With the launch of our new site we’ve been hard at work catching up on the stories we missed during our absence, and one story we felt necessary to add to to our features is a look at the Carlsson C25 Super GT – a model that celebrated its world premier at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. If you missed it, the Carlsson C25 was conceived from the platform of the consummate Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series, the race-inspired SL coupe boasting 493 kW/670 hp and a maximum torque of 1,000 newton metres directly from the factory. Carlsson took the SL65 Black a step further, bumping output to a staggering 554kW/753 hp and 1,320 Nm torque (electronically limited to 1,150Nm). The end result is a model capable of accelerating from 0-62 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds before hitting a top speed of precisely 218.7 mph.
But the Carlsson C25 is more than just a tuned SL65 AMG Black Series, it’s design makes it a model unto its own. Outside, both the front rear have been heavily re-worked, with a Carlsson’s trademark trapezoidal shapes featured throughout. The headlights and taillights have both been significantly altered; there’s a new elongated front with a revised hood, front apron and grille; the rear of the vehicle boasts a far more angular shape with a radically altered exhaust design; and the contours over the rear wheel arches now flow to the back of the vehicle, as opposed to following the wheel downward (these are just some of the design changes). Inside, stronger traces of the Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series remain, although Carlsson has clad the interior in a new plum color comprised of buffalo leather and ultra-suede.
Completing the package and ensuring optimum drivability, a Carlsson high performance braking system with with 405 mm large slotted race brake discs up front and 380 mm race brake discs at the rear, the Carlsson C-TRONIC SUSPENSION system and Carlsson ultra-light and forged wheels (40 percent lighter than custom light alloy wheels) all serve to help you adequately manage the abundance of power at your disposal.
If you’re interested in procuring a Carlsson C25, there’s a couple caveats. First, Carlsson will only be delivering one C25 per country in an effort to ensure exclusivity, and secondly, Carlsson’s allotment of only 25 vehicles has already been sold out. If you have your heart set on the C25, however, I have a feeling that if your finances match your desires, you’ll likely see one or two C25’s pop up on the second hand market in the not-too-distant future.
While you’re waiting, feel free to read more about the Carlsson C25 Super GT in the official press release below and view a photo gallery showcasing the C25’s design and official reveal in Geneva.
