Mercedes tuner Carlsson, with the second in the line of 700bhp CL65s fitted out by German leather designer Etienne Aigner. Now the Carlsson CK65 RS “Eau Rouge” Gold comes with a name longer than the car itself, but it’s beautifully finished on the inside even though the outside is a disturbing shade of stomach upset beige.
We’ve already driven the 200mph Aigner in its original red form, and you can read all about its perfect fit and finish, including the use of genuine handbag grade leather, and the upgraded engine that sends this rocket to 60mph in the time it takes to say it. The opulence of this Maybach for those that still want to drive was a hard act to follow, though, as wheelsandmore found out with their disastrous CLS ‘White Label’.
Their interpretation of the ultimate luxury car included swirling alloys decked out with Swarowski crystals, quite stunning. A contrasting black, straight cut grille, supplied by Pogea Racing, and the kind of interior that looks built from baby seals rather than withered old cows.
So the CK65 RS sits 30mm lower than the standard car in standard, marble smooth conditions. But the computers constantly monitor the suspension’s movement and when the ride even approaches choppy it will lift the car back to its standard settings. The magic carpet must float at all times, unless conditions allow it to hunker down and bite harder into each and every corner. It will even dump the extra power if the car steps outside its comfort zone, such is the sophistication of the software.
The kind of customer that steps up to the plate to buy the Aigner CK 65 RS might not be the first to feel such intricacies of handling and grace, but Hartge believes they’ll soon learn to appreciate a fast car with no negative payback. And that is enough for repeat business.
It’s no ultimate sportscar, those looking at the RS badge and expecting anything more than the wheels as a weight saving measure will be swiftly put right by the quoted kerbweight of 2240kg. Eventually that weight simply takes over and will pull the car off the black stuff, but with the modifications this might well be the ultimate GT as its simply a case of planting the throttle and twisting the wheel. Watch the entry speed, stay smooth on the throttle and this machine will devour a nation.
See the Carlsson CK65 RS “Eau Rouge" std here
