(4)

---

Watch out Ferrari - German tuner Carlsson has unveiled computer-generated images of its brand new supercar. The Carlsson C25 - just 25 will be built - features a twin-turbocharged V12 engine pushing out 753bhp and an astonishing 973lb/ft of pulling power.

Performance figures for the limited edition C25 are equally awesome: the 0-62mph dash takes just 3.7 seconds and the Carlsson will top out at 219mph, making it one of the world's fastest cars.

However, Carlsson is adamant its new supercar will be a daily driver. "There are more than enough super sports car in this world which can only be safely driven on a race track", says Carlsson CEO Markus Schuster.

"Therefore, we deliberately wanted to develop a car which is highly exclusive on the one hand, and can be used for the daily journey to office on the other hand."

And he's right about exclusive. Each C25 is hand-made to order and all 25 planned models have already been sold. For added practicality points, the Carlsson C25 can be serviced by a regular Mercedes-Benz dealership, thanks to the large quantity of Merc technology used for the limited-run supercar, including the V12 engine and C-Tronic suspension.

Carlsson has kitted the interior with real carbon, tanned buffalo leather and suede in special colours to give a "user-friendly ambience", deliberately avoiding race seats, race straps, rollover cages and "extreme lowering".

It looks astonishing, goes like the clappers and is built for comfort and daily driving. Sound familiar? Mercedes SLR anyone?

(4)