I've toyed with the idea of having the chrome side vents installed on my 07 Liquid Silver XK. I can't find a single picture of what the Liquid Silver looks like with the chromed side vents. Anyone have or or at least a picture?

Thanks!

 

From ConceptCars dot com
http://files.conceptcarz.com/img/Jag...DV-07_C_06.jpg
http://files.conceptcarz.com/img/Jag...DV-07_C_01.jpg

2007 Jaguar XK Images, Information and History | Conceptcarz.com

I don't think I like the Chrome myself... was thinking about the brushed Alum instead...

V

 

I'm not sure I've seen the brushed alum yet. Have a picture of a silver with brushed alum? (Thanks for the chrome pics btw!)

 

None that I have seen so far, sorry... Just think brushed is a little less garish on a silver car... but that is more a personal taste kinda thing.

BOL,
Vince

 

Here's the chrome side louver on my black xkr before I blacked out most chrome trim.

 

Personally I decided to pass on mine.

 

Definitely a personal choice. I liked the chrome better than the oem painted grey but I prefer the color coded louvers the best.

 

Closeups of the milled aluminum vent on my 2009 XKR Portfolio Cvt:
(Double-click to enlarge)


Milled and polished, but not as shiny as the chrome on Ghostrider's.

Note the mesh insert, below. I think it is a functional vent from the engine compartment, but I'm not sure. Anyone know?



And full view:


IMHO, the milled aluminum vent looks good against the Shadow Gray body color.
.

 

"Aluminum plays a major roll (sic) in the XKR's styling. Not only is the body crafted from the alloy material, but many of its details are as well. The heat extracting front fender vent is made from billet aluminum, milled to perfection. It works pretty well here as a stylistic and functional element that adds some contrast to the Shadow Grey painted body side. The big 20-in. shadow-finish wheels are also nicely detailed with a contrasting chrome-finish element within each split spoke and the Jaguar "heritage" badge on its center caps."

Jaguar XKR Portfolio Part 1: Design Review- OnCars

Got to find part number for those to see how many thousands of dollars they go for.

 

I saw the aluminum side vents today in person on a Liquid Silver XKR and it didn't look good at all! I dropped by the dealership on my lunch break and they had one on the lot. It just doesn't look right because the "Liquid Silver" almost has a hint of blue in it and the aluminum color just clashes. So glad I saw it in person. I bet it looks fantastic with any other color though. Looks like it's either chrome or factory paint color for me...

 

I've searched the sponsored parts houses, but have been unable to find the part number of the milled aluminum side vents from the Portfolio. Can anyone help me?

I think mine are silver painted plastic (?).

Thanks!

 

I'm actually very glad to hear that and will certainly wait to see the combination myself before investing.
I have had a similar poor "style" decision in the past (bought rims 3 years ago from tirerack that looked great online for my Audi A4. Put them on the the car and 45 days later pulled them back off they were just so darn ugly) They remain to this day stack in their boxs in the back of my garage as a shameful reminder...

Thanks for sounding the alarm!
Vince

 

I did get a part number/cost from my dealer....$1500ea. The next question is whether they'll fit on an MY08....I doubt they changed the body to accommodate the Portfolio side vent from MY08 to MY09.

My car is an Ebony Coupe, so I'm considering spending the money to upgrade from the painted plastic vent.

Also, to me, the milled aluminum vent is a fitting iconic homage to the aluminum body/monocoque construction of this car.

 

Very interesting topic, I've wanted to change out the stock side vents on my silver 2010 XKR coupe for something a bit more individual looking. If aluminum doesn't work, is there a chrome option for the 2010? Seem to remember that the only part Jag offered was the Aluminum.

Then the hood louvers are another option. With non chromed wheels, the louvers might not be over the top in chrome, painted to match. But I have yet to see one... Zman, thanks for the heads up on going aluminum on silver.

Skeeter

 

I'm very happy with the sparkle added by the chrome vents on my Radiance (red) coupe.

 

[quote=ronev;469868]I've searched the sponsored parts houses, but have been unable to find the part number of the milled aluminum side vents from the Portfolio. Can anyone help me? quote]

Ronev,

The milled aluminum vents are very expensive.

Jaguar Parts Center (jaguarmerriamparts.com), an authorized Jaguar dealer, shows the 2009 Portfolio milled aluminum vent at MSRP $1,525.00 and Online Sell Price of $1,288.63 for each side. In addition to the vent, there is a deflector at MSRP $12.00 and Online Sell Price of $10.14.

Total parts $2,597.54. Ouch!

Here's the link:
2009 JAGUAR XKR Parts - Jaguar Parts Center - Call (800) 510-1401 for Genuine Jaguar Parts and Accessories

See the diagram (7) and (8). Note description for vent grille w/Portfolio Pkg.

I'm just the messenger; I didn't set the prices! But there's much more to them than meets the eye at first glance. See the 2/10/12 closeup pictures of my the vents on my Portfolio in this topic. I believe they're milled from a single piece of billet aluminum - a lot of work.

Stuart
.

 

Thanks, Stuart....that online price is better. Yep, it's expensive but it's obviously a much better quality piece on a high quality car. It's like a pool behind your house....you'll never recoup it when you sell your house, but you can enjoy it while you have it.

 

I have the black 2011 convertible. Added the silver Louvers and it looks amazing. I don't typically pip my ride, but this is really sharp.

 

Ok, call me a cheap skate but $2600 for the vents seems pricey. Ok, I actually think it is crazy.

I'm going to make a two suggestions and don't dismiss them offhand because both are viable. First, have your existing vents covered in alum appearance vinyl. First, it is cheap and second, if you don't like the look you can remove it. Just look for local shops that do vehicle vinyl wraps.

Second and a much better option, have the existing vents water transfer dipped with an aluminum finish. This is very durable and by comparison cheap. If you don't know, water transfer is the process of covering an item with a vinyl graphic layer dissolved in water and then clear coating it. You can even purchase do it yourself kits for $100, although since you might spend $2600, spending a few hundred to have it done professionally seems logical. Here is one random shop I googled Water-Transfer Hydro-Dipping Printing Services

I have shotgun stocks done in this fashion and they are extremely durable and the final clear coat can be done in gloss or matte depending on your desire.

Anyway.. my .02

 

That's pretty pricey. I purchased them through the Dallas Jag dealership installed both sides for $365 all in. Took them 30 minutes, but they could not do it without damaging the original black ones (small clips that break when they take the off). Well worth it I think.