The last time I drove a Jaguar was when OJ Simpson took a Bronco ride during a very slow police chase. At that time, the new Jaguar I was driving was dripping with quality problems – namely an air conditioning unit that went on the fritz during a triple-digit heat wave. What a difference a decade makes. Jaguar now features an excellent, quality-strong sedan. Since S-Type’s 1999 debut, the exterior changes have been mild. (There’s a new chrome window surround on vehicle sides and a grille alteration to the ‘growler’ emblem’s look for 2003.) The interior changes include a center console home for an optional 7-inch LCD touch screen, new instrument gauge dials, and new comfort/contour-orientated seats.) S-Type’s power purr escapes from a 4.2-liter, 32-valve V8 engine that produces 300 maximum horsepower. Acceleration – from a standstill or while in a passing mode – is smooth (no steering wheel torque) and unhesitating – due in part to a new aluminum front and rear suspension that employs re-tuned springs, dampers, bushings, and anti-roll bars. For the first time, the rear-wheel-drive S-Type mates to a six-speed automatic transmission. (It’s optional on S-Type 3.0-liter version.) While the car is a stunning design achievement, interior tweaking – to provide deeper cup holders and a touch engaged map light rather than bulky switches – would make this superb offering even better. S-Type presents a visually subtle door lock system via utilizing the upper half of the interior door latch. Per gallon mileage estimates are 17 city/26 highway. MSRP is $49,330.