2011 Carlsson Super GT C25 Royale

(from Carlsson Press Release)  World premiere in Geneva: Super GT Carlsson C25 Royale

* 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)