The German tuner is the first to take on the stylish new CLS.
When the Mercedes-Benz CLS made its debut, it was regarded as one of the most attractive and stylish cars on the market with its sleek “four-door coupe” design. The new-generation C218 CLS-Class made its debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, and was set to go on sale in January of 2011 as a 2012-model. Carlsson Autotechnik GmbH decided it would get a head start on the competition and released their new tuning program for the CLS-Class before the new model even went on sale.
The tuning program includes a subtle, yet powerful exterior package that was created by Rolf Schlepp, Chief Designer at Carlsson. The exterior modifications focus on enhancing the CLS’s coupe-like styling while also improving the vehicle’s aerodynamics. The face of the CLS becomes more powerful with the Carlsson bodywork, which includes a front spoiler, stainless steel grille inserts, and apron inserts with LED fog lamps. The sweeping lines that make the CLS so sleek and sexy are highlighted by the two smooth power domes on the hood. Both sides of the CLS wear new moldings with air inlets and side skirts that flow with the swooping coupe-like lines. At the rear, a more striking spoiler and rear diffuser are fitted for improved downforce.
The exterior design of the CLS is also enhanced with Carlsson’s new 1/10 wheel. Designed by Schlepp, the muscular wheel features five simple spokes that flush to the edge of the wheel and five double spokes that begin deeper in the wheel, lending to a dynamic appearance. Three different finishes are available for the 1/10 wheel: Titanium Silver, Brilliant Silver, and Graphite Gray. Carlsson also offers the wheels in 19- and 20-inch diameters, wrapped in premium rubber. To accentuate the wheels and overall design of the CLS, Carlsson also installs the C-Tronic suspension, which lowers the car by 30-mm and constantly monitors the road conditions to provide the optimum ride.
Carlsson also takes on both the diesel and gasoline V-6 engines in the CLS with two performance kits. The Carlsson Mercedes C-Tronic Diesel Power control unit for the 3.0-liter engine boosts power from the standard 265 horsepower and 479 lb-ft. of torque to a mighty 320 horsepower and 575 lb-ft. Power for the 3.5-liter gasoline engine is also improved from the stock 306 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. of torque to 333 horsepower and 302 lb-ft. of torque with the new CK35 performance CLS tuning kit. Both performance kits help power the CLS to 62 mph in just 5.9 seconds and meet EURO 5 emissions standards.
The interior of the CLS is also refined by Carlsson for a sportier feel. The foot pedals and foot rest are replaced with brushed aluminum units, and the floor and trunk mats are replaced with velour mats embossed with the Carlsson logo. The centerpiece of the interior is the new Alcantara sport steering wheel, which gives the driver improved grip and control.
Carlsson will debut the entire tuning program for the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (C218) at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The aerodynamic package, engine tuning kits, and wheels can be purchased as an entire package or separately to create a custom-tailored CLS.
Carlsson Mercedes-Benz CLS (C 218):
Engine:
Type: Turbodiesel 3.0-liter V-6 (CLS 350 CDI)
Stock: 265 horsepower, 479 lb-ft.
C-Tronic Diesel Power: 320 horsepower, 575 lb-ft.
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 5.9 seconds
Type: Gasoline 3.5-liter V-6 (CLS 350)
Stock: 306 horsepower, 273 lb-ft.
CK35 Performance Kit: 333 horsepower, 302 lb-ft.
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 5.9 seconds
Wheels and Suspension:
Type: 1/10, with five top spokes and five double spokes
Finishes: Titanium Silver, Brilliant Silver, and Graphite Gray
Size (19-inch): 8.5 x 19 (front), 9.5 x 19 (rear)
Size (20-inch): 8.5 x 20 (front), 10.5 x 20 (rear)
Suspension: C-Tronic, lowers by 30-mm and constantly adjusts to road conditions
Exterior:
-Front spoiler lip
-Front apron inserts
-Stainless steel grille inserts
-Hood power domes
-Side moldings with air inlets
-Side sills
-Rear spoiler
-Rear diffuser
Interior:
-Alcantara sport steering wheel
-Brushes Aluminum foot rest and pedals
-Velour floor mats with Carlsson logo
-Velour trunk mat with Carlsson logo
[Source: Carlsson Autotechnik GmbH]
Do you think the Carlsson tuning program is tasteful and highlights the design of the CLS, or is tacky and takes away from the four-door coupe’s overall styling? Leave a comment and let us know!
