Do you find the lines of Mercedes' new full-size GL SUV too flowing and elegant? Those who prefer a vehicle styled like the box it came can still opt for the original G500, the off-roader that has proven its mettle from Middle Eastern deserts to the valet lines of Beverly Hills. However if the mighty G-wagen's sumptuous interior and ready-for-anything looks still don't make enough of a statement, don't worry: German tuner A.R.T. has your back.
Based out of Nuremberg, A.R.T. has been around since 1999 and specializes in Mercedes tuning, offering versions of every car in the brand's lineup. Their unique take on the G-Class starts out well with power adjustments under the hood, changing the supercharger and management system on the G55 AMG's hand-built engine to bring horsepower from 493 to a full 580. The regular V-8 also gets an added supercharger that bumps power to 402 hp (from 292) and A.R.T. has disabled the Vmax limiter so the SUV can really open up on those Autobahn straightaways.
But what's the point of all that extra power if no one knows you've got it? A.R.T. takes care of that, too, adding a host of visual "improvements" that guarantee the G will never disappear in a crowd. Fans of headlights will be pleased to note the A.R.T. G-Class sports a total of 12, with two each replacing the originals and eight adorning a new front spoiler. If that's not enough, two more are available on an additional front-end guard, guaranteeing everyone in line at the club you roll up to will go temporarily blind. The tuner has also added illuminated running boards and stuck a spoiler on the back of the roof.
Inside the changes get even better. If you've ever wished the wood trim in your car looked more like a lava lamp, A.R.T.'s "blue eye" appointments will be a dream come true. The seats are in higher-quality leather, and for complete privacy curtains are fitted to the tinted windows. The SUV also comes with the best tech goodies imaginable, including state of the art navigation and stereo systems, a DVD player with 17-inch flat screen monitors, and an intercom so you can talk to people outside without even rolling down the window.
On their site A.R.T. states that all of their work is fully customizable, so if you really want to fix up your G-Class it doesn't have to be anything like this one. However if this is the truck for you, make sure to complete the look with the optional flashing blue lights and siren. And GL owners take note: A.R.T. has a custom package for your car, too.
Source: A.R.T. Tuning