Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse: Specially Tuned Mercedes GL500

German tuning firm Carlsson and luxury leather brand Etienne Aigner have joined forces for the third time to create a special edition version of the Mercedes-Benz GL500. Called Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse - talk about awkward names, the modified GL500 that makes its world premiere at the Geneva Auto Salon will be produced in a limited edition of 20 cars.

Finished in the typical two-tone burgundy-back paintwork of the Carlsson Aigner range, the CK55 RS Rascasse features a full body styling kit consisting of wider wheel arches, a new bonnet carrying larger power domes, a new larger front grill and sub-grilles, front and rear aprons, side skirts and massive 23-inch alloy wheels shod in 305/30ZR23 tires.

Though Carlsson has yet to release pictures of the interior, the company said that the SUV's cabin has been dressed in high-quality red leather and alcantara which covers the seats, dashtop, door panels and centre console. Furthermore, Carlsson and Aigner decided that the GL500's seven-seater configuration should be ditched in favor of just two individual rear seats.

In terms of mechanical upgrades, the GL's 5.5-liter, 48-valve, V8 motor which in factory trim delivers 388-horsepower and 530Nm has been modified to produce an output of 45-horsepower with 640Nm of torque. Thus endowed, the Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds compared to the standard model's 6.5 sec.

Other mods include the Carlsson electronic lowering kit, C-Tronic Suspension that drops the ride height of the Airmatic suspension by 40mm.

The Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse is offered at a basic price of €228,500 which comes to around $287,700 U.S. with the current exchange rates.