Looking forward

Bolted connection

Looking rearward
Friends, has anyone seen anything like this before? 2000 XK8 convertible, 30k miles. I think it's some kind of stiffener. It criss-crosses under the engine compartment. Bolted at the back, and it dissappears under the apron in front beneith the radiator. Pretty substantial bars. It impedes the installation of the alternator air duct scoop, but does not prevent it, which is why i was poking around under there. I don't think it's original, but I could be wrong. I'm still learning the ways of Jaguar. Thanks

 

All convertibles have this.

 

One in the back too!!!!!!!!!

 

as for the alternator air scoop, mine has been off for 4 years now - just been too lazy to put it back on so......................................