Carlsson CK55: CLS Colossus

By Motoring Channel Staff - 13/04/2005

The Carlsson tuning house, founded by brothers Rolf and Andreas Hartge in 1989, says that the CLS 55 AMG is a treat to drive thanks to its balanced handling characteristics and excellent performance.

Nevertheless, Carlsson Autotechnik GmbH from Merzig in Southwest Germany has decided to risk its own interpretation of this thoroughbred automobile, which is primarily aimed at the ambitious, discerning driver who wants more - more torque, more power and more grip.

Even at first glance, the Carlsson CK55 holds out the promise of pure luxury coupled with great muscle.

And it lives up to expectations by combining outstanding power delivery with the greatest possible comfort, impressive acceleration times and extremely agile handling.

The CK55 performance kit brings the SOHC supercharged 5.4-litre V8 engine's output to 412kW (560hp) @ 6000rpm, up from 350kW @ 6100rpm, lending the car "Carlsson-typical" characteristics.

The saloon car covers the standing start to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds with acceleration only being stopped by the electronic limiter at a top speed of 320km/h.

The torque produced by this powerplant is a mighty 810Nm @ 2600rpm. To put it simply: the CK55 offers complete and unadulterated driving pleasure.

Less is sometimes more. On the basis of proven Carlsson styling elements, a few but effective modifications to the aerodynamics of the CK55 are sufficient to lend the car an even more dynamic and sporting look.

The Carlsson RS front-spoiler lip continues the lines of the CLS 55 AMG harmoniously and – without being blatant – attracts a host of enthusiastic glances.

Thanks to a reduction in lift, the driver profits from improved handling: a major benefit with such a powerful car.

The Carlsson sports rear silencer with four tail pipes dominates the back view. Given that a correctly tuned exhaust system is essential for increased engine performance, Carlsson sports rear silencers are optimised in comparison with the standard version in terms of backpressure and pipe run, which results in greater torque and a higher power output.

The systems are made entirely of stainless steel and distinguished by first-class workmanship, which leads to a considerably longer service life. The design of the tailpipes also has a practical benefit: they are double-walled, or to put it another way they are not only thermally insulated, but also more aerodynamic, which results in less dirt sticking to them from turbulence.

Last but not least, the CK55 impresses with its Carlsson-typical and sonorous sporting sound that is striking without being a distraction.

All this luxury should be combined with elegant and technically advanced wheels. The right choice here is forged wheels from the Carlsson 'Ultra Light' series. The 19-inch factory wheels too small? For the CK55, Carlsson can supply them in the dimensions 8.5 x 20-inch (front axle with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 255/30 ZR20 tyres) and 11 x 20-inch (rear axle with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 305/25 ZR20 tyres).

The elaborate forging process not only guarantees an impressive appearance but also offers genuine benefits: in comparison to cast 20-inch wheels, these extremely light wheels ensure better handling, improved steering characteristics and, therefore, greater comfort.

The new C-Tronic Suspension supplementary control unit is used to lower the CK55 by approximately 30mm, which results not only in a more sporting look but also less body roll and, therefore, improved handling.

An important component of the new C-Tronic Suspension is its intelligent electronic system that automatically adjusts the suspension travel on poor road surfaces and thus smoothes out irregularities of all kinds. It goes without saying that no safety standards are infringed in any way.

Only those who feel comfortable in their surroundings can expect to arrive fully relaxed. For the CK55, too, Carlsson offers an exclusive range of interior appointments from which the customer can choose to suit his or her individual taste.

Characteristic of all fittings are the close links between comfort, ergonomics and aesthetics. The combination of high-quality Carlsson leather and Alcantara in anthracite with rhombus quilting gives the CK55 an independent character. To match the upholstery, the standard trim parts are finished in black piano varnish. And, thanks to the ergonomically designed Carlsson sports steering wheel with its Alcantara covering, the driver has a secure and comfortable grip on the CK55 at all times (cool in the summer, warm in the winter).

Further information about the exclusive range of tuning parts for Mercedes-Benz automobiles is available from Carlsson in Merzig, the Carlsson sales network or any Carlsson dealer: Carlsson.de