Wider, more dynamic and exclusive: These three attributes perfectly describe the STARTECH WIDEBODY designer outfit for the new Range Rover Sport. STARTECH, a BRABUS Group company, celebrates the world premiere of the striking WIDEBODY version equipped with 23-inch ceramic-coated forged wheels at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.
The STARTECH REFINEMENT program for the British SUV also comprises sporty carbon-fiber applications for the body, a ride-height lowering and the STARTECH SD30 S performance kit for the 3.0-liter LR-TDV6 turbodiesel engine.
Individual requests for cabin refinement are fulfilled by STARTECH with luxurious interiors crafted from fine leather and Alcantara, rounded off with tailor-made wood and carbon-fiber applications.
The high quality of all STARTECH REFINEMENT components, all safety-approved, is demonstrated by the one-of-a-kind three-year STARTECH Warranty for up to 100,000 kilometers (see STARTECH Warranty Terms and Conditions, updated June 2013).
The new STARTECH WIDEBODY version adds 60 millimeters to the width of the new Range Rover Sport, making it even more striking. To this end, the designers from the refinement specialist have developed curved fender flares that increase the available space in the wheel arches to make room for forged STARTECH Monostar S 11Jx23 wheels and 305/30 R 23 high-performance tires.
These king-sized wheels are a perfect example for the many high-tech developments from the STARTECH engineers: Thanks to cutting-edge forging technology this cross-spoke design saves some 15 percent in weight compared with a conventional cast wheel. Another innovative feature of this wheel is the novel “burned bronze” ceramic coating. This high-tech coating is particularly resistant to thermal stress and provides protection against the heat radiating from brakes and tires. But there’s more: its extremely smooth surface repels unsightly deposits of brake dust and road grime much better than conventional paint and thus keeps the wheels cleaner. And despite their lightweight design, the STARTECH forged wheels offer extremely high strength. As an alternative to the 23-inch wheels, STARTECH also offers a number of 21-inch and 22-inch tire/wheel combinations for the Range Rover Sport.
The STARTECH designers also implemented innovative ideas in the development of the front and rear components that replace the production bumpers in their entirety. The components at the front and rear, manufactured in OEM quality from flexible PUR-R-Rim plastics, were designed to fit with or without the fender flares.
The STARTECH front bumper compels with its distinctive styling that features a seemingly free-floating center section, large air scoops and integrated daytime running lights. In addition, the sophisticated shape contributes to a further reduction in negative lift on the front axle at high speeds.
The design of the rear bumper gives customers the option to order an especially sporty version of the central diffuser with a clear-coated carbon-fiber finish. Two vertically arranged tailpipes in hallmark STARTECH design exit on either side of the diffuser. They can be combined with the production exhaust system or with the STARTECH stainless-steel sport exhaust with electronically controlled exhaust flaps. This sound management allows the driver to switch the exhaust note between decidedly discreet and thrillingly sporty from the cockpit at the push of a button.
The rear end of the new Range Rover Sport, with or without WIDEBODY version, can receive an even more dynamic appearance with the three-piece STARTECH roof spoiler. The spoiler profile can be painted in vehicle or contrasting color. A version made of clear-coated carbon-fiber is also available as an option.
This composite material from motorsports is also used for other sporty body upgrades. The STARTECH REFINEMENT carbon-fiber program for the Range Rover Sport comprises the radiator grille, exterior mirror housings, side air vents in the front fenders, the liftgate trim strip and the surrounds of the hood vents.
The STARTECH suspension module for the standard air suspension provides more agile handling and further enhanced safety reserves. It lowers the ride height of the Range Rover Sport by 25 millimeters when traveling on roads. For getting in and out of the vehicle as well as for off-road operations the vehicle’s ride height remains at the production level.
STARTECH REFINEMENT also means more driving fun as the result of more power. In a first step, STARTECH offers the SD 30 S performance kit for the Range Rover Sport with 3.0-liter LR-TDV6 Biturbo diesel engine. The STARTECH module controls the engine with new mapping and is designed as a plug-and-play device that can be installed by any specialist workshop in less than an hour.
After the installation the driver commands a powerful 238 kW / 323 hp at a low 4,000 rpm, up from the standard 215 kW / 292 hp. At the same time peak torque increases from standard 600 Nm to 680 Nm, on tap already at 2,000 rpm.
The performance-tuned turbodiesel engine is the perfect complement to the eight-speed automatic transmission and shortens the sprint time for 0 – 100 km/h from standard 7.2 to 6.9 seconds.
The cockpit of a Range Rover Sport customized by STARTECH offers maximum individuality. The STARTECH REFINEMENT upholstery shop crafts exclusive all-leather interiors or leather and Alcantara interiors in any desired color.
The show car for the 2014 Geneva Motor Show sports an all-black interior. Closer inspection of this all-leather interior crafted from especially soft nappa leather reveals a significant feature. The seat cushions and the center section of the backrests are quilted in the same honeycomb design that can be found on the radiator grille of every current Range Rover model. The decorative stitching on the seat side bolsters also features the same pattern and was color-coordinated with the ceramic-coated STARTECH forged wheels.
To emphasize the sporty aspirations of the British SUV, the STARTECH interior designers have developed a tailor-made genuine carbon-fiber trim set, which replaces the production paneling on the dashboard and center console. The trim set is available in virtually any color. The STARTECH REFINEMENT program also includes exclusive wood trim sets in various colors and with a variety of surface finishes.
