FRANKFURT, Germany — If ever an underachieving American vehicle needed a pick-me-up from a German tuning house, it's the awkwardly named Jeep Patriot. Still, a new Startech conversion, unveiled here at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, does its best.
A more aggressive-looking front fascia gives the vehicle a rugged, outdoorsy look that the original lacks. A rear apron and roof spoiler have been added for dramatic effect. Buyers can also order such exterior add-ons as chrome-plated covers for mirrors and windshield washer nozzles.
Startech has lowered the ride height by 1.2 inches with new sport springs. Monostar alloy wheels with 245/40R20 tires are included, with 19-inch combinations also available.
The European version of the Patriot benefits from Startech's SD3 performance kit for the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel. Output climbs to 177 horsepower and torque to 266 pound-feet. Startech says 0-60-mph acceleration is trimmed to less than 10.6 seconds, while top speed increases to 127 mph.
The cabin can be trimmed in leather or Alcantara, with such accessories as velour floor mats, aluminum pedals and stainless-steel scuff plates.
What this means to you: We're not sure if Brabus can bring this stillborn victim back from the dead — even with chrome-plated windshield-washer nozzles.
A more aggressive-looking front fascia gives the vehicle a rugged, outdoorsy look that the original lacks. A rear apron and roof spoiler have been added for dramatic effect. Buyers can also order such exterior add-ons as chrome-plated covers for mirrors and windshield washer nozzles.
Startech has lowered the ride height by 1.2 inches with new sport springs. Monostar alloy wheels with 245/40R20 tires are included, with 19-inch combinations also available.
The European version of the Patriot benefits from Startech's SD3 performance kit for the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel. Output climbs to 177 horsepower and torque to 266 pound-feet. Startech says 0-60-mph acceleration is trimmed to less than 10.6 seconds, while top speed increases to 127 mph.
The cabin can be trimmed in leather or Alcantara, with such accessories as velour floor mats, aluminum pedals and stainless-steel scuff plates.
What this means to you: We're not sure if Brabus can bring this stillborn victim back from the dead — even with chrome-plated windshield-washer nozzles.
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