Carlsson C25: Exclusivity rules

Aimed at those for whom a Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG is neither fast enough, exclusive enough or (let's be crass) expensive enough, there's this: the Carlsson C25 Royale Super GT, on show to the public for the first time at the Geneva motor show.

It is indeed based on AMG's flagship coupé but that's where the relationship ends; the C25 has more than 70 modifications - including a carbon-fibre roof - it's 180kg lighter and it's a helluva lot quicker than the base car.

Let's start there: Carlsson (which is recognised as an independent manufacturer by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority) has chipped and flowed the 5980cc, twin-turbo V12 to deliver 554kw at 5000rpm and a ground-shaking 1320Nm at 3750. In the interests of transmission survival, however, that's electronically limited to “only” 1150NM, available from 2000-4000rpm.

All of which is delivered to the rear wheels via a Speedshift five-speed semi-automatic transmission and a Carlsson electronically-controlled locking differential, taking the C25 from 0-100 in 3.7sec; top speed is quoted at 352km/h.

The outer body panels - and the roof - are carbon fibre, lowering the centre of gravity as well as lightening the car. Ride comfort and road-holding are improved by Carlsson's “intelligent” C-Tronic suspension, which continuously monitors a range of parameters, including spring rate, allowing it to read road conditions and driving style.

Where road conditions are poor, its raises the residual spring travel for a more comfortable ride; as soon as the road surface improves, the system will automatically lower the suspension for better cornering.

Unsprung mass is reduced by a full ceramic brake system, which is half the weight of Mercedes' cast-iron platters, allowing later braking into corners, while revised electronic driver aids deliver harder acceleration coming out, thanks to ultra light 20” forged rims shod with 265/30 rubber in front and 325/25 at the rear.

Inside, there are ergonomically shaped, ventilated seats with massage function and the centre console, incorporating all the important control functions, is angled towards the driver.

But the C25 isn't just a muscle-car. Carlsson managing director Markus Schuster's mission is to combine supercar performance with everyday practicality.

“There are more than enough supercars around that can only be driven safely on a racetrack”, he said. “We wanted to develop a car that would be exclusive but could still be used for the daily commute to the office - a super-GT that could go from 0-100 in less than four seconds and, at the same time, offer the utmost in ride comfort.”

Now for the kicker: to guarantee exclusivity, only 25 will be made and only one will be delivered to any one country, ensuring that you'll never stop next to another C25 at a red light. Six are already sold (although Schuster didn't say to which countries) and will be delivered during 2011. It takes six months from order to delivery.

Each C25 Royale is unique. Colours and paint combinations are limited only by the customer's imagination and they decide what materials are used and what interior features their vehicle will have. The six cars ordered so far, says Schuster, are all different.

How different?

The basic C25 costs €429 000 (R4.14 million) excluding taxes (a little more than double that, landed in South Africa).

Now, here's a short extract from Carlsson's options list:

Right-hand drive - €5127.

Your personal logo embossed in the headrests - €1980.

Your personal logo embossed in the (leather) air-bag covers - €950.

Carbon-fibre interior trim - €13 564.

Clubsport interior (racing seats, roll-cage, carbon-fibre trim, fire extinguisher, six-point safety harnesses) - €35 400.

Carlsson intelligent sound system by Focal - €18 860

USB and iPod interface - €629

Valentine radar warning system (in concealed installation) - €1950

Three-colour paint - €12 600