I would like to use the fold down rear seat option on my STR, but I need to remove the metal panel bolted behind the seats to achieve full through access. I understand this is fitted to stiffen the vehicle due to the extra weight & power. Has anyone done this, & did it cause any body wracking or other problems?

 

IMHO, I doubt that Jaguar would have gone through the added trouble & expense of fitting a brace if it wasn't needed structurally. Even the XF supercharged, and the new XFR, have rear braces installed. If you are intent on removing this part, you really should replace it with something else to maintain your chassis rigidity. Maybe the one from the XF, since I think it has full fold-down seats?