German tuner takes a crack at the smaller engines in the GLA range
The Mercedes-Benz GLA-class has been on sale for a couple months now, along with a positively rabid GLA 45 AMG version, and European tuners are already releasing their own versions of Stuttgart's pint-sized SUV. Brabus has recently taken the covers off their own version, which sought to improve upon the 355-hp GLA 45 AMG, but with greater engine choice in home country there is more opportunity to improve upon the smaller engines in the range as well.
German tuning house Carlsson just unveiled their version of the GLA-class, offering some performance upgrades and a redesigned look. Carlsson's tuning program for the GLA-class starts with the GLA 200, which is has upgraded via ECU modifications and the installation of sport exhaust system of its own design to produce 185-hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, up from 154-hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The tuning house has also developed similar performance mods for GLA 250, which has been given a boost from 208-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque to 249-hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Carlsson also offers upgrades for the exterior, in the form of a new front spoiler and grille, rear skirts, and a rear bumper with an integrated diffuser that houses the quad stainless steel tailpipes. The exterior upgrades are rounded out by a choice of three new wheel designs, ranging in size from 18 to 20 inches.
The interior has received attention as well, with Carlsson installing polished aluminium sill lates with an illuminated Carlsson logo, a set of pedals with the Carlsson logo, and aluminum door lock pins. The range of interior modifications doesn't stop there, as the company offers a broad range of upholstery options for the seats and other surfaces, with the option of ordering your family crest imprinted on the headrests. If you're into that sort of thing.
Carlsson does not have a representative office in the U.S., and for now only the U.S.-market GLA 250 could be fitted with the performance and exterior design modifications that the company has developed.
