Carlsson has unveiled its new Carlsson C25 Royale at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. The sleek coupe body is based on the Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG.
It seems maroon was definitely the colour of the show this year, with Pagani and Bertone using the colour to unveil both of their star attractions as well. The Carlsson C25 Royale is the pinnacle blend of sheer luxury entwined with outright power and ferocious speed. This is not your ordinary ‘done up’ Mercedes-Benz SL 65, it’s an all-new weapon.
Carlsson starts the transformation by adding its own wide-body bodykit. The kit includes completely new, re-welded rear guards that are a lot wider than the originals. Using these pumped panels has allowed Carlsson to fit much wider wheels and tyres on the back – 20 by 12 inch in fact, with 325/25 section tyres.
The front end is also treated to vast modifications, including an all-new front bumper bar incorporating new scoops and vents, new front guards that are wider than the original items and feature race-style heat-extracting vents behind the front wheels, and a new carbon fibre bonnet. Front wheels are also much bigger than the originals and measure 20 by 9.5 inches, wearing 265/30 tyres.
It’s under the bonnet that really sets the C25 apart from its donor car though, if the bodykit hasn’t already done that. It features the same AMG 6.0-litre V12 twin-turbo engine only it is tuned to output an almost ridiculous 554kW of power and 1320Nm of torque. It’s brutal enough to propel the car from 0-100km/h in just 3.7 seconds and keep pushing until 352km/h.
Inside, the C25 Royale is extremely welcoming. Every detail is smothered in rich leather, Alcantara and carbon fibre – Carlsson has even gone for the fashionable diamond-stitched seats. The colour scheme Carlsson went for with the show car was of course maroon and black, but Carlsson can customise any combination you like. The great thing about the interior is it still features all of the luxurious creature comforts typical of the S-Class Mercedes-Benz donor car.
Carlsson plans to make just 25 of these C25 Royales, all in left-hand drive unfortunately. Prices start at 510,510 Euro (AU$696,234) including German tax.
