Paul Gentilozzis Rocketsports
Racing was a natural choice for the project. The team competes
in the Trans-Am Series for the BFGoodrich Tires Cup using a
Jaguar XKR-bodied racecar, and has considerable experience in
racecar fabrication and development.
"We used the principles
wed learned creating our XKR-bodied Trans-Am cars to create
a racing X-TYPE. This aggressive wide-body look also reflects
a growing number of the project cars coming out of the import
car scene," explained three-time Trans-Am champion Gentilozzi.
Rocketsports team of racecar
engineers began by widening the X-TYPEs track by over
eight inches and fitting three-piece, center-lock BBS wheels.
These 18-inch race alloys are similar to the ones the team used
on its XKR during Februarys Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona
endurance race when Gentilozzi won his GTS class. They are fitted
with the latest Michelin Pilot race tires, with a 345/18-section
at the front, 385/18 at the rear.
To give the concept the kind
of stopping power that matches its anticipated grip, 14-inch
front, and 13-inch rear ventilated racing rotors clamped by
six-piston Brembo racing calipers were added. They are fitted
with race-spec Ferodo high-friction brake pads.
Modifications to the body included
the addition of race-style wheel arches joined longitudinally
by aerodynamic rocker box sections. At the front, theres
a deeper spoiler incorporating a lower splitter, while at the
rear a full-width, racing-style wing is mounted on the rear
deck. Rocketsports also fabricated a new exhaust system, featuring
dual pipes emerging from each side of the rear.
The X-TYPEs production
grille openings and headlight locations were unaltered for the
concept. However, to stay true to Jaguars R-Performance
styling cues, the upper and lower front grilles use a chrome
mesh similar to that used in the supercharged S-TYPE R, XJR
and XKR models.
To complete the dramatic appearance,
the concept is painted Jaguar Racing Green, a new color for
all 2003 Jaguar models. And along each side, silver Jaguar leaper
graphics echo those used on Rocketsports Racings XKR race
cars.
"Much of the styling and
technology on display at SEMA is derived from that of racing
cars. By showing the X-TYPE Racing Concept, we hope to demonstrate
to customers and high-performance component suppliers the potential
of the X-TYPE, both as a racecar and as a platform for aftermarket
tuning," added George Ayres.
During the Racing Concepts
appearance at the SEMA show, special video units mounted inside
the car will project footage of Jaguars racing heritage
on to the inside of the windshield. It is the intention of Rocketsports
Racing to engineer this car into driveable test car in 2003
sourcing appropriate components from the after market.
The X-TYPE Racing Concept will
be on display at the 2002 trade-only Specialty Equipment Manufacturers
Show (SEMA) at the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov 5-8.