Startech may be overshadowed by its parent company, Brabus, in the tuning world, but the tuner has proven itself to be as adept in building kits for a wide range of vehicle brands. One of those brands is Land Rover, and as fate would have it, Startech is presenting its latest program for the Discovery SUV at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The program has a more style-over-substance feel to it. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially for an SUV like the Discovery, which caters to more than just the off-road adventurers of the world. Those who prefer a proper dress-up for their SUVs are the targets here, hence the lack of an engine upgrade that puts more power to the SUV’s 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 engine. It is fitting, too, that with Startech’s kit for the SUV arrived just as the Discovery underwent its biggest stylistic change since 2009. Put all of these elements together and it’s easy to see why Startech wants to be one of the first in the tuning scene to have one in the market. Other tuners like Kahn Design will inevitably have theirs at some point, but for now, the spotlight is squarely on Startech to make a positive impression on owners of the new SUV. Considering its pedigree as a company owned by Brabus, it wouldn’t be hard for Startech to live up to its parent firm’s reputation.

Continue after the jump to learn more about the Land Rover Discovery by Startech

Exterior

If you happen to be the proud owner of a new Land Rover Discovery and you’re looking to dial up the SUV’s aesthetic appeal, Startech’s new tuning kit may just be the keys to the kingdom that you’ve been looking for, even though the kit is pretty straightforward.

On the outside, the program offers plenty of upgrades, beginning with an aerodynamic body kit that includes a new front spoiler that can be attached to the Discovery’s standard front bumper. The spoiler’s design is distinct enough to give the Discovery a new look. The side flaps on the equipment piece are nice visual touches, too, but it’s more important function rests in its ability to reduce the lift on the SUV’s front axle.

The other notable piece of the body kit can be found in the rear section of the SUV, specifically in the rear bumper where a similar add-on component is being offered. It’s admittedly more distressing to the eyes, but it does serve some functions too. Chief among them is the integration of the other elements of Discovery in this section, including the tailpipe embellishers and a center section that Startech describes as looking like an actual diffuser. This particular piece has also some versatility in it since it’s design was done as such that the whole piece can also be fitted on SUVs that have a trailer hitch.

Finishing off Startech’s exterior upgrades for the Land Rover Discovery is a set of 22-inch Monostar wheels that come with a unique, five-double-spoke design. The wheels are then wrapped specifically in low profile tires from Continental measuring 295/40 R 22.

Interior

Move to the Discovery’s interior and there’s world of personalization that opens up to owners of the SUV. The tuner didn’t elaborate on all the materials it has to offer, but the visuals do show a cabin dressed in fine leather with wood trim and carbon fiber accents thrown into the mix. Prospective customers also have the option to get backlit door plates and floor mats with Startech branding. And if these offerings aren’t enough, there’s also the option to go straight to premium leather and Alcantara. Startech has all of these offerings at the table, provided that they fit into what a customer wants.

Drivetrain

That’s about the extent of upgrades included in Startech’s new tuning kit for the equally new Land Rover Discovery. There are no engine upgrades to speak of so expect no changes to the 340-horsepower output coming out of the SUV’s base 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 engine. It even retains its 332 pound-feet of torque. That shouldn’t matter too much, though, because the Disco already has decent performance numbers, including an acceleration time to 60 mph of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph.

Drivetrain Specifications

Conclusion

More details about the Startech’s program for the Discovery could be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, so be on the lookout for the tuner’s booth. For what it’s worth, I like the treatment of the body kit, specifically its ability to seamlessly integrate itself and its sporty properties into the Discovery to make it more aggressive without losing too much of its own identity in the process. It’s still a Land Rover Discovery; it’s just a meaner-looking one.

References

Land Rover Discovery

Read our full review on the Land Rover Discovery.