Carlsson CK55 RS Rascasse

By Jay Williams - 19/February/2009

Geneva, Switzerland – The word 'pimp' comes to mind when I first look at the limited edition Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse.

Cementing this first impression is the rear compartment that hides hand-blown Carlsson-Aigner wine glasses, perfect for serving exotic beverages.

And if that isn't pimped, I don't know what is.

Fans of modified cars will find this German SUV - street urban vehicle - alluring from all positions.

For the third time Carlsson has bunked up with luxury goods brand Etienne Aigner to create this latest project, the Limited Edition Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse, which is based on a Mercedes-Benz GL 500.

It is a limited release, with just 20 versions being built and will be shown at the Geneva Auto Salon alongside some of the world's most sought-after vehicles. 

You can see that the exterior is all-new, but Carlsson has also tuned the 5-5litre V8 engine.

By using a free-flow exhaust system with new catalytic converters, gas-flowed cylinder-heads, high-lift camshafts and a remapped ECU, Carlsson has managed to boost power outputs from the standard 285kW and 530Nm of torque to a pimp-slapping 335kW with 640Nm of torque.

These numbers are impressive, which makes the CK55 RS the most powerful normally-aspirated GL in the world, accelerating from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds which is 0.6th of a second quicker than the standard model. 

There's a lot of detail on the exterior and interior of the vehicle as well as the massaged engine, which makes the price tag of €228,500 (A$450,000) seem almost reasonable.

Like the first two vehicles designed by the Carlsson and Aigner team, the new model shares it's name with a legendary racetrack bend: Rascasse is the second last corner of the Monaco Grand Prix Circuit as well as a famous street café located trackside.

The 23-inch three-piece forged alloy wheels will tickle the fancy on many wheel nuts (pun intended), but they aren't all about show. They have a lighter weight compared to the standard wheels, which reduces unsprung weight.

Suspension has also been lowered by 40mm, to better complement the cars handling qualities and to improve the look.

The two-tone paint job gives the Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse an edgy feel, combining wine-red metallic and black.

According to Carlsson, this is the kind of detail we are to expect from the paint work: 

"Several coats of perfectly smooth, hand-rubbed wine-red metallic paint have been applied to just below the window line. Above this, rich black paint takes over with a thin, black coachline softening the transition between two shades. The visual marriage of these two contrasting yet complementary colours imparts a regal air to the Rascasse."

This kingly SUV gets wider wheel arches, new side skirts, driving light insets, fog lights, and daytime LEDs are some of the many upgrades. Carlsson also uses a new front bumper to give the CK55 RS Rascasse an ominous gaze.

Jumping inside, Alcantara and leather is present everywhere you look, covering the seats, dash, door liners, center console and headliner, which are all bonded together using a special stitch design.

The most obvious change to the Mercedes-Benz GL 500's interior is the area in which seven seats used to preside, but are now left with four more-than-generous seats, with the rear seats being individually contoured. 

Just Imagine stuffing two lazy boy reclining sofas in there and you'll get the picture of 'pimped' luxury in this extreme luxury SUV.

Related Links:
- Carlsson CK55 (2005)
- Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class (2008)
- Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK Freeside Concept (2008)
- Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 GT (2007)
- Mercedes-Benz F 700 Concept (2007)
- Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Estate (2008)
- Mercedes-Benz New C-Class (2008)
- Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG (2008)
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe (2009)