-- Limited Super-GT of the small series manufacturer Carlsson
-- Edition includes only 25 cars and therefore ensures maximum exclusiveness
-- Carlsson combines top performance with drivability
-- Carlsson develops entirely own design vocabulary

Carlsson who are approved as an automobile manufacturer by the Federal German Motor Transport Authority, for the first time presents an own developed automobile at this years Geneva Motor Show the Carlsson C25. The concept of this Super-GT is based on the vision of combining maximum driving performance with an entirely new design and high exclusiveness.

The result is a breathtaking and beautiful sports coup with 753 hp in a limited edition of only 25 cars world-wide. Thereby, each automobile will be as individual as its future owner. We exclusively make the cars to order and the delivery quantity for 2010 is already sold out, says CEO, Dipl. Ing. (FH) Markus Schuster.

With 753 hp and 1150 Newton metres in 3.7 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h

The performance data of the six litre V12 Bi-Turbo is impressive. The high-performance aggregate with a motor management optimisation patented by Carlsson renders 753 hp (554 kW) and allows fast acceleration as well as smooth travels at lower speeds. Also responsible for the perfect performance evolvement is the elaborately developed stainless steel exhaust system with ends in four edgy pipes at the back.

The power catapults the C25 with a torque of 1320 Newton metres at 3750 r.p.m. which is electronically limited to 1,150 Newton metres from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds and achieves a maximum speed of 352 km/h.

Perfect combination between top performance and maximum driveability

When developing the Carlsson C25, the engineers from Gut Wiesenhof have achieved creating a Super-GT for smooth everyday use despite its very high performance. There are more than enough super sports car in this world which can only be safely driven on a race track, says Markus Schuster. Therefore, we deliberately wanted to develop a car which is highly exclusive on the one hand and can be used for the daily journey to office on the other hand. Therefore, a Super-GT which can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds and still offers a very pleasant driving comfort. All security-relevant regulations such as pedestrian protection, crash behaviour, ESP, ABS, Airbag systems are identical to large series editions with most modern standards.

This is also achieved by the intelligent lowering system C-Tronic SUSPENSION which automatically recognises the road characteristics and driving manners and constantly adjusts the suspension setting accordingly. This does not only result in a pleasant journey on long routes, but also guarantees that the nodding and rolling motions of the C25 are reduced to a minimum while driving fast curves. Therefore, the car reaches the perfect road holding characteristics in every situation and renders the feeling of absolute controllability.

Different than other automobiles from small series, the Carlsson C25 has not been solely made for its use at the racetrack. Nevertheless, the C25 achieves top results in acceleration and handling. Compared to the racing machines with MOT approval, the Carlsson C25 offers its driver smooth journeys on Alpine passes and also on city roads or not perfectly even surfaces.

Maximum exclusiveness is ensured by only one automobile per country

In addition to the extensive refinement, the Carlsson C25 offers the advantage that every Mercedes-Benz dealer can maintain the car. As the automobile is based on the latest Mercedes-Benz technology, it is not necessary to drive to a garage, which is specialised in the Carlsson C25. This gives the Carlsson C25 additional suitability for everyday use. Moreover, Carlsson will only deliver one automobile per country and therefore ensures absolute exclusiveness for its customers.

Carlsson creates a perfect symbiosis of design and function

The C25 emphasises this exquisite status with its self-reliant and unique design. The elongated vehicle front with the tapered lobe between the powerful shoulders craves ahead and the generously dimensioned air inlets in the typical Carlsson trapezoid form supply the engine with the necessary ventilation. The ultra-light and forged wheels 1/10 UL in the dimensions 9,5x20 and 12x20 inches have been especially designed for the C25 and are equipped with high performance tyres measuring 265/30 at the front and 325/25 at the rear live axle. One wheel just weighs 11.2 kilograms and therefore is 40 percent lighter than custom light alloy wheels.

