Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG gets a Darth Vader makeover
Gullwinged Benz gains a bucket-load of bad attitude, thanks to German fettler KichererMercedes-Benz's SLS AMG is a fantastically striking and potent bit of kit, but that's no reason for the aftermarket customising brigade to desist from tampering with its sublime recipe.
Presenting the sinister SLS 63 Supersport GT, conjured up by German tuning firm Kicherer for clients wishing to differentiate their SLS from the horde of standard gullwings prowling the streets.
Immediately obvious from the accompanying images is the Supersport GT's dumped stance, shark mouth and stealthy matte black paint.
The customising house has also indulged in the "almost wasteful use of the exclusive carbonfire material" (their own words) throughout the cabin and exterior of the car.
The car's beak loses the three-pointed star grille that graces the factory version, instead gaining a hand-made unit with big vertical fins (seemingly inspired by Darth Vader's helmet). There's also a carbonfibre front splitter, fender gills and rear diffuser.
The carbonfibre onslaught extends to the cabin as the door trims, centre console, seatbacks and bottom spokes on the steering wheel are lathered with the stuff.
It's not just about cosmetics though, as Kicherer has also seen fit to rework the 6.2-litre V8, and the result is that power is hiked from 420 to 463kW, while torque rises from 650 to 700Nm.
These substantial outputs are claimed to yield a 0-100km/h split of 3.5sec and top whack limited at 320km/h (or 200 miles per hour in the old money).
According to the company, the added oomph was harnessed via an optimised engine management system, as well as a handmade stainless-steel exhaust system.
The Supersport GT's added straight-line urge is complemented by a bespoke sports suspension set-up that drops ride height to within kissing distance of the tarmac, but clearing driveway entrances and parking lot ramps is facilitated by a lift-up function that raises the car by 30mm at the push of a button.
Filling out the guards is a set of Kicherer RS-1 forged, handmade, three-piece wheels – measuring a beefy 10x20 inches at the front and 11.5x21 at the rear – wrapped in liquorice-strip rubber.
No word on price, but we're guessing this is no bargain-basement special…
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