CLS: The Carlsson CK55

Alx · **CLS: The Carlsson CK55 -** 06-17-2006, 01:48 PM

Last week, we brought you our first ever "Tuner Spotlight," a weekly feature dedicated to bringing you, our fellow Mercedes enthusiasts, a healthy dose of the tuning nutrition you crave.

For our second installment, I decided to feature a vehicle that I absolutely adore - a vehicle so stunning; so
ravishing; so exquisite; it may be the greatest tuning package ever created for the already-astonishing Mercedes CLS 55 AMG.

Titled the CK55, Carlsson's CLS 55 is, quite simply, a work of art.

For starters, there's the CK 55's exterior. A number of subtle styling hints are evident, including the Carlsson RS front spoiler lip, a design element that adds to the CLS 55's impeccable lines without being... how should I put this... overbearing. Twenty inch 1/16 Ultra Light forged wheels give the CK55 a dynamic yet elegant appearance, and coupled with the Carlsson C-Tronic Suspension, a reduction in ride height by 30mm further adds to the vehicle's luxurious yet sporty appearance. In the rear, four stainless steel tail pipes complete the CK55's styling package.

While the Carlsson CLS 55 AMG's exterior is mesmerizing, inside, the CK55 truly distinguishes itself from its non-Carlsson counterparts. A combination of Carlsson leather and Alcantara blend to create a balance of comfort, ergonomics, and aesthetics, while a rhombus quilting stitch pattern give the CK55 a truly unique appearance. Interior elements featuring Carlsson's exclusive styling include the CK55's seating, door panels, center console, and steering wheel.

Of course, styling without power means nothing, so the final area Carlsson addressed was the CLS 55's performance attributes. After developing the CK 55 performance kit, horsepower of the standard CLS 55 AMG's V8 is bumped from 469 hp to a far more suitable 560 hp, while torque increases from 516 lb-ft @ 2,650 to an impressive 810 Nm at 2600 rpm. As a result, the Carlsson CK 55 is capable of achieving a 0-62 mph time of 4.5 seconds, while top speed is limited to a tidy 198.8 mph.

Unbelievably fast; unbelievably sexy - what more can you ask for?

To see more of the Carlsson CK55 in all of its unbridled beauty, keep scrolling for a number of "supersizable" photos. Also, there's a brief video showcasing the CK55 on a test track, which you can view by visiting the - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER of Carlsson's website.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, concludes this week's episode of "Tuner Spotlight." For more info on the CK55 or any of Carlsson's other products, visit - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for the full details, and be sure to stay tuned next week to see what delectable Mercedes modifications lay in store.

Adios.