The Jaguar XK is considered something of a British institution, so while we’re not sure what the Brits will make of a German modder such as Arden having a go at giving this cat some claws, the 358 kW result is nothing short of breathtaking
The Jaguar XK8 coupe is quite an impressive car. The big cat sports the requisite bit of gentleman’s club class, along with a touch of V8 muscle courtesy of the 219 kW and 411 N.m of torque generated by its standard 4,2 litre powerplant: all of the things that, in most people’s opinion, should equate a highly desirable machine.
German tuning company Arden didn’t seem to agree, so it took the logical step of producing the XK AJ. Firstly, Arden tore out the feline’s 4,2 litre heart, increasing the displacement to 4,5 litres, adding improved pistons and con rods in the process and a modified intake and exhaust system that emits a fear-inducing growl into the hearts of those near-by. All of these modifications are supervised by a new engine management system and equate to a hammer-blow 288 kW and 475 N.m of torque, that’s enough grunt to humble the likes of a Porsche 911 Carrera S. Performance wise, this Jaguar shaves a second off the 0-100 km/h time of its standard counterpart, completing the traffic light sprint in just 5,3 seconds. Dispensing with the electronic nanny allows the XK AJ to notch up a top speed of 285 km/h.
The Krefeld specialists, who still thought the cat was too tame for the urban jungle, also offer a compressor version of the XK AJ. By bolting a supercharger to the aforementioned 4,5 litre powerplant, the power takes a considerable hike up to 358 kW. This model hunts down the 100km/h mark in 4,8 seconds from standstill and hits a top speed of 295 km/h.
Maintaining the menacing stance of the XK AJ is a set of Arden sports springs that feature a progressive suspension rate and lower the centre of gravity by 30 mm. Coupled with fat 295/30R21 rubber transferring the power to the ground, this set up ensures smoother handling in the mid speed range and optimises road contact.
An overall “sporty” and “muscular” look is produced, by fitting the Arden front spoiler featuring large air inlets, and new side sills also incorporate air inlets (the cooling vents are all colour contrasting). Completing the rear are the spoiler and rear apron also sporting cooling vents.
Optional trims for the driver include a more refined look, achieved by high-grade wood inserts and leather, or carbon-fibre trim with Alcantara to give that racy effect.