Krefeld, Germany - Jochen Arden got his start in 1972 providing spares and upgrades for E-Type enthusiasts in northwest Germany; that’s how far back his link with Jaguar goes.
Now Arden Automobilbau has turned its attention to the XE S, with a total inside-and-out makeover it calls the Arden AJ 24 RS. It starts with an upgraded supercharger, a free-flow exhaust system and new engine management module, boosting the three-litre V6’s outputs from 280kW and 450Nm to 340kW and 583Nm.
Arden doesn’t quote performance figures, but the standard XE S is rated at 5.1 seconds to 100km/h with an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h; expect the AJ 24 RS to be significantly quicker.
Arden’s aero kit for the XE S includes a new front spoiler, vented bonnet, side sills, an adjustable rear wing, a rear diffuser and wheel-arch flares to accommodate a set of 20 inch Arden ‘Sportline GT’ forged-alloy rims shod with low-profile gumballs.
The kit includes aluminium pedals and footrest as well as the obligatory embroidered floormats, but if you’re in for a few euros more, Arden offers everything up to a full leather interior, to order.