The main Danes in the Mercedes-tuning universe, Kleemann, will show off their new, 595hp ML 500 tuner at the Essen show next week. The package, which they say makes their ML 50K S8 "utterly desirable," gains Kleemann's juiced version of the Mercedes 5.0-liter V8 — used in its CLS and E-Class tuners — which includes a custom supercharger, new hi-po cams, reprogrammed ECU and stainless steel exhaust headers. All that kit gets the ML from zero to 62mph in 5.3 seconds, and on to a top speed of 167mph. The action starts at 2,000 rpm, where the boosted powerplant produces 586 ft-lbs. of torque. Stoppage comes from 8-piston disc (vented, cross-drilled) calipers in the front (four-pots in the rear), a firmer air suspension and ground-effects kit work to keep the upright SUV from liftoff, while 20 inch TM-5 wheels do the dubness they do so well. See it at the Essen show, or look for the black blur along the motorvej.

Specs:
Engine: V8
Displacement: 4966 cc
No. of valves: 24
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Bhp: 595 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Max torque: 586 ft-lbs @ 2.000 rpm
Wheels: TM-5 light alloy 10JX20
Tires: 295/45 R 20 TOYO Proxes S/T

Related:
Kleeman Aims for the Outback with Mercedes E500 [internal]

Contact information for this author is not available.