REVIEW: Jaguar XKR 'Startech'

[Jaguar Owners Club]

    STARTECH has launched their Jaguar XKR and XK program at this year's Frankfurt Auto Show. The STARTECH Jaguar XKR program features a new aerodynamics package which includes spoiler flaps that attach to the front apron, LED daytime running lights and a carbon-fiber rear molding. The STARTECH Jaguar XKR sits on 21 inch rims and is equipped with sport springs that lower the ride height by 40 mm. 

The interior of the STARTECH Jaguar XKR features a leather and Alcantara upholstery, bamboo wood and aluminum trim elements and various carbon fiber accents. STARTECH Press Release:

Exclusive, innovative and individual: These three attributes best describe the STARTECH accessories program for the latest Jaguar XK and XKR models, which is available for coupes and convertibles. A customized XK Coupe that celebrates its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show IAA 2009 in Frankfurt/Main gives a good first look at the complete product lineup for the British automobiles. The engineers and designers from STARTECH (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 20 41 /

777 547, fax + 49 / (0) 20 41 / 777 111, Internet www.startech.de) have developed subtle sporty body modifications, custom-tailored 21-inch forged wheels with corresponding ride-height lowering and eye-catching interior options. 

Adding sporty emphasis to the elegant lines of the two-door with subtle components was a challenge the STARTECH styling team mastered with great success. The team developed spoiler flaps that attach to both sides of the production front apron. They upgrade the car’s appearance and reduce lift on the front axle. All STARTECH aerodynamic-enhancement components are made from carbon fiber. To make these components not only ultra-light but also extremely strong STARTECH uses the same ‘Prepreg’ production process in an autoclave used in motor racing and aerospace engineering. 

The face of the Jaguar is further upgraded with daytime running lights. Using precise-fit design elements these lights are beautifully integrated into the stylized air vents on both sides of the bumper. The STARTECH carbon-fiber rear molding serves as the perfect backdrop for the two tailpipes of the exhaust system and gives the rear of the Jaguar even more character. 

The exclusive STARTECH looks are further characterized by STARTECH forged wheels customtailored for the XK models. The three-piece Monostar J Diamond Edition wheels intersperse polished surfaces with brushed-look sections and are miles apart from the rest. The same is true for the wheel sizes, which were selected specifically for the sportiest Jaguar model. The front wheel houses are filled to the max by size 9Jx21 wheels with tires in size 255/30 ZR 21. In the rear tires in size 295/25 ZR 21 mounted on size 10.5Jx21 wheels strive to provide maximum traction. STARTECH sport springs are specially calibrated to these tire/wheel combinations. They lower the ride height of both body styles by some 40 millimeters (1.6 inches). 

Exclusive interiors are a particular STARTECH specialty. The interior designers transformed trends from exclusive high-end living into the XK without overpowering the sports car’s British character. The company upholstery shop has created a fully leather interior made from the finest, especially soft brandy-colored leather. A new combination of contrasting cords and double seams using an especially thick thread creates an entirely new and yet very English ambiance in the cockpit. The STARTECH interior program also offers countless other color combinations in leather and Alcantara. More than 100 different colors are always in stock, special requests such a leather color that matches a favorite lipstick or other item can also be fulfilled. 

New bamboo wood trim elements replace the precious-wood and aluminum trim available from the factory. The wood color is specially matched to the brandy-colored leather. A special bleaching and staining process makes it possible to match the leather color exactly. This STARTECH innovationalso gives customers a choice of open-pore, matte or high-gloss surface finishes. Genuine carbonfiber trim sets with different structures and colors are yet another option for customizing the interior. 

Further exclusive ideas for the interior are scuff plates with illuminated STARTECH logo and highquality floor mats bordered with color-coordinated leather.