Arden Jaguar XKR Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

Gallery: Arden Jaguar XKR Convertible

Arden takes the Jaguar XKR Convertible into Supercar Territory originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Arden AJ18 - Click above to view in high-res

In Tune With the Past: Arden re-issues limited-edition AJ18 XK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Click to view the Adren AJ21 in high resolution

With the M5-battling Jaguar XFR looming high on the horizon, German tuning house Arden's release of its new AJ21 comes at the perfect time. The XF-based performance sedan, details of which have been trickling out for several months now, offers a range of modifications to give the sharp cat that extra edge.

As you can see from these new images, Arden's given the Jag's appearance a serious makeover, much to the benefit of its aerodynamics. The front end has been thoroughly redesigned to include a bigger grille and vents to help the engine get the air it needs, while the front spoiler keeps things planted. Around back the diffuser and discreet spoiler keeps the tail nailed as well, with side skirts helping along the way and integrated vents to help cool the rear brakes. The package also includes a revised suspension and 21-inch forged alloys, but the real treat is underhood where Arden has worked its magic on the entire range of engines available on the XF. The range-topping supercharged V8 has been bored out from 4.2 liters to 4.5 and is aided in producing 500 horsepower by a custom crankshaft, con rods and pistons. The same enlargement can be done to the naturally-aspirated V8 for 380 hp, with the 2.7-liter diesel six tuned to 250 hp instead of the stock 207. Customers can also specify custom interior options, but to our taste, we'd leave the leaper off the hood. Check out the pair of new images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Arden Jaguar XF AJ 21

Update: Arden releases details and pics of AJ21 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Arden, the German tuning firm that's been tweaking Jaguars for decades, is teasing us with this concept shot of its new Jaguar XF AJ 21. We just drove the 2009 Jaguar XF and felt the sheetmetal was lacking some excitement. In a good manner, it appears that Adren has addressed some of our concerns with its aerodynamic sport package including new front and rear bumpers, new side skirts, and a more aggressive wheel package. Look closely and you'll notice the cat is back on the hood (maybe too much redundancy, considering the badge is just below it as well?). Expect more photographs, specifications and pricing in the near future.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Jaguar XF

Arden Jaguar XF AJ 21 one custom kitty originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Click above for a high-resolution image

German tuner Arden is best known for giving Jaguars sharper claws, but it occasionally takes on Range Rovers, as well. They recently released their AR7 package that includes an understated body kit, larger wheels and tires, new interior appointments and, of course, a boost in power that comes from an increase in displacement of the supercharged V8 to 4.5-liters. The result is 480 horsepower and 422 lb-ft torque with a 0-62 mph time of 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph. The OEM-look body kit includes a wider front fascia with a stainless steel grille that fits nicely with the upper grille, as well as wider wheel arches, side skirts, and a rear fascia. The three-piece forged wheels come in either 22" or 23" sizes, and larger brakes with 6-piston calipers up front and 4-pistons on the rear. Finally, the customers have a variety of choices with upgrading the interior, including leather and alcantara seats in any color as well as chrome, carbon fiber, or aluminum accents. Check out the full details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Arden]

Gallery: Arden Range Rover AR7

Continue reading Arden revs up the Range Rover with the AR7

Arden revs up the Range Rover with the AR7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Click the image above to see a gallery of Arden Jaguar XKR A20 images

We have heard plenty of people wishing that the Jaguar XKR had more power. And while we've also heard of people who weren't sold on its styling, we have never heard of anyone wish the car had an aftermarket body kit appended. So Arden's latest work on the Jaguar XKR is bittersweet, as the company giveth the power, but taketh away the elegance.

The engine is enlarged from 4.2 to 4.5 liters using a specially made crankshaft, and it also gets new con-rods and pistons, an altered exhaust and a revised intake. The tweaks give the car 480 BHP and 472 ft-lb. New, progressive-rate springs lower the car 1.2 inches, all the better to fit over some hot wheels (they did get that part right).

Outside is all vents, bulges, scoops, and slots. Regardless of its brutishness, the body kit does help the car slide through the air from 0-60 in just over 4 seconds, on to a 177 MPH top speed. That makes it the fastest Jaguar coupe around, and that's got to be worth something: specifically, 160,650.00 euros. Ouch. Follow the jump for the full press release, and be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res images.

[Source: 4 Wheels Blog]

Gallery: Arden Jaguar XKR A20

Continue reading Arden goes to great lengths improving Jaguar XKR

Arden goes to great lengths improving Jaguar XKR originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Oct 2007 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

German tuning house Arden, a specialist in massaging British cars for over 30 years, has just taken the collar off its latest effort: the AJ 20 Coupe, a modified Jaguar XJ. As if the svelte panther wasn't adored enough in autodom, Arden is now offering a long list of enhancements to the engine, suspension, exhaust, body and interior to turn the XJ's stealthy purr into a screaming growl.

We'll start by popping the hood (or the bonnet, as our friends in the isles would say), where Arden has squeezed ninety-six extra horsepower out of the XK's 4.2-liter 298-hp V8 by boring it out to 4.5 liters and fitting new connecting rods and pistons, bringing peak output up to 392 horsepower. Buyers can also opt for a who-needs-an-XKR supercharger from Krefeld to bring the power up again to 480. Either way, Arden also upgrades the lubrication and cooling systems to cope with the extra catnip and tinkers with the engine management system. The naturally-aspirated 4.5-liter Arden drops nearly a second off the sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) at 5.3 seconds; the supercharger takes off another half second, with top speeds of 285 and 295 km/h respectively. That places the modded XK squarely in Porsche territory, where its big-brother Aston V8 Vantage had once dreamt to play.

At the four corners, Arden fits new springs to drop the suspension by 30 mm. They're also working on a full sports suspension with custom shocks. The AJ 20 comes fitted with 21-inch "Sportline" competition-style rims. Around back, Arden has installed a new silencer system with either two tips or four, and offers a full exhaust refit with new catalytic converters.

The body also gets its share of tweaks to make clear the car's more aggressive intentions. A new front airdam and spoiler, side sills down the rocker panels and a rear apron are all fitted with bigger air intakes. Arden also incorporated contrasting air vents on the hood (like the XKR) and on the front fenders (like the XJ Portfolio). There's also a pronounced rear lip spoiler on the tail to keep the cat's rear end planted.

Inside, Arden's interior department offers a host of options including reupholstering the seats in leather or Alcantara and a choice of custom wood-veneer or carbon-fiber dashboard trim, depending on the customer's tastes.

All in all, Arden's modifications to the Jaguar XK sharpen this cat's claws in a way that scratches us just right. (If only they could have done something about that unfortunate Ford Taurus nose.)

Follow the jump for a couple more pics.

[Source: Arden]

Continue reading Purrrrformance Upgrade: Arden pets the Jaguar XK

Purrrrformance Upgrade: Arden pets the Jaguar XK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Dec 2006 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.