Tags: Carlsson Mercedes-Benz Mercedez-Benz SLK tuning motorsport
From the racing circuit onto the road - the Carlsson philosophy
Since 2005, Carlsson has being taking part with a CK35 RS on the basis of the Mercedes SLK 350 in the BF Goodrich Long-Distance Cup. It uses this exercise, as with other races it has participated in with different vehicles in the past, to test out new products, which incorporate its vast experience from long-distance motor racing.
Particularly the constant high stresses and strains encountered in long-distance racing lead to the development of more durable solutions, which Carlsson integrates into its road-approved products and which benefit Carlsson customers. The same goes for the CK35.
In the case of the Carlsson CK35 performance kit based on the SLK 350, the modifications express themselves in a boost in engine power by 17kW/23 hp to 217kW/295 hp, which is achieved at 6000 rpm. At the same time, the V6 engine develops a maximum torque of 385 Nm at 4800 rpm, an increase of 35 Nm compared with the series version. From a standstill, the Carlsson CK35 scorches to 100 km/h in just 5.68 seconds (series: 6.1 sec.).
The performance kit includes two sports rear mufflers from corrosion-resistant stainless steel each with two oval exhaust tips, which clearly, but discreetly announce the increased power of the engine. In addition, Carlsson modifies the engine electronics, which it optimizes extensively. A sports air filter supplies the V6 with an extra portion of "breathing air." By overriding the Vmax restriction, the CK35 can travel a full 20 km/h faster, the top speed being 270 km/h. A chrome inscription proves that the modified engine is a genuine Carlsson. The increased torque and the enhanced power-weight ratio (instead of 5.4 kg/hp, now only 5.0 kg/hp has to be moved) are expressed in the superior pulling power and provide the driver with significantly greater driving enjoyment than before. Acceleration from 0 to 200 in 21.12 (series 22.6).
Carlsson - close affiliation with motor racing
Enjoying a successful track record in long-distance championship racing spanning many years (winners of the class, pole positions, lap records and top 10 placements), since 2005 a modified Mercedes SLK 350, namely the Carlsson CK35 RS, has been the car used in such racing contests. Last year, Carlsson clinched victory as early as in the fifth race in the fiercely competitive SP6 class. This year, the CK35 RS is at the top of the class again after the fourth race in the BF Goodrich Long-Distance Championship and has been putting other cars - which have previously dominated the contest such as the Porsche 911 GT3 R and the BMW M3 GTR and M3 E46 - into their place.
In the top 10 - the declared target
The highlight of the racing calendar is the 24h race at the Nürburgring racing circuit from 17 to 18 June. Anyone who can bring their vehicle safely home over the full distance, and also secure a position in the top 10, can count themselves as being among the best in motor racing. The top-class team of drivers, consisting of Rainer Brückner, ex-rally ace Ingvar Carlsson who gave his name to Carlsson, circuit specialist Wolfgang Kaufmann and ex-Mercedes-Benz junior Frank Diefenbacher, have set themselves this minimum target. The CK35 RS, the motor racing version of the road-approved CK35, has already shown what it is capable of in numerous 4 and 6 hour races - it is now a question of passing the 24-hour test in the "Green Hell".
