Carlsson’s CK 55 RS580 Is A Unique Take On The R230
Carlsson added nearly 100 horsepower to the SL55, and curiously added “CK 55” to the name.
There’s something a bit curious about Carlsson. They do things differently than Brabus or AMG or even Lorinser. Take for example this SL55. It’s now a CK 55. And if pronounced properly, it’s a CK 55 RS580 according to CarBuzz.
That last part is important. Carlsson’s “Kompressor” (likely where the CK designation comes from), puts out 580 horsepower. And that’s definitely where the RS580 designation comes from. But only three of these were made. We wonder why, because it combined all of the things that make the brand one of the more respected among Mercedes enthusiasts.
Upgrades include the usual M113K changes – Carlsson’s own pulley, injectors, intercooler and engine tune. A stainless exhaust gives bark to match the bite, too. Horsepower is upped to 580 as mentioned. Torque bumps up 50 to 575 total. You’ll identify it as the German tuner’s handiwork due to the bright blue engine covers that take the place of AMG’s own. The CK 55 leaves the name plate on the supercharger though. Big 20 inch Carlsson rims might be just about as rare as the car itself.
Carlsson went beyond the mechanical upgrades and gave the interior a bit of razzle dazzle, too. Dark blue carbon fiber trim on the inside matches the Tanzanite blue paint on the outside, as a subtle touch. Via MB Market, we found one of the other three CK 55’s and it has custom door cards with Calrsson branding for extra bling.
Now that the pre-facelift R230 is over 20 years old, its interesting to think of these as “classic” cars, but that’s what they really are. The platform has its share of special edition AMG models, like the SL55 and SL65, but like Carlsson’s CK 55, there were other specials, too. Brabus had the SL R 230, Fisker had the Tramonto (remember that one?). We’ll also say that “regular” R230’s have their place too. The SL500 is one of the best ways into Mercedes roadster ownership, and the V12 in the SL600 is more than adequate and very sublime.
Photos Courtesy of CarBuzz
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