Hello. I was the owner of a CL55 AMG until I made the mistake of parking it where it could be hit by a Durango. I am considering an XKR convertible as my next car.

I have noticed one possible issue with one of the cars I've been looking at. Every other XK I've seen has a chrome trim piece over the rear license plate with "Jaguar" embossed it it. On this particular car (2007 black XKR convertible), this trim piece is black instead of chrome. Is this simply an option, or is it a sign of a shady paint job?

Thank you for your help.

 

It's a piece that is easily removed and painted. Starting with the 2012's, it comes from the factory body color. I had mine removed and painted to tone down the rear end a little bit -- leaving a tiny strip of chrome for some demarcation.

If you're concerned about the paint on the vehicle, simply take it to a reputable body shop and have them give it the once over including a paint depth meter.

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the Jag when compared with the MB. I was swayed in this direction just a few months ago.

 

Sorry to hear about what happened to your CL . Well, XK is a better looking car hopefully you will be happy with your choice

 

On the 07-09s, the XKs had the chrome trunk blade and the XKRs had the painted grey blade except for the 2008 XKR-S which came with the chrome blade but only sold in Europe. On the 2010+, XKs and XKRs all came with chrome trunk blade except for the Black Pack edition and XKRS.

 

Thanks for the pic, Ghost....much cleaner rear with the body-color blade. I'll be having mine done next week!

 

The trunk blade on my 2009 XKR Portfolio is chrome, not painted.

 

Thanks. Now that I look more closely I can see that some of them are grey instead of chrome. Do you know if any of the 07-09's came with body-colored trunk blades, or were they all grey.

 

Forgot about the Portfolio in which Stuart is correct....the trim are brushed aluminum and not the painted grey.

Here in the US the 07-09 XKR trunk blade should come OEM with painted grey or brush aluminum for the Portfolio edition.

If you want color coded, just have bodyshop paint it (in which I had my bodyshop paint the trunk blade and side louvers). They are very easy to uninstall and install. For the side louvers though, better to buy new ones because most likely the tabs will break when removing them in which they will become useless.

 

My 2003 XKR has this piece painted the same color as the car. My 2001 XK8 has one that is chrome. I would prefer the chrome piece on the XKR. If any body has one for sale let me know. I believe they are easy to replace.

 

I recently upgraded from my first cat ('02 X-Type 3.0 Sport) to my next-level dream car, the XKR Convertible, so I'm new the this elite/mysterious/envy-inducing part of the forum. (Finally! After years of avoiding the XK/XKR section!)

So, here's my first official XKR post:

[Ahem] My '07 XKR came equipped with a body-color trunk blade. I only know this, because I asked the first owner, and I'm the second.

I have so many questions... but I haven't had time to type, because I haven't figured out a way to setup my desktop PC into the XKR's cabin... because, I've been living inside this car for three days... I love this car, is what I'm stabbin' at...

In an effort to avoid hijacking this thread, I'll post anew! Oh, and I hope the info above helps.

-e

 

I very much appreciate the info from GhostriderXKR08 that confirms my trunk deck finish is plastic painted grey. "Here in the US the 07-09 XKR trunk blade should come OEM with painted grey or brush aluminum for the Portfolio edition."

I want to replace mine with the chrome finish piece because the dull grey painted plastic looks like hell.

 

The trunk Finish Molding on my 4.2L 2009XKR Portfolio Edition Convertible is polished aluminum, not brushed.
Finish Molding - Jaguar (C2P10414MEG), MSRP $419.19

It matches the polished milled aluminum Vent Grille on each fender (wing).
Vent Grille - Jaguar (C2P10911) MSRP $1,375.25 each.

My earlier Post #6, above, is incorrect. It is not chrome plated.



The wire is for my battery maintainer. My license plate frame is for my wireless solar powered backup camera. They're both discussed in separate threads on this Forum.

 

I have an 07 base coupe and mine is chrome

 

My 2008 base XKR coupe has brushed aluminum.

 

I showed you mine, now you show me yours!

 

Of course… 😎



On closer examination, this piece seems to be brushed aluminum colored plastic as I see a mold flash line along the top. Perhaps this is the gray color referred to in other posts.