RRR! It's Jaguar's most powerful sedan yet!

JAGUAR will reveal its most powerful sedan ever at January's Los Angeles auto show - the S-Type R.

Powered by a supercharged 4.2-litre version of the AJ-V8, the S-Type R lines up head-to-head against German thoroughbreds like the BMW M5 and Benz E55 AMG.

The "R" is said to produce around 300 kilowatts, accelerate to 100km/h in around 5.3 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

To handle the power, the "R" is fitted with sports suspension, race-engineered Brembo brakes and Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS).

Large alloy wheels and low-profile tyres help with the grip along with the looks, while the sports styling is also emphasises by a wire mesh grille and large air intake and foglights.

Luxury touches inside include leather-trimmed steering wheel and sports seats and grey bird's-eye maple veneer.

The S-Type R sits atop an extended range of S-Types that now also includes a 2.5-litre V6 entry-level model.

All models in the range feature a redesigned interior, optional touch-screen telematics and a bevy of safety features.

Breaking new ground is a six-speed automatic transmission option - Jaguar claims this is the first time any car in the S-Type's mid-size luxury saloon category has offered this feature.

The S-Type is the first in a family of "R"-spec vehicles that is next expected to yield an X-Type R. That car is tipped to arrive late in 2003 and be powered by a substantially re-engineered, supercharged version of the 3.0-litre 24-valve AJ-V6 engine.

Company insiders say it promises to deliver at least 240kW via a six-speed manual gearbox to all four wheels. A six-speed automatic unit will be offered as an option, while the interior is tipped to introduce a fresh and more dynamic character to Jaguar.

Under the beefed-up skin, there will be an uprated suspension, wheels, tyres and brakes. European reports say it will be every bit as quick as BMW's new M3, but substantially cheaper.

Australian Jaguar fans will probably have to wait until the last quarter of 2002 before they can get their hands on the S-Type R or the other members of the updated S-Type range.

With British pricing set at 47,000 pounds for the "R", it's not hard to see the price tag blowing out beyond $150,000 in Australia.