2012 Mercedes SLK R172 tuning package Carlsson review and pictures

Mercedes SLK R172 tuning package Carlsson review:

Carlsson underscores the stylish sporty nature of the SLK (R172) with its new upgrade range

• Complete range for both the interior and exterior
  
• Alloy wheels up to 20 inches in size
  
• Enhanced power for all engine types

Two seats, a long bonnet, short overhangs, an open top and the engine in just the right place. With the new SLK, Mercedes-Benz presents what is probably the finest roadster in its history. Yet Carlsson still finds numerous ways to personalise the car's interior and exterior and to leave its own unique mark on its dynamism and style.

The aerodynamics system, consisting of a front spoiler and rear apron insert (for cars with the AMG sports package, code 950), underscores the car's sporty geometry and guarantees an additional downforce at the rear axle (the front spoiler and the rear insert are available for 620 Euro each, excluding VAT). The car's front is perfected by the new front spoiler lip RS (available for 549 Euro and optional in real carbon) while the grille inserts made from electropolished stainless steel (449 Euro) replace the standard synthetic honeycombs in the front apron. The rear view meanwhile is dominated by the stainless steel sports silencer with two stainless steel pipes left and right in the typical oval Carlsson shape (available for 1298 Euro). The acoustic engineers at Carlsson have developed an amazing sporty sound in a way that optimises flow and really underscores the character of the SLK. The diffuser insert and the well-designed rear spoiler cause the contact pressure at the rear axle to increase even further.

Carlsson has drawn on its years of experience in enhancing engine power to present, for the first time, the Carlsson C-Tronic for the current generation of CGI engines. Thanks to the additional control units, the engine power is boosted by anything between 27 and 40 hp. The new C-Tronic makes use of the unit's existing reserves and, thanks to the connection to the car's electronics system, ensures that the relevant safety limits are adhered to and that the engine is not exposed to any excessive wear. Through elaborate endurance testing, Carlsson has developed a new generation of additional control units for the current four-cylinder CGI engines. Durability is guaranteed by the car maker by way of a three-year warranty, valid from the date of installation.

The C-Tronic CB20 enables the SLK 200 CGI to achieve 211 hp (155 kW) while the C-Tronic CB20S allows it to reach 224 hp (165 kW), compared with the standard model's basic power of 184 hp (135 kW). Meanwhile, the C-Tronic CB25 boosts the power of the SLK 250 CGI from 204 hp (150 kW) to 231 hp (170 kW) while the CB25S enables the engine to achieve 239 hp (165 kW). (The C-Tronic CB20 and CB25 are available for 1190 Euro and the C-Tronic CB20S and CB25S for 1690 Euro.)

The lowering of the car's centre of gravity by up to 30 millimetres further increases the car's dynamics without impacting upon comfort levels. Furthermore, the suspension lowering kit (309 Euro), used in conjunction with tyres of up to 20 inches, add the final touches to the car's upgrade. Complete wheel sets starting at 18 inches are available from 1930 Euro.

The interior of the SLK receives an upgrade from Carlsson's own upholsterers based at Gut Wiesenhof. These experienced master upholsterers have come up with a combination of colours and materials for the SLK, which can, if the customer requires, be personalised with matching beading and stitching. Carlsson Nappa, Carlsson Nappa Exclusive and Carlsson Nappa Exclusive Heavy Weight are offered as part of a basic package consisting of the upholstering of two seats, the headrests and the insides of the doors and are available from 3900 Euro including fitting. The interior is further refined by the use of pedal pads made of brushed aluminium with Carlsson logos (suitable for both automatic and stick-shift vehicles) as well as the Carlsson gear selector with Alcantara appliqu?s, individual carbon features or, alternatively, fine wood inlays.