Carlsson CSK55 Proves That Orange Really Is The New Black

Based on the Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG, this twin-color Carlsson roadster is half sporty and half fashionable.

Then again, the SLK always did dip its toes into both ponds. You can use it as a sports car or you can use it as a fashion accessory – which is what most people do anyway.

Even so, the 55 AMG version is less of an accessory and more of a “mean old car”. It’s old because you don’t get to see that many naturally aspirated V8s nowadays and it’s mean because…it’s a naturally aspirated V8!

Once you put your foot down, this thing goes like the wind. It has 421 PS and 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of peak torque, which translates into a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of just 4.6 seconds.

The car you’re looking at here has been customized from a visual perspective by Carlsson, which you can tell from the new rear spoiler, trunk lid spoiler, 19″ wheels, air outlets, or simply by checking out its interior where you can see the Alcantara, carbon fiber bits and thick orange stitching throughout.

It’s not a heavy custom job, but the orange really does help this little SLK stand out – especially since this is a color that has become more popular in the last few years. If they had used some dark colored carbon instead of the orange, the overall effect wouldn’t have been so positive.

The fact that it’s also got some serious firepower under its hood means that you have no choice but to take it seriously.