Ventilation ducts in front and behind the wheel houses provide the Carlsson brake system with 405 millimetres large slotted race brake discs at the front and 380 millimetre race brake discs at the rear axle with cool air. With this, Carlsson achieves the perfect symbiosis between design and function. The elongated flat rear screen and the restrained tearing edge on the boot lit as well as the generously dimensioned double diffuser render the required downthrust and therefore the C25 does not need any extensible spoilers. In order to emphasise the uniqueness of the C25, Carlsson has also developed a new rear- and front lights design.

Carlsson interior optimised for the driver

The newly designed interior resembles the exterior as far as shape, colour and functionality are concerned. The characteristic trapezoid elements at the front and back are also found on the steering wheel. On the seats and the centre console the edged shape is used as well. The instruments clearly turn towards the driver, indicate the performance capability of the C25 and increase the ergonomics. The generous use of real carbon, tanned buffalo leather and ultra-suede in special colours provides an evenly exclusive and user-friendly ambience. For driveability reasons, Carlsson deliberately refrains from race seats, race straps, rollover devices and extreme lowering.

With the C25, Carlsson confirms its reputation as being one of the most exclusive automobile manufacturers in the world. High technical competence, many years experience in automobile construction, an advanced sense for design and elegance and German art of engineering make the Carlsson C25 unique all over the world.

It is the dream of every designer to create a classic Gran Turismo one time. As far as the C25 is concerned, the Carlsson head designer Rolf Schepp has mastered an extreme challenge. The art was to develop an independent design combining the emotional character with safety-relevant aspects and high road capability.

Carlsson has therefore implemented a self-confident, but function-oriented design rendering high dynamics, timeless elegance, visible sportiness and road capability due to subtle line management and well-balanced proportions.

At the same time, the Carlsson design team achieved to integrate the significant Mercedes origin into the independent Gran Turismo design.

This way, the modern interpreted shapes can be traced back to the W 196 up to the “Autobahnkurier” (Autobahn cruiser). This essential basis of the Carlsson design philosophy has been growing over the years and is now also a cornerstone for the design of the C25. But with this automobile, this cornerstone for the first time has been subjected to the independent GT line management. The consequent redesign of the car body led to a carriage which embodies functional purposes besides elegance and sportiness. Therefore, the automobile does not need any extendable attachments in order to render the necessary aerodynamics for everyday use.

The front view

…is dominated by the dynamic and aggressive trapezoid shapes of the giant air inlets which are typical for Carlsson and which perfectly interact in a tension-filled contrast with the sovereign lights.
The powerfully vaulted wings which can be perceived as landmarks from the driver´s seat flow into the bonnet with its strong contours at the sides with integrated power domes. In connection with the vertically adjusted daytime running lights, the headlights render a superb racing character.

The side view

…clearly confirms the classic GT-proportions with front central engine under the elongated bonnet, the firm aero tail and the formally reduced roof construction. Basically, it consists of three plane arches which are dynamically connected by an elaborately offset line management.

The brawny and muscular car body impresses with its crouched appearance with powerfully modelled wings dominating the side view.

A main arch spanning over the cockpit is supported by two arch-shaped wings at the front and at the back which majestically rise over the wheels.

The Carlsson designers created the wheel flange and wings, the negative rear view and the lower front from vertical lines lunging forward and rendering a fast forward-moving impression.
The elaborate graphical design of the motor engine ventilation, wheel flanges, wing edges and door section corresponds with the strongly vaulted sides and renders a rich contrast.

The rear view

…has a highly visible aerodynamic functionality. The entire rear section has been basically designed like a generous cave in order to integrate the upper rear edge generating downthrust in the best possible formal and logical way. Deliberately, Rolf Schepp puts the dynamic focus on the powerfully designed double diffuser with the significantly integrated end pipe blends which make the rear look not so high.

Rolf Schepp continues to apply the paramount trapezoid shapes from the front which are so typical for Carlsson also to the back by a perfect interaction of the boot lid and the double diffuser. The GT-typical, flowing and filigree roof construction is supported by the broad shoulders of the rear wings and flows into the gently curved ascent of the back tear-off edge.

