2003 Carlsson CLK-RS
Carlsson high-performance technology begins where the factory
finishes. Hence, it is hardly surprising that, on the basis of the
CLK 55 AMG, Carlsson has created an even more exclusive and
sporting coupe, which is being shown at the Essen Motor Show 2003:
the CLK-RS with 480 bhp.
Impressive power increase through a new supercharger system
The new supercharger system on the basis of the CLK 55 AMG was
developed in close cooperation with Ogura Clutch Co.Ltd. The
supercharger is integrated into the engine unit in a technically
and visually optimum position between the cylinder banks. The
advantages of this high-performance supercharger, which is built
under licence from Wankel, include high efficiency (up to over 70
percent), low-wear, quiet running, great durability, immediate
response and low weight.
Engine output is increased to a powerful 480 bhp / 353 KW with
maximum torque of 650 Nm at 2800 rpm, which greatly emphasises the
sporting character of the CLK-RS. Top speed has been measured at
over 310 km/h while acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 4.4
seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h 14.2 seconds.
The complete Carlsson range for the CLK-RS
The complete, high-grade range of products for the Carlsson CLK-RS
includes an aerodynamic package with front and rear aprons. The
front apron is distinguished by large air inlets for the
intercooler and brake ventilation. A supplementary rear spoiler
and front lip bring about a reduction in lift at the front and
rear and fit aesthetically into the overall exclusive and sporting
look.
Another aspect of the Carlsson range is the height-adjustable
shock absorbers with 9-way compression and rebound adjustment,
which permits extremely high cornering speeds.
The CLK-RS roll bar offers additional protection and ensures
greater body rigidity. Ergonomically shaped Recaro bucket seats
and the ergonomically designed steering wheel provide safety and
comfort inside the car.
Another part of this exclusive range is the Carlsson complete
sports exhaust system. Made of stainless steel, with sport end
silencers
(4 tailpipes with oval trims), the system generates a sound to
delight the enthusiast's ears.
An impressive appearance: ultra-light forged wheels
For the CLK-RS, Carlsson recommends ultra lightweight forged
wheels in the dimension 8.5 x 19' (235/35, Dunlop Sp. 9000 Extra
Load) at the front and 10 x 19' (265/30, Dunlop Sp. 9000 Extra
Load) at the back. The 16-spoke wheels round off the sporting and
elegant appearance of the CLK-RS and are available exclusively
from Carlsson.
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1939 Bugatti Type 57C Van Vooren Cabriolet
The Shah of Persia's Bugatti
Mohammad Pahlavi was born the son of Reza
Pahlavi who was the Shah responsible for the modernization Iran.
Mohammad took over his fathers role and lead the petroleum-rich Iran
from 1941 onwards. By 1979, conservative Muslims, led by the
Ayatollah Khomeini, revolted and overthrew Mohammad's dictatorship
monarchy.
As his second of three wives, Mohammad married Princess Fawzia, a
daugher of the King Fouad who ruled Egypt. The event happened in
Cairo on March 14th, 1939. Since Iran had good relations with Egypt
and most of the Western World, many countries sent presents for the
wedding which included a royal airplane and several unique cars, but
non of them were as beautiful as this Bugatti.
It was the French Government which commissioned the best talent
within their country to provide a gift for the Shahs wedding. To
create one of most extravagant cars to come from their country
France chose Van Vooren and Bugatti.
Using the flowing lines of Figoni et Falaschi as inspiration, Van
Vooren worked upon chassis #57808, a low slung Bugatti Type 57C.
Their result was a twin passenger cabriolet of substantial
proportion and style. Unusual highlights introduced by Van Vooren
included a very short windscreen which could be wound down into the
bulkhead and a disappearing top which was concealed by a panel
behind the interior.
Bugatti contributed a Type 57C chassis that came equipped with a
supercharger. It helped the car produce an impressive 175 horsepower
(130kW) from a 3245cc (198 cu in) engine.
Until 1979, the Shah's Bugatti stayed in the Royal Court of Iran.
Afterwards, the Ayatullahs, who had nearly scraped the car, sold the
it at a very low price. Fortunately, the buyer had the Bugatti
shipped to the USA and saved it in the process. At this point the
car was heavily butchered to accommodate an Amercian V8 until
shipped to England for a full rebuild by Rod Jolly Coachbuilding and
Louis Giron. After the restoration, the Shahs Bugatti auctioned for
$1,760,000 USD and has since changed owners several times.
The car currently has a good home at the Petersen Museum in
California alongside some of the most important cars in world.
The Type 57
After decades of building and selling race cars,
Bugatti decided to focus on a passenger car which would compete with
the 1930s custom coachwork Delahayes and Delages. Largely influenced
by Ettoire's son, Jean Bugatti, the Type 57 would be a high
performance chassis built in large quantities that could still
capture the exclusive market which was once occupied by the Type 41
Royale and Type 46/50 range.
As far as engineering was concerned, the Type 57 was entirely new
with the closest model being the Type 49 single-cam car. The engine,
displacing 3.3 liters, featured twin overhead camshafts, 90 degree
inclined valves and central spark plugs which offered 35 more
horsepower than the preceding model. Chassis arrangements included
Rudge Witworth wire wheels, fifteen inch drum brakes and an
uncluttered chassis having good strength. As with most Bugatti
designs the Type 57 was relatively simple in design, but the result
of complicated craftsmanship.
Also complementing the Type 57 was a entirely new transmission. It
was integrally linked to the engine by means of a bell housing,
unlike previous models that cast the engine and transmission as
separate units.
After around 230 cars had been completed, several changes were made
to the Type 57 chassis. Produced from late 1936 onwards, these
Series II cars featured upgrades which added to the comfort of the
car. Most importantly the engine was changed from a solid mounting
to a rubber mounting. Since the front of the chassis relied on the
engine for rigidity, the rubber mounted cars needed extra
reinforcements which made them heavier than the solid mounted cars.
Subtle changes to the camshafts and engine timing were also made.
Nearing the end of 1938, all type 57s were built to Series III
specification. The most important change was the inclusion of
Lockheed design hydraulic brakes with twin master cylinders. Also
aiding in the comfort of the car were Alliquant shock absorbers that
replaced the de Rams 57S units or Hardford Friction Dampers.
A Roots type supercharger was introduced with the Type 57C. It was a
relatively silent running unit that provided three to four pounds of
boost pressure. This forced induction helped the engine reach 175
horsepower. Both the engine and chassis characteristics remained
identical to that of the standard model.
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