MERZIG, Germany — Carlsson Autotechnik will unveil its modified Mercedes GL500 at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show, making the GL the third model to come from its partnership with the luxury leather company Etienne Aigner. Production will be limited to 20.
Carlsson brings power up to 456 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque thanks to a remapped ECU, a freer-flowing exhaust system, high-lift camshafts and modified cylinder heads. The performance modifications help the 0-60-mph time to fall from 6.5 to under 5.9 seconds.
The German tuner applied a wine red metallic paint below the window line and topped it off with black for a striking two-tone look. The vehicle gets a new stance with a 1.6-inch-lower suspension and three-piece forged 23-inch alloys, while the exterior is enhanced with side skirts, wider wheel arches and foglights that are built into the extended front bumper.
In the Carlsson version, the seven-seat GL-Class is modified to sit four, which makes room for a refrigerator integrated between the rear seats. Eight-inch screens are installed in the front-seat headrests, and the Aigner-designed interior adds Alcantara on the seats, dashboard and door panels.
The Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse is available for the equivalent of $292,200.
Inside Line says: Carlsson ups the style and power ante with its modified full-size Mercedes SUV. — Mike Lysaght, Correspondent
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