With the Carlsson C25, the automobile manufactory consequently lights the way into future. The design of the Gran Turismo accomplished to connect agility, elegance and functionality in a unique automobile.

The technical philosophy of the Carlsson C25

The Carlsson C25 has been born from a revolutionary idea. For the first time, the automobile manufactory positions a Gran Turismo in an entirely new way. The coupé is the first own developed car by Carlsson and it combines two vehicle concepts which up to now have been considered as incompatible. On the one hand, the Carlsson C25 renders top performances with its 753 hp strong engine and an acceleration from 0 to 100 kph in 3.7 seconds. And on the other hand it breaks out from the supercar category and offers comfortable travel performances and an unsurpassable road capability. Therefore, the Carlsson C25 combines the best from two worlds and with its limited edition of only 25 pieces it offers an outstanding exclusiveness.

The V12-Biturbo owes its 753 hp (554 kW) to Carlsson’s experience and art of engineering. This performance is guaranteed by the interaction between the stainless steel exhaust system, the special sports air filters and the engine electronics especially adjusted to the C25 with its special engine characteristic maps for injection and ignition. Also the charge air ventilation and the manifold are exactly adjusted to the car. Therefore, the high-performance engine renders a maximum torque of 1320 Newton metres, electronically limited to 1150 Newton metres and accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in only 3.7 seconds.

The comprehensive adjustment between car body, aerodynamics, engine performance and undercarriage renders an unsurpassable driving experience. The Carlsson C25 is no serial automobile with an oversized implanted engine, but a special automobile with perfectly adjusted components.
Intelligent undercarriage guarantees perfect road capability

But this is not the only unique selling point of the Carlsson C25. No Gran Turismo with comparable performance data has ever reached the maximum road capability as incorporated by the Carlsson C25. This is among others rendered by the suspension technology C-Tronic® SUSPENSION. The intelligent system recognises the road condition as well as the driving behaviour and continuously adjusts the remaining spring travel and the damping settings to it. This guarantees driving pleasure in narrow curves due to a perfectly limited vehicle roll as well as a comfortable journey on long distances and bad road conditions.

For perfect travel comfort, the Carlsson C25 offers all safety- and assistance systems which fulfil the high Mercedes-Benz standards: ABS, ESP, Airbags, crash-behaviour and pedestrian protection.
Therefore, the Carlsson C25 has the advantage that the Gran Turismo can still be serviced by any Mercedes-Benz garage. The customer is not bound to one dealer specialised in the Carlsson C25, but can always rely on the closest Mercedes-Benz garage.

Intuitive operation and high-quality haptics

In addition to its unsurpassable road capability, the Carlsson C25 offers an operating concept which seems surprisingly familiar to the driver. The cockpit with the central instruments tilted towards the driver, the sport steering wheel and the comfortable seats are made for intuitive operation. The engineers and designers put special emphasis on the arrangement and design of the instruments and that shows in the high-quality haptics and the superb intuitive operation.

But the Carlsson C25 does not only convince with its positioning combining the advantages of a high-performance automobile with perfect road capability. Also when it comes to the price, the Gran Turismo from Merzig/Germany is very attractive. For cars with a comparable performance from Italy or Scandinavia, the customer has to invest at least the double if not the triple price. But even then those car manufacturers can’t guarantee their customers the exclusiveness of the Carlsson C25 as there is only one automobile available per country.

No Carlsson C25 looks like the other

Moreover, the automobile manufactory Carlsson designs the C25 entirely according to customer demands. This includes a varnish in two- or three-colour concept which is also used for the interior. Also Carlsson offers for example an audio system which has especially been produced for the C25 by the French high-end manufacturer Focal.

When it comes to material selection, there are also no limits. Most of all the interior decoration can be lined with all possible combinations made of leather, ultra-suede or textile fabric.

Also, the forged light alloy wheels can be produced according to the wishes of the customer. The customer can opt for the shape and varnish of the rims in one-, two- or three-colour design and therefore the customer can rest assured that his set of wheels is unique all over the world. Moreover, Carlsson offers the ultra-light forged wheel 1/10 UL which sets new standards in wheel design with its revolutionary combination of single- and double spokes..

