Arden launches updated AJ20 Jaguar XKR

Following on from its brilliant take on the XK, German tuning-house Arden has taken Jaguar’s more capable XKR and created a machine even more impressive than the last. Using the same supercharged engine Arden had specially developed for the XK, the new XKR pushes out a healthy 480hp from its 4.5L V8, and a mind-blowing 640Nm of torque to boot. The engine uses a specially made crankshaft, along with new con rods and pistons to help achieve the 300cc increase in displacement from the original.

All that sumptuous power is transferred to the ground through exclusive 21in Arden ‘Sportline’ wheels, powering it to 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds. To make sure the rubber stays where it should, a custom-made spoiler was fitted to the rear, stylishly achieving extra downforce and helping it reach a top speed of 305 km/h. The spoiler is just a small part of a complete bodykit, which also includes modifications to the front spoiler and side sills. Incredibly Arden has managed to lower the aerodynamic coefficient from 0.385 to 0.357, something not all tuners can achieve.

Poised like a cat, the AJ20 is lowered on finely tuned sports suspension achieving a good balance of comfort and sportiness. And to make this street cat purr like it should, Arden has fitted a sports silencer system with four chrome-plated tailpipes, keeping it quiet as a kitten in neutral but giving it the powerful growl it deserves when on the prowl.

After 20 years of experience in Jaguar tuning Arden realises that performance is not the only thing a Jaguar owner cares about. The interior can be fitted with a range of materials, from high-grade wood to carbon fibre for the trim inserts, and a variety of upholstery choices in either leather or Alcantara are available to give the interior that extra touch. It seems that driving the fastest Jaguar on the road has never been more pleasurable.