Jaguar Project 8 a bit much? Here’s Arden’s 457bhp XE

Jaguar’s XE SV Project 8 is here, and it’s undeniably bonkers. Also good, too, as we found out on our first test of it.

Thing is, it’s only available in limited numbers, and is a Very Serious Driver’s Car. If you want something Slightly Less Serious, then German tuner Arden has cooked up something a little less... boiling. It is called the AJ 24 RS and is, apparently, a “feline predator with racing ambitions”.

Externally the Arden-tuned Jag gets a new front spoiler, rear apron, bonnet, rear spoiler and side skirt package, for better airflow and downforce. The arches front and back have been enlarged too, allowing for a bigger set of tyres. Specifically, 20in tyres sitting on forged lightweight GT wheels.

Arden is especially proud of the engine work done to the XE S's 3.0-litre V6, which consists of a new sports exhaust, a new ECU, and an “overhaul” of the supercharger. There are now 457 horses where previously there were 375. More torque, too, with nearly 100lb ft extra.

Arden reckons on a 0-62mph time of 4.3s - quite comfortably under the five seconds a standard supercharged XE S takes. That’s plenty fast. Not nut-job Project 8 fast, but still. Fast. 0-124mph? 14.5s.

You can also customise the interior because it’s all bespoke. Set your wallet to STUN.

Prices for converting a regular XE S to the AJ 24 RS start at €45k plus VAT, while a complete car starts from €98,500.