Range Rover Sport AR6 Review
February 2007
Elegance, discreet sportiness and understatement have always been the distinguishing features of English cars. Thirty years ago, the tuning specialist, Arden from Krefeld, couldn’t resist the appeal of these vehicles. For years, he has been the place to go for customers who wish for more emphasis on the typical characteristics, as well as a customisation of their Jaguar or Range Rover. Arden also gives the current Range Rover Sport comprehensive modifications. From the aerodynamic-kit to the performance increase and right up to the enhanced interior, Arden offers an attractive SUV with the “Range Rover AR6 Stronger“, which is classed “over the top” simply through its performance.
Gigantic Performance
Arden draws no less than 520 HP (at 5800 rpm) out of the supercharged V8, whose displacement has been increased to 4.8 litres. Together with the phenomenally increased torque of 680 Nm at 3600 rpm, this provides the superior driving performance of the not particularly light Range Rover Sport. The sheer force catapaults the British SUV from zero to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. Its superior tractive power goes without saying. Even if speeds above 200 km/h are rarely achieved due to road conditions, the power of the Arden AR6 makes 270 km/h possible.
Well-balanced appearance
The performance of the AR6 is believable just when it stands in front of you with its bodywork kit manufactured with accustomed Arden quality. The front and rear spoilers fit superbly with the basic design of the Range Rover. Arden designs them so that they will still look modern years from now, making a resale of the vehicle more attractive. They also give the vehicle a massive appearance without losing well-balanced proportions. Even the functionality doesn’t lose out against the looks. To achieve better braking system ventilation, Arden furnishes its front spoilers with air ducts. The car tuner even incorporates these into the hood, in order to guarantee better cooling for the increased performance of engine. The rear spoiler, the component probably most seen by road users, features openings to the left and right for the tailpipes of the Arden stainless steel exhaust system. In addition the rear spoiler gleams with its diffuser look.
Arden widens the front and rear wings by approximately 4.5 cm. A side skirt trim serves as an artistic link between the line which begins at the front and rear spoiler and continues over the widened wings. All parts are manufactured of carbon fiber reinforced composite. The sidebars are illuminated and highlight the lower edge of the entry door. This not only makes it easier for the passengers to enter the car in the dark, but it is also without question a stunning eye-catcher.
What would tuning be without new wheels? Arden banks on his own 10x22 inch creation. Arden fits 295/30 R22 tyres to the elegant, 10-spoked, light alloy wheels which provides not only a sporty look but also adequate traction. In addition, the “airy” look allows a glimpse of the powerful brakes. Arden adapts these to the increased performance. The high-performance system features 6-piston fixed calipers at the front and 4-piston fixed calipers at the rear. These emphatically exert their force on the ventilated, perforated brake discs and ensure sustained deceleration of the British Colossus.
Strong sound and a chassis for all events
When it comes to the sound, the Arden Range Rover Sport AR6 Stronger abandons its British reserved nature. Arden informs the public about the increased performance of the modified Range with a full sound. The Arden engineers have created an exhaust system with a sport catalytic converter. Besides the much better sound in comparison to the standard system, the high-performance system also has a “big end”. Or rather four – because two twin tailpipes show observers that even without the motor running something special has been fitted under the Range. The customer receives a high-quality, long-lasting product manufactured completely from corrosion resistant stainless steel.
The Arden AR6 Stronger chassis comes with an electronic air suspension system that provides optimum tuning at all times and in every situation. The electronic module offers two further driver programs in addition to the standard settings. The AR6 Stronger can be lowered by 23 mm to improve the handling and to lower the centre of gravity. The sport tuning endows the heavy SUV with decidedly better road holding. Should the ”show-piece” need to be maneuvered over bad roads or country lanes, then the vehicle can be raised 25 mm using the off-road setting. The gain in ground clearance should mean that there are no more obstacles worth mentioning.
Arden enhances the interior with various elements because customers predominantly see their Arden Range Rover Sport from the inside. All interior work is carried out in Arden’s own saddlery. Customer requests are manufactured with the highest precision and attention to detail. Every request – no matter how extraordinary – is a welcome challenge. The high-quality realisation of this challenge is Arden’s uppermost goal. Leather and Alcantara are custom-tailored in every desired color and various exotic woods are processed. The experienced Arden team also manufactures chrome-, carbon-, aluminum- and piano-paint applications for their customers. With this finish, the Arden Range Rover AR6 Stronger always makes sure that its passengers are comfortable and relaxed at the end of a long journey.
