Brabus, the German tuners of all things Mercedes-Benz, has got its mitts on the new SLK roadster before Germany shuts down for August. As you'd expect, the photographs show a menacing black example with characteristically huge alloy wheels and quad exhausts.
There's a wide range of options, applicable to any model in the SLK range. Wheels are available in various designs from 17- to 20-inch in diameter, the new sports springs result in a 30mm ride height drop and there's a body kit that's said to reduce lift at both ends of the car.
The new exhaust should liberate a little power, but Brabus also offers ECU upgrades. These release an extra 26hp in the SLK 200 and 250 CGI models, though the latter can be boosted further (to a total of 240hp) by the addition of a larger intercooler and waste-gate valve. So equipped it manages 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 248km/h.
Allying fears of warranty issues, Brabus includes a three-year, 100,000-kilometre 'Tuning Warranty' with its performance upgrades.
Naturally, Brabus has not left the interior of the SLK untouched. There is the usual range of add-ons, including stainless steel scuff plates and aluminium pedals. The sky is literally the limit though, as Brabus will customise any car to its owner's preferences.
Because of the tailor-made nature of this work there is little in the way of fixed pricing.
We expect to see a few examples on the Brabus stand at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show.