Carlsson Enhances the 2012 Mercedes SLK

Summer is here, which means it’s time for the streets to be flooded with convertibles. Naturally, tuning companies are also more focused on this segment in particular, so we expect to see an avalanche of upgrade kits for the open-top vehicles out there. The latest example comes from German aftermarket developer Carlsson, who has chosen the 2012 Mercedes SLK to play with.

Naturally, like any respectable tuning kit, this one also addresses both the exterior and interior of the car, as well as offering some performance mods to complete the package.

Visually, the Carlsson SLK comes with various aerodynamic enhancements, including a new front spoiler and a rear apron insert (available at EUR620 each), stainless steel grille inserts (EUR449) which replace the standard honeycombs, a pair of new side sills, and a stainless steel sport exhaust system with oval shaped end pipes priced at EUR1,298.

The upgrade package also includes a 30 mm lower suspension, custom 18-inch wheels, priced at EUR1,930 and one of three interior kits which consist of seats, headrests and door panel upholstery that start from EUR3,900.

Performance wise, the specialists at Carlsson have focused on the new generation CGI engines powering the 2012 Mercedes SLK, offering a power increase between 27 and 40 hp through the C-Tronic control units which come with a three-year warranty.

Taken separately, this upgrades enable the SLK 200 CGI to produce either 211 or 224 hp, as compared to the 184 hp produced by the standard version. Also, the SLK 250 CGI is able to develop 231 hp instead of 204 hp. The power upgrades cost from EUR1,190 Euro to EUR1,690.