Kicherer Unveils Mercedes-Benz SLS 63 AMG Supersport with 610HP

In Jeremy Clarkson's latest special, The Italian Job, the Top Gear host said that his new favorite car in the world is the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. While we’re not sure if he would like a souped up version of the German supercar, fact is more and more tuners are turning their attention towards the Stuttgart's Gullwing model. Less than a week after Brabus unveiled the SLS Widestar, another German tuner, Kicherer, took the wraps off its take on the SLS.

Exterior appointments on Kicherer's SLS 63 Supersport are relatively discrete and comprise of carbon fiber front spoiler lip and rear diffuser, stainless steel pipe covers and a set of Kicherer RS-1 multi-part forged wheels. There’s no information about the size of the alloys – though they do appear to be at least 19-inch in diameter. Kicherer only mentions that the rims are “hand-made”. Interior modifications have also been kept to a minimum with a few carbon fiber decorative parts. 

The SLS AMG's suspension has received an upgrade as Kicherer partnered up with suspension specialist KW Automotive to create a lift up system, which raises ride height by 30 millimeters at the push of a button. This means that high curbs or poorly designed parking garages don’t represent a threat anymore. According to the Germans, the new suspension also improves handling, without making the car uncomfortable.
Last but not least, the V8 engine went through a performance optimization and now delivers 610 hp and 670 Nm (494 lb-ft) of torque. Full specs and pricing haven’t been released yet.

By Csaba Daradics

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2010 Essen Motor Show: Brabus Mercedes SLS AMG Widestar

For most people, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG 'Gullwing' looks just fine in factory tune. But not for Brabus. The German tuning house chose this week's Essen Motor Show to present its "wide-body" take on the Gullwing model.

The aero package is called Widestar and it encompasses a front spoiler, a rear apron with a new diffuser, blistered rear wheel arches with air inlets and outlets, and a boot lid spoiler. Engineers also sculpted the rocker panels, optimizing airflow between axles, and added bigger air outlets for the front fenders.


All components are made from carbon fiber and have been tested in the firm's wind tunnel. Clients can choose between a matte or glossy clear-coated finish for the body parts. If that's not their thing, optionally, the company can paint them in the body's color or in a contrasting tone.

To complement the SLS' new look, the ride height was lowered by 30 mm and a new, height-adjustable suspension was developed in collaboration with Bilstein. The driver can adjust the suspension's height with the touch of a button to make the car sportier or more comfortable than the stock SLS. Stiffer sway bars are also on the [optional] menu.

There's no Brabus without a proper set of wheels and the Widestar SLS is no exception. The Germans offer custom tailored ultra-light 20- and 21-inch front and rear Monoblock F Platinum Edition forged wheels, wrapped around in 275/30 ZR20 and 295/25 ZR21 Yokohama rubber. The new rims are bigger and lighter reducing unsprung weight and, thus, improving handling, the tuner claims.


Under the bonnet you'll find the same 6.2-liter V8 engine, albeit fitted with a high-performance and lighter (-12 kg or -26 lbs.) titanium exhaust system with sound management, which increases power by 10 hp.

As for the interior, Brabus offers a plethora of custom options, ranging from carbon fiber inlays in any desired color to an ergonomically shaped steering wheel. Premium upholstery is also offered, made from the fine leather and Alcantara.

By Csaba Daradics



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130 mph Mercedes SLS AMG-Inspired Speedboat has everything except Gullwings

U.S. boat builder Cigarette Racing has released some new images and details of its new 46 foot Rider speedboat, inspired by Mercedes-Benz's SLS AMG Gullwing supercar.

Though the SLS influence is debatable, the numbers certainly aren't. Fitted with two 552-cubic inch (that's a little over 9.0-liters) twin-turbo Mercury Racing engines that are good for 1350 hp (1007 kw) each, the Rider has more than five times the power of its road-going inspiration and a top speed of over 130 mph (209 km/h).

It also comes with two-tone silver and white paint, AMG decals and marine-grade upholstery which emulates the Nappa leather available on the road-going SLS AMG. At least the pews are suitably SLS-like. The price has yet to be announced, though it is likely to make the cost of its road-going counterpart look like chump change.

By Tristan Hankins