Solid performance, a lightweight aluminum suspension, a throaty exhaust note, and an upgraded leather interior all combine to make the 2008 Jaguar S-Type 4.2 one of the world's premier luxury sedans.

As its name indicates, under its stylish hood resides a 4.2-liter V8 engine that produces 300 horsepower. The engine links to a six-speed ZF automatic transmission.

Standard features for the S-Type 4.2 include a DVD-based navigation system, Xenon headlights with automatic leveling, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, front park control, and a 10-speaker, 320-watt Alpine sound system with an in-dash CD player and a trunk-mounted six-disc CD changer.

Other features include a one-touch moonroof, soft-grain leather seating surfaces, power-adjustable front seats, Burl Walnut wood interior trim, a wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control.

Safety features include Dynamic Stability Control and an Adaptive Restraint Technology System, which makes adjustments to safety systems and air-bag energy depending on the position and weight of the driver and passenger. Also included is Reverse Park Control, which uses rear-mounted sensors to alert drivers of objects when backing up.

Exterior features include 18-inch Vulcan wheels, bright-finish mirror caps, and a revised front bumper and mesh grille.

Options include an audio input jack for an MP3 player and a rear-seat entertainment system with two seven-inch LCD screens integrated into the headrests of the front seats.