Hill climb: a Mercedes SLK unleashed

The Carlsson SLK 340 is a rage. Its ambition is to take part this year in various international hillclimb events where its extreme design could well cause misfortune. Thanks to a significant weight reduction with large carbon cuts, the SLK coupe-convertible loses half of its mass, to only display 780 kg on the scale, while at the same time, the supercharged 8 liter V3.4 displays 610 hp and 430 Nm of torque. Transmission is then via a Hewland gearbox with paddle shifters.

The German's physique is impressive. It betrays the many hours spent in the wind tunnel to maximize the search for support. Reto Meisel, the team's project manager and driver (German champion 1999 to 2001 and 2007 and 2009, Swiss 2002, etc.), has been a specialist in hillclimbs since 1989. "I am really invested in the development and the operation of this car which was born from a simple vision on a sheet of paper. There will never have been such a hill racing car with so many technical solutions and pursuit of performance,” says the Swiss driver in all modesty. The ambition is clear: to participate in the legendary climb of Pikes Peak, in Colorado (USA): “It will be an honor for us to fight against teams as prestigious as Hyundai and Suzuki,” concludes Reto Meisel.