Thursday 14th April 2005

Carlsson uprates Merc über-coupé

Nearly 20pc more grunt, lowered, and an aero-kit

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Carlsson CK55

Carlsson has added its own flavour to the Mercedes CLS 55 AMG über-coupé. According to the Merzig, Germany-based tuner, the car, now called the CK55, combines outstanding power delivery with comfort, impressive acceleration and agile handling.

Carlsson's performance kit boosts power to 560bhp at 6,000 rpm, up from the AMG version's 476bhp, which gets it from zero to 62mph in 4.5 seconds, with top speed limited -- as ever -- to 155mph. Torque is a mighty 597lb-ft at 2600 rpm, up from the AMG's 512lb-ft.

It looks as it drives, with aerodynamic modifications including the Carlsson RS front-spoiler lip and a sports rear silencer with four all-stainless steel, double-walled pipes. Carlsson said these are optimised for back pressure and pipe run, adding to torque and power. Double-walling adds thermal insulation and is more aerodynamic so less dirt sticks to them from turbulence, said Carlsson. They make a nice sporting note too, apparently.

The CK55 sits on 20-inch 'Ultra Light' series wheels wrapped in Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 255/30 ZR20 tyres (front) and 305/25 ZR20s (rear). They're tightly contained by the arches which are 30mm lower than standard while Carlsson's new C-Tronic intelligent electronic system automatically adjusts suspension travel on poor road surfaces.

Inside, Carlsson offers a range of interior appointments to taste. With comfort, ergonomics and aesthetics in mind, the company offers Carlsson leather and Alcantara in anthracite with rhombus quilting, while standard trim parts are finished in black piano varnish. The sports steering wheel is covered in Alcantara covering for better grip.

The price? Carlsson isn't saying -- you have to go talk to them first.

• Carlsson Autotechnik GmbH

[dinkel]

"Keep inside" and it will be heaven I'm sure . . .

Looks are - well - almost of Rover 75 quality . . . Überbling.

Soon in a rapvid near you . . .

[Bodo]

still don't see the point of visual maxpoweresque mods like the above - but the original Mercedes CLS certainly is a car that Jaguar should have build - but they're too busy doing peasant class diesel estates now.

[Marki]

I think in this case original is best , i really like the CLS as big barges go