Kicherer E Class.

German tuner Kircherer {link} have unveiled their styling and performance package for the new AMG E Class.

Carbon is used widely in the body styling products thus the front spoiler, rear spoiler, rear bumper insert and mirror covers are all light weight carbon. All the styling items are designed to fit an E Class that has the AMG styling packet fitted already (Kircherer are well known and respected AMG specialists).

Kircherer already have a few engine tuning kits available for the new E Class with others under development.

A suspension kit is already on offer as is a performance exhaust sytem.

The interior also attracts Kircherer's attention gaining a sports steering wheel, carbon dash and door inserts as well as extra leather detailing.

Expect more tuning options from Kircherer for the E Class and other Mercedes to follow soon.

Carlsson SL CK63 RS

For those who find the SL 63 AMG a little slow and mundane Mercedes tuner Carlsson {link} have the answer, their SL CK63 RS.
Minor yet effective tuning results in a 600PS cabriolet that sprint from 0-62mph in an impressive 4.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of a remarkable 200mph! To cope with the extra 75PS the brakes and suspension receive upgrades with carbon pads and huge discs (398mm front & 330mm rear) providing the stopping power whilst the electronically controlled 30mm lowering of the suspension keeps traction at the highest level. 20 inch wheels (9½” wide at the front and a staggering 11” wide at the rear) are clothed in ultra low profile tyres and have the task of finally transmitting the 705Nm of torque produced by the engines onto the road.
There are not many 600PS cabriolets in the world and the Carlsson SL CK63 RS is a fine example of the art of tuning. Subtle body alterations (front bumper, side skirts and rear diffuser) provide aerodynamic aide as well as nice styling and as with everything on the car form and function are in harmony.
A Carlsson SL CK63 RS in Carlsson’s owm Stealth titanium graphite paint (virtually matt black) costs £270,000 including full interior details such as alcantara, velour mats and sports pedals. Carlsson will happily convert customer’s SL 63 AMGs to any desired spec.

Mercedes C 63 AMG.

Is the C 63 AMG’s (and therefore Mercedes {link}) answer to the BMW M3 and Audi RS4? Yes it is. Does it compare favourably to BMW’s icon and Audi’s massively impressive class leader? Once again the answer has to be yes. Thanks to AMG {link} and their development the basic facts make impressive reading. A 6.2 litre V8 producing 457PS and 600Nm of torque all driving the rear wheels. The Audi and BMW are certainly lagging behind in the power and torque stakes. A little surprisingly the C 63’s chassis handles the power well, having competent handling on virtually all road surfaces. Steering inputs can feel vague when driving at speed but otherwise the Mercedes is more than capable, proving to be extremely enjoyable when the road conditions allow.
The C 63 benefits from updated electronics over the standard C Class; the automatic gearbox has a paddle shift system for those who prefer to control gear changes. The ESP system has a standard as well sport setting, for dramatic powerslides the ESP can be switched off. These features give the opportunity to really test the car’s limits. In reality though most owners will never use the paddles to shift, nor will they ever switch the ESP off.
The Mercedes is slightly more subtly styled than its Bavarian competition, which can be seen as a plus point, although it certainly is no shrinking violet. Internally the Mercedes is a little on the cramped side but this is forgotten when the accelerator is pushed to the floor!
The Mercedes C 63 AMG is an awesomely quick saloon car and does provide a realistic alternative to both the Audi RS4 and BMW M3. It isn’t, however, a better car than either of its German compatriots. It is so close to the M3 and RS4 that it is difficult to say it is noticeably worse than either of its competitors it just doesn’t quite feel as complete a package.
The only major question mark about the C 63 is Mercedes quality, especially as the 2 year warranty isn’t as good as either of it competitors. If there are no quality issues then a Mercedes C 63 AMG will provide enjoyable, dynamic and exhilarating motoring for its owner.
TECH SPEC MERCEDES C 63 AMG:~ 5 seat, 5 door Saloon. 6208cc 8 cylinder water-cooled V8 engine producing 457PS @ 6800rpm. 7 speed automatic gearbox. Rear wheel drive. Top speed 155mph (limited). 0-62mph 4.7 seconds, 0-124mph 15.6 seconds.