic. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is now aboard, and the sedan gains a standard moonroof and split/fold rear seat, as the Sportwagon stocks Reverse Park Control (RPC). A Luxury Package adds chrome highlights outside, plus rain-sensing windshield wipers, soft-grain leather seats and burl walnut trim.