This 620 HP Mercedes SLK Hillclimber Ain’t No Hairdresser’s Car

BY Brad Anderson | Posted on

The Mercedes-Benz SLK is far from the sportiest car around, hence the term “hairdresser’s car” used by some to denote that it’s not sporty enough. Well, this particular SLK is a little different.

What we have here is an extensively modified SLK from the experts at Carlsson. It’s been designed to compete in the FIA E1 hill climb category and is so extreme that it makes the V8-powered SLK55 AMG look and feel like a fluffy toy.

Powering this SLK is a race-spec 3.4-liter V8 from Judd. All up, it pumps out 620 HP and revs to a dizzying 11,300 rpm.

Remarkably, though,it’s not actually the engine which is the most surreal thing about this SLK.

Somehow, Carlsson has made the hillclimber in such a way that it tips the scales at a mere 780 kg (1719 lbs). What’s more, it develops 660 kg (1455 lbs) of downforce at 150 mph (241 km/h). As you can imagine, all this makes for a mindblowing experience.

Filmed here ripping through a mountain in Portugal, the SLK looks part DTM racer and part fierce time attack car. It is able to accelerate through high-speed corners with poise and not once looks unsettled by the bumpy road conditions. Plus, the ultra low ride-height also makes for an impressive fireworks show.

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