With the new Range Rover Evoque the tradition-rich British company opens up a
market niche for SUVs with a distinctly modern design. At the 2011 Dubai
International Motor Show, the Startech Refinement program for the Evoque
celebrates its world debut. Startech, a Brabus Group company, refines the new
model with a sporty-elegant design program. The product lineup includes
custom-tailored 21-inch forged wheels, a ride-height lowering by 1.4 inches (35
millimeters), a sport exhaust system and high-class interior options. Additional
innovative products such as for example engine tuning are currently under
development.
For the three-door and five-door Evoque, the Startech designers have developed a
styling program designed predominantly for on-road operation. All body components are manufactured in
OEM quality from high-grade Pur-R-Rim plastics.
For this purpose new fasciae were shaped for the front and rear that replace the
production bumpers in their entirety. The nose of the crossover receives a more
dynamic profile with the striking air inlets and the front spoiler that seems to
"float" in the Startech fascia. The shape was fine-tuned in the wind tunnel to
further reduce lift on the front axle, which benefits directional stability at
high speeds.
The new Startech rear fascia impresses with more than just an integrated
diffuser: the new rear fascia also features distinctive Startech tailpipes that
can be combined with the production exhaust or with the Startech stainless-steel
rear muffler.
In addition to its visual qualities the Startech exhaust system also lends the
various engine variants a sportier exhaust note.
The Startech rear wing rounds out the markedly sporty appearance of the refined
Range Rover Evoque and furthermore minimizes lift on the rear axle at high
speed.
Since the Startech Refinement design program for the new small Range Rover is
intended predominantly for on-road use, the Startech suspension engineers have
developed three-piece wheels with a diameter of 21 inches. The Monostar R wheels
in size 9Jx21 are especially light and yet extremely tough thanks to the use of
high-tech forging technology in their production. The five-spoke design also
sets itself apart with its unusual black-painted wheel spider with polished
contours. These exclusive wheels are mounted with high-performance street tires
in size 265/40 R21.
Alternatively, Startech will equip the Evoque with one-piece, cast Monostar R
wheels in sizes 9Jx20 or 9Jx22.
The Startech sport springs are specifically calibrated for use with sporty
low-profile tires and the production shocks. They are available for all Evoque
models with front-wheel or all-wheel drive and lower the SUV by some 1.4 inches
(35 millimeters). The lowered center of gravity gives the vehicle even safer and
more dynamic handling.
The Startech performance kit for the 2.0-liter SI4 gasoline engine that normally
produces 240 hp (176.6 kW) is already in the final stages of development.
Startech will announce further tuning kits at a later date.
Another focus of the Startech Refinement program for this and other models is on
the interior. The program comprises attractive accessories such as an
ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel and aluminum pedals, foot rest and
shifter.
Startech also fulfills any special request for custom interiors in its
upholstery shop. The finest leather and Alcantara can be transformed into a
tasteful cockpit in any desired color and with any upholstery design. The
resulting overall ambiance is either extremely luxurious or markedly sporty
depending on customer preference. The perfect complements are wood or
carbon-fiber trim sets in any desired color and with a wide variety of surface
finishes.
The Startech show car for Dubai Motor Show sports an all-leather interior, every
last inch of it finished to perfection. The combination of especially soft and
breathable black and white leather sets itself further apart with diamond-shaped
precision topstitching.
The headliner and the A-, B- and C-pillars of the five-door car are trimmed with
Alcantara in the same colors. Green contrasting dual ornamental seams add
meticulously crafted highlights. Carbon-fiber elements whose material structure
can be explored by the occupants' fingertips also represent an extraordinary
addition. The inlays on the dashboard of the show car are black; the ones in the
center console come with a silver finish.