Photo: Loewenstein
A Mercedes-Benz tuners’ convention would be a pretty crowded event. There are tons of customization shops, large and small, which offer to take your money in exchange for more power or a more flamboyant exterior (or both) for your Mercedes-Benz car.
But that doesn’t mean there isn’t any room left for more, if they’re willing to push the envelope and do what it takes to stand out. Without, you know, standing out a bit too much...
Loewenstein is pretty close to falling into that trap with the CLA SAPPHIRE LM45-410 Turbo, but somehow manages to hang on by a very thin thread - or maybe we’re just going easy on its latest creation precisely because it’s “the new guy.”
The CLA SAPPHIRE LM45-410 Turbo is obviously based on a Mercedes-AMG CLA45 four-door coupé, which means Loewenstein had a pretty good starting point. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine produces 360 hp and 450 Nm of torque, which is enough for some and too much for most.
But Loewenstein and its clients don’t fall into either of these two categories, so the German tuner came with a “plug-and-play” auxiliary control unit that boosts power by 50 hp to 410 hp, while maximum torque goes to 530 Nm. This procedure takes less than an hour and is wholly-reversible, even though God only knows why you’d want to do that. Well, God and warranty inspectors.
Going for the optional downpipes Loewenstein so graciously offers and the carbon fiber hood with an integrated air induction system, the power can reach new heights: 425 hp and 540 Nm.
But power without looks means “sleeper,” and no tuner ever made a name for itself with that kind of approach. Loewenstein charged straight-on and went for 20-inch golden wheels, a rather timid wide bodykit and some carbon fiber elements. However, the only partially hidden exhaust muffler is an obvious slip that shows a lack of experience. Or a slightly undersized air diffuser, you decide.
Loewenstein is pretty close to falling into that trap with the CLA SAPPHIRE LM45-410 Turbo, but somehow manages to hang on by a very thin thread - or maybe we’re just going easy on its latest creation precisely because it’s “the new guy.”
The CLA SAPPHIRE LM45-410 Turbo is obviously based on a Mercedes-AMG CLA45 four-door coupé, which means Loewenstein had a pretty good starting point. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine produces 360 hp and 450 Nm of torque, which is enough for some and too much for most.
But Loewenstein and its clients don’t fall into either of these two categories, so the German tuner came with a “plug-and-play” auxiliary control unit that boosts power by 50 hp to 410 hp, while maximum torque goes to 530 Nm. This procedure takes less than an hour and is wholly-reversible, even though God only knows why you’d want to do that. Well, God and warranty inspectors.
Going for the optional downpipes Loewenstein so graciously offers and the carbon fiber hood with an integrated air induction system, the power can reach new heights: 425 hp and 540 Nm.
But power without looks means “sleeper,” and no tuner ever made a name for itself with that kind of approach. Loewenstein charged straight-on and went for 20-inch golden wheels, a rather timid wide bodykit and some carbon fiber elements. However, the only partially hidden exhaust muffler is an obvious slip that shows a lack of experience. Or a slightly undersized air diffuser, you decide.
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