I'm the new owner of a 2005 STR. First Jaguar, first supercharged car, first car with this much power.

On my way home tonight, a black BMW exited off the highway behind me and pulled up next to me at the next light. It was apparent we were going to explore 0 - 45 when the light turned.

I spun at least one tire, backed off a bit, and saw from his trunk lid it was a 550i. At least he had a newer car and 400 hp, so I'm not feeling TOO bad, but I'd welcome some ideas as to how not to repeat this occurrence. I was in "Sport" mode, didn't totally mash the gas pedal and still got wheel spin.

One question - I bought the car from its original owner with 18,00 miles and it still has its original Contis - low miles but 6+ years old. How much traction is it likely I've lost to old age?

I'd welcome any thoughts/ideas/suggestions.

 

ease into the throttle to get her moving then to the floor,

the issue is an open carrier diff, and alot of mass to get moving.

 

I do a lot of racing, on the track now days but I used to be big on street racing so I wont bash you for that.
Never launched a STR but from experience I'll tell you that you need to familiarize your self with the car to get the best launch. Spinning aint Winning, it's just fun. lol My Lightning I don't get to full throttle on street tires till just after the 1-2 shift. I can cut a 1.79 60ft time on streets. So practice rolling onto the throttle until you get it right. Track days and Test n tune days are great for practice. You can check times against different techniques.
Tires also have a LOT to do with traction, pressure, temp, compound. Don't do a smoky burn out on streets, just a few turns to warm them and clean them.
Practice, practice, practice. Hope this helps.

 

A tourqe converter transmission (as in the STR) wont have the performance edge on the current fashion dual-clutch transmissions; these offer blink-fast manual shifts. But smoothness is still a big issue with these trannys, especially around town.
I am always in manual mode in mine. Can extend the life of pads in a huge way!!
As for the tyres, rubber does dry out. After about 6-7 years they would certainly be less grippy.
The new BMW 550i does have a 'regular' tranny, all be it 8 speeds. And the engine outputs from its twin turbo are very similar to the STR (only 50 newtons more). But full tourque arrives at 1750 RPM to 4500, giving it a very usefull spread. Kerb weight is similar also @ 1830kg (about 1.8Imp.t).

 

OPSTR, Launch her in "SPORT" mode with traction control (DSC) off. As Mafioso suggests, with your cars present set up ya can tap the pedal then mash it down. I have 285 Mitchelins, H&R Sport lowering springs, and a host of power mods. These have helped a ton in transfering the weight to the wheels resulting in hard launches with little wheel spin. The approx. extra 50 hp. gives her noticeably more "Go". Do what I did and you'de toy with the BMW 550i.