Carlsson CK50 based on Mercedes E 500 E-class Coupé (C 207)

For the new E-class Coupé (Type C 207) Carlsson introduces an entire individualisation kit on the occasion of the Frankfurt Motor Show. Based on the E 500, the performance is increased to 435 hp with a maximum torque of 600 Newton metres. The sport rear exhaust silencer is made of stainless steel and with its two oval end pipes it guarantees a sportive sound and an extra output of eleven hp. The sport centre exhaust silencer and a sport air filter effectively complete the engine kit.

Carlsson provides optimal road holding with a coilover suspension which offers a stepless adjustment for damping and vehicle height. Carlsson sport springs with a lowering range of 30 millimetres are also available.

Carlsson offers the light alloy rim 1/5 REVO in modern two-colour varnish and in the size 8.5 x 20 inches at the front- and rear axle with Dunlop tyres measuring 235/30. The visual kit includes the Carlsson front spoiler. The Carlsson front spoiler lip RS is delivered optionally in real carbon. The flow line optimised Carlsson rear spoiler concludes the optical refinement.

Also for the interior, Carlsson offers a broad range of accessories: The gearstick is available in leather/ultra suede, for the steering wheel, a leather/ultra suede cover has been engineered and for the pedals, sporty Carlsson aluminium covers. Moreover, the programme also includes floor mats with an illuminated Carlsson logo; especially at night times, they render an impressive ambience without blinding the passengers.

Lorinser already working on tuned Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing

Lorinser SLS AMG Gullwing Rendering - click above image for hi-res gallery

Much of the discussion in Frankfurt centered on our personal "best of show" car. Going into the show, it would have been pretty safe to assume that the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG would have been the run away winner. What's not to love? 571 hp, essentially mid-engined (you should see how far back that engine sits in the chassis), gullwings -- its got everything. But up close, something about it left us... a little cold. It's probably the headlights. So our best of show group decision went to the E63 AMG Wagon. There's something so very right about 500+ horsepower wagons. But maybe Lorinser could help steer our affections back to the Gullwing?

If you don't know, Mercedes tuner Lorinser has never met a fender it liked. Meaning that there idea of a good time is to hack vents into every body surface it can. Sometimes the results are okay. And sometimes, let's just say not so okay. Lorinser actually has two competing design studies it's considering. The first and probably most controversial is a Carbon Fiber design, with an unpainted CF hood, a Lorinser family crest in place of the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star in the grill and scores of carbon fiber trims pieces all over the place.

The second, more low-key design is probably closer to the real deal. It even features a soon to be Lorinser signature -- vents behind vents. There are also six giant eyebrows festooned around the car. A homage, no doubt, to the brows on the original 300 SL. We will admit that we like the headlights in Lorinser's rendering more than the production SLS.

Frankfurt 2009: Mercedes-Benz S500 Vision Plug-in Hybrid broods quietly

Mercedes-Benz S500 Vision Plug-In Hybrid - Click above for a high-res gallery

Mercedes is working to complete the circle, combining the frugality of its smallest A- and B-Class offerings with the luxury of its S-Class offerings. For the U.S. the S400 Hybrid began the earnest trek down that road, followed by the announcement of the four-cylinder S-Class, and at Frankfurt, Mercedes has introduced the S500 Vision Plug-in Hybrid concept. The home of the pointed star sees it as putting "the luxury class on the road to the three-liter car."

The S500 Vision Plug-in uses the same basic components as the S400 Hybrid: a 3.5-liter V6 mated to a battery. The larger capacity lithium-ion cell with an additional internal clutch is moved to the S500's trunk and is said to be good for 30 km (19.2 miles) of electric-only driving. Daimler CEO Zetsche admits there's a long way to go before the car goes on sale, but for now it promises a 5.5-second 0-to-60 and 3.2 liters-100 km. The new luxury will still stink of money, and of fresh air as well