Carlsson therefore further increases the exclusiveness of the anyway strictly limited series of only 25 pieces. And this ensures that only unique automobiles are produced. No C25 looks like the other.
In the tradition of large coachbuilders

With its first own developed car, the automobile manufactory continues the tradition of large coachbuilders. This already shows in the design of the Carlsson C25 which bears the origins of the legendary Mercedes models such as the W 196 or the “Autobahnkurier” (Autobahn cruiser). Carlsson combined this tradition with the continuously developing Carlsson design which is reflected in the typical trapezoid shapes. As so often with traditional companies which originated from family businesses, the automobile manufactory Carlsson developed a unique car which only uses the platform of a large car company.

Already between both World Wars or from the 1950s onwards, smaller companies have taken a significant influence on larger car companies. This included Mulliner and Park Ward with their groundbreaking work for Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Also Swiss Peter Monteverdi made history with his new auto body for the Ferrari Monza or other cars which combined US-American engines with Italian car bodies such as the Monteverdi Hai 450 with its hand-made carriage.

In exactly the same way as these specialists, Carlsson and the C25 today present which possibilities there are when combining experience, passion and the art of engineering.

* More than 70 innovations in Carlsson's new Super GT
* C25 Royale saves 180 kilograms of weight compared to basis model
* Roof made from real carbon lowers the car's centre of gravity
* V12 biturbo engine with 753 hp capable of achieving 352 kph
* Each vehicles is absolutely unique

As part of its new 2011 generation range, automobile manufacturer Carlsson presents its C25 Royale Super GT with carbon roof and exterior, optimised driving dynamics and perfected electronics. The philosophy remains the same: with excellent design and the utmost in exclusivity, the C25 Royale combines maximum driving performance with everyday practicality.

Safety is another area where the C25 Royale fulfils highest standards. This is due to the crash structure which is the same as in the basis model and guarantees maximal protection for the passengers. Also, the Super GT presents itself extremely easy to service. All workshop of the worldwide Mercedes-Benz service network can service the C25 Royale.

The C25 Royale presents itself as a counter-design to the electro hype. More than 40 electric motors are used in the C25 Royale as well – but underneath the bonnet you'll find a traditional 12-cylinder engine, whose 753 hp ensure not only power but also thunderous drive. The purified exhaust gases make an impressive sound as they exit through the four diamond-shaped tailpipes into the open air. The breathtaking power pushes the driver into the ergonomically shaped seats, which have a massage function and a ventilation system to ensure greater comfort on long journeys. In addition, the transmission tunnel, incorporating all the important control functions, is headed towards the driver, allowing him to give his full attention to the road ahead. Because in the C25 Royale, the journey is its own reward.

Carlsson has realised more than 70 innovations in the new C25 Royale. The car's handling in particular is better than ever before. Plus, compared to the basis model Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG, the C25 Royale is 180 kilogram lighter which is due largely to the complete real carbon exterior. This not only reduces the overall weight of the Super GT, it also effectively lowers the car's centre of gravity and allows more dynamic cornering ability and more agile handling as Carlsson has revised the vehicle's entire weight distribution and installed a differential lock. The full ceramic brake system reduces the weight by 50 percent and reduces the unsprung mass for a more dynamic handling. The generously designed ceramic brake discs and the solid aluminium callipers allows later braking coming into bends while the revised electronics guarantee improved response, giving greater dynamism when coming off bends.

The C25 Royale's outstanding performance data is impressive too. The strikingly beautiful sports coupé with the V12 biturbo engine achieves 753 hp (554 kW) and maximum torque of 1320 Newton metres (which is limited electronically to 1150 Newton metres). This allows the Super GT to race from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.7 seconds and to achieve a maximum speed of 352 kph.

