Carlsson Does the New 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS Sports Saloon

The new CLS won't be arriving in Mercedes-Benz dealerships before the end of January 2011, yet German tuning firm Carlsson has already unveiled its performance and styling program for the second generation of the banana-shaped sports saloon.

The German tuner revamps the Mercedes model's exterior with a comprehensive aerodynamics package comprising of a restyled front bumper that incorporates a lip spoiler and LED fog lights, side skirts, a rear apron with a built in diffuser and space for the new rectangular-shape tail pipes, and a boot lid spoiler.

The side air outlets, revised grille and the new bonnet with power domes are also part of the package, which can be complemented by a choice of alloy wheel designs.

For the interior, Carlsson's menu includes an Alcantara sports steering wheel, pedals and foot rest made of brushed aluminium, plus unique floor mats featuring the firm's logo with a matching boot cover.

The tuning house offers performance upgrades for the CLS 350 CGI petrol and 350 CDI V6 diesel models. With the CK35 kit, the V6 petrol engine's output is lifted from 306HP and 370Nm to 333HP and 410Nm. As a result, the car's 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time drops from 6.1 seconds to 5.9 seconds.

Thanks to the firm's C-Tronic DIESEL POWER electronic tune, the 350 CDI produces 320HP and 780Nm of peak torque, up from the stock model's 265HP and 650Nm. This allows the diesel-powered to go from 0 to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds instead of the standard 6.2 seconds.

Other performance features include Carlsson’s patented C-Tronic Suspension system that can lower the vehicle's ride height by up to 30 mm, as well as constantly adjust the spring travel depending on the road conditions.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Carlsson C25: Mercedes-Benz-Based Super GT to Debut in Geneva

The closer we get to the 2010 Geneva Salon in March, the more automakers reveal their plans for one of the most important car shows of the year. Carlsson, the well-known Mercedes-Benz specialist, announced today that it will shake the covers off the C25, which it describes as the company's "first own-developed automobile".

And by that, Carlsson actually means that it has created its own limited run super-car using a whole lot of bits and pieces from Mercedes-Benz' parts bin.

Even though the tuner did not say which model the C25 coupe is based on, judging by the teaser sketches and the fact that it is powered by a 6.0-liter bi-turbo V12 engine, our first guess goes to the Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG.

Nevertheless, the drawings suggest that the C25 will have its own unique styling personality while the tuner claims that the same goes for the new interior that receives a generous use of real carbon, tanned buffalo leather and ultra-suede in special colors.

Underneath the sheetmetal, it's all about tuning Mercedes-Benz' running gear. Power comes from a tweaked 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine that cranks out 753-horsepower and a mouth dropping 1,320Nm or 974 lb-ft (!) of peak torque that's available at 3,750 rpm.

With that kind of power, it's no surprise that Carlsson announces a 0-100km/h (62mph) time of just 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 353 km/h or 219mph.

The completely street-legal C25 also gets ESP, ABS, airbag systems, an intelligent lowering C-Tronic SUSPENSION, 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels shod in 265/30 tires at the front and 325/25 at the back as well as 405mm slotted race brake discs at the front and 380mm race brake discs at the rear.

Carlsson said that it will produce only 25 examples of the car delivering only one automobile per country. More details and pricing are to be announced at the C25's world premiere at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

Carlsson CK63 RS: Beefed up Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Saloon gets 585HP V8

Never content with Merc's factory models, Carlsson is at it again, this time with the most powerful version of the new E-Class saloon, the E63 AMG. The German tuner's treatment brings power up from 525HP to 584HP and peak torque from 630Nm to 695Nm (512 lb-ft). The higher performance figures for the 6.3-liter V8 were achieved through a reprogrammed ECU, a sport exhaust system and various other upgrades.

The extra power allows the E63 AMG which Carlsson renamed to CK63 RS, accelerated from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 4.5 seconds, or three tenths of a second faster than the factory model.

Carlsson also added a few aero parts into the mix like the modified front apron, new side skirts and a rear apron that houses a carbon-fiber diffuser. The company claims that the bodykit helps increase downforce at high speeds. The kit is complemented by a set of 20-inch bi-color 1/5 REVO alloy wheels.

Depending on how much you're willing to spend on the CK63 RS, Carlsson can also dress the entire cabin with special leathers while other highlights include the aluminium trim options and the illuminated floor mats.

Carlsson CK50: Tuner Boosts Mercedes-Benz E500 Coupe to 435 HP

Not satisfied with the factory Mercedes-Benz E500 Coupe but don't want to go overboard either? Well, then you may want to check out Carlsson's latest package for the most-powerful version of the new E-Class yet, which carries the name the CK50. The German tuning firm starts out by modifying the 5.5-liter V8 engine that gets a power upgrade from 388 HP and 530Nm to 435 HP and 600Nm of peak torque.

A sport exhaust system with two oval end pipes and a special air filter complete the under-the-hood mods.

To improve the CK50's handling, the tuner adds a new coilover suspension system with adjustable damping, and sport springs that lower the coupe's ride height by around 30mm.

The CK50 also rides on 20-inch alloy wheels in a two tone finish that are shod in 230/30 R20 Dunlop tires.

Carlsson has preferred to keep styling changes limited as the only aero parts available are a front apron that's optionally available in real carbon fiber and a discreet boot lid spoiler.

For the interior, Carlsson offers buyers several options including a combination of leather and suede for the gearstick knob and the steering wheel, aluminium sport pedals and specific floor mats.

Prices as well as 'real-life' photos of the CK50 are to be released within the next few weeks.