2008 Arden Range Rover AR7 Highlander review

Arden Range Rover AR7 Highlander review:

superior 520 HP and powerful 701 Nm
Compressor motor with increased cubic capacity
High Performance Twin Screw Supercharger
sporty aerodynamic kit
resonant sound with stainless steel exhaust system / extravagant exhaust tailpipe design
22” or 23” wheels, high performance braking system
elegant sporty interior

Elegance, discreet sportiness and understatement have always been the characteristics of British cars. The car enhancement specialist and registered automobile manufacturer from Krefeld was unable to resist the attraction of these vehicles over 30 years ago. It has for many years been a refuge for customers wanting it to individualise their Jaguar or Range Rover and emphasize its typical characteristics. Arden’s latest development is the AR7. It is based on the Range Rover LM, which Arden completely converts and provides with more overtaking prestige. The base vehicle which is impressive due to its sheer size becomes captivating with its extraordinary sporty look. Meanwhile enhanced performance of the Range Rover compressor motor contributes to the sporty driving performance.

Arden bodykit: better look, better driving behavior

Arden adapted its aerodynamic components to the Range Rover’s basic design in a masterly fashion. As usual with Arden, the kit looks as though it fits seamlessly. The completely re-designed, in total 6 cm wider front apron, which replaces the production part, features a hand-made stainless steel grill and air vents. These features emphasize not only the dynamic and powerful appearance, they also provide more effective air supply to the cooling units behind. Arden has made substantial improvements to the aerodynamics, effectively reducing lift to the front axle; this has a lasting benefit on handling performance at higher speeds. The LED daytime running lights deserve special attention. They comply with the future European standards and are harmoniously integrated right and left above the large air intakes. To complete the powerful appearance, Arden also enhances the Range Rover with wheel arch extensions, side skirts and a newly developed rear apron, which like the front apron features several grill inserts.

With regards to harmoniously designing the rear area, Arden adapted the design of the exhaust tail pipes of the stainless steel sport exhaust system, which was exclusively hand-made for the new AR7, perfectly to the design of the rear apron. The system which produces a marvellous resonant sound ends in rectangular tailpipes, with its openings characterized by a horizontal center bar, so that they do not appear too overpowering and meet Arden’s standards for understatement.

“Bigfoot”

The “Sportline” wheels have a large share in the appearance of the Arden AR7. Arden offers the three-part forged wheel in 22” or 23”. The increased size compared with the production Range Rover clearly improves the handling of the SUV and gives the driver more driving pleasure.

Whoever decides on enhanced power should also think of suitable braking performance. So that the Arden AR7 comes to a standstill as quickly as it accelerates, Arden incorporates at the front a 6-piston and at the rear a 4-piston braking system which distributes its power emphatically on the internally ventilated and perforated brake disks.