Only one C25 per country guarantees the utmost in exclusivity

In addition, Carlsson (which has been recognised as an independent manufacturer for some years now by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority Kraftfahrtbundesamt) can offer one excellent unique selling point: Not more than 25 specimens of the C25 Royale are being made. And, to enhance the exclusivity of this ultra-limited edition still further, Carlsson is only delivering one vehicle per country. Six vehicles are already sold and will be delivered to the customers in 2011. It takes six month from order to delivery.

Each C25 Royale is absolutely unique. Colours and paint combinations can be put together as per the customer's wishes. Similarly, the customer can decide what materials are used and what interior features their vehicle will have. Not one of the already ordered vehicles is alike the other ones.

Maximum performance combined with everyday comfort for the first time

The Carlsson C25 Royale is not just an exclusive vehicle with outstanding performance data. The engineers at Gut Wiesenhof, Carlsson's headquarters in Germany, are the ones in the world to bring together the performance data of a super car with everyday practicality. "There are more than enough super cars around that can only be driven safely on a racing track", says engineer Markus Schuster, Managing Director at Carlsson. "We deliberately wanted to develop a car that is exclusive on the one hand but can still be used for the daily commute to the office. A Super GT which can go from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.7 seconds while at the same time offering the utmost in ride comfort."

In particular, the intelligent C-Tronic® SUSPENSION developed by Carlsson guarantees excellent ride comfort. This system measures a whole range of parameters, like the spring rate, on a continuous basis, which allows it to detect the road conditions and the driving style. Where road conditions are poor, the C-Tronic® raises the residual spring travel, thereby providing optimal ride comfort. As soon as the surface conditions have improved, the system will lower the entire suspension completely automatically and achieve perfect cornering dynamics.

Emotions instead of sacrifice

The twelve-cylinder reflects the company’s performance capacity and competence. Carlsson emphasises on first-class engineering instead of immature technology, on daily suitability instead of utopian scenarios, on emotions instead of sacrifice.

With the C25 Royale, Carlsson has gone one step further on the road to developing a completely new class of vehicle. No other car manages to combine excellent driving performance, unique design, perfect everyday practicality and the utmost in exclusivity.

Technical data (as of February 2011):

Small series: 25 vehicles
Cubic capacity: 5980 cm3
Type: V12 Biturbo
Performance: 554 kW (753 hp) at 5000 r.p.m.
Maximum torque: 1320 Nm at 3750 r.p.m.
Electrically limited to 1150 Nm at 2000 to 4000 r.p.m.
0-100 kph: 3.7 seconds
Maximum speed: 219 mph (352 kph)
Suspension: C-Tronic® SUSPENSION®
Kerb weight: 1970 kg
Power-to-weight ratio: 3.56 kg/kW (2.61 kg/hp)
Transmission: SPEEDSHIFT 5-gear automatic
Wheels: Forged wheels (Ultra Light) in 9.5x20 inch (front axle) and 12x20 inch (rear axle)
Tyres: 265/30 R 20 (front) and 325/25 R 20 (back)
Brakes: Complete ceramic brake system with 396x40 millimetres and 6-piston brake calliper (front axle) and 380x32 millimetres and 4-piston brake calliper (rear axle)
Price: 429,000 Euro net export price; 510,510 Euro including German VAT

Carlsson C25

Options:
Basic price: 429,000.--
Right hand drive version 5,127.--
Personal logo embossed in the headrests 1,980.--
Personal logo embossed in the airbag leather 950.--
Carbon interior 13,564.--
Clubsport interior (race seats, roll-over cage, carbon interior, fire extinguisher, six-point safety belts) 35,400.--
Carlsson intelligent Sound System made by FOCAL 18,860.--
USB and Apple iPod interface 629.--
Auxiliary heating system with remote control via mobile phone 4,687.--
Radar warning system type Valentine, hidden installation 1,950.--
Three-colour design concept 12,600.--
Colour design concept in matt colour 4,800.--
Complete 24-karat gold exterior 156,000.--
Four forged 20-inch wheels in personal design 9,537.--
Underbody lights 1,237.--

Smart fortwo (101 hp) with matching design 45,000.--
(all prices excluding VAT, prices and details are subject to change)