26-11-2004
The experience gathered over many years of motor racing flows continuously into the development of Carlsson products. Hence, it is only logical to remain active on the motor-racing scene with an extensive commitment in 2005.
Under the banner of Carlsson Racing, Carlsson and Rainer Brückner's Alpine Racing Team have joined forces to enter the new CK35 RS for the VLN Long Distance Championship 2005 at the 'Nordschleife' of the Nürburgring. Rainer Brückner is not only an expert for the 'Nordschleife' but also a successful team boss who dominated the standard touring car class up to 2.5 litres with his Mercedes-Benz 190 EVO I for over six years.
Because the success in the VLN Long Distance Championship depends on more drivers, the Carlsson team is formed by three experienced drivers and experts on the ‘Nordschleife’. Besides Rainer Brückner, Ingvar Carlsson, development partner and eponym of the Carlsson Autotechnik GmbH, and Frank Steinmeier, development engineer and instructor at Continental Teves (ATE brakes), will steer the Carlsson CK35 RS.
The Carlsson Racer CK35 RS produces 320 bhp and 400 Nm at 3500 rpm. Fitted with 'Nordschleife' transmission ratio, it can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 265 km/h.
From the race track to the road
All tuning components of this racing car for the engine, suspension, braking system, wheels and aerodynamics are largely identical with the company's TUV-approved series products that Carlsson customers can purchase for their cars.
Technical highlights of the thoroughbred racing car include extensive changes to the engine, exhaust system with metal catalytic converters, a high-tech racing suspension set-up and braking system.
The high-performance brake kit is capable of withstanding even the ultra-high loads generated on the racetrack. The ATE high-performance brake system consists of twin four-piston fixed-callipers, two-piece ATE PowerDisc brake disks and steel-wrapped brake hoses. The PowerDisk brake disks consist of a friction disk and black hub. Both parts are floating and joined by means of a threaded sleeve. Successfully tested in motor racing, this method of connecting the two parts permits stress-free expansion of the friction disk under the extreme temperatures generated during hard braking.
The Carlsson Racer CK35 RS also has a five-speed Getrag racing transmission coupled with a reinforced rear axle and locking differential. Both transmissions are fitted with an oil cooler.
Next year, the Carlsson Racer CK35 RS will set the pulses of motor-racing fans beating wildly as it makes life difficult for the amazingly successful BMW M3 in the legendary "green hell" of the 'Nordschleife' of the Nürburgring.
The aim of the Carlsson Alpine Racing Teams is, in common with its predecessor, Carlsson Racing, to achieve a class victory with the SLK and to finish in the top ten overall of the 24-hour race.
The components developed and tested for motor racing also flow into the range of standard products sold by Carlsson Autotechnik GmbH for road-going vehicles and are particularly suitable for Club Sport events.
Text and photos courtesy of Carlsson
