In September 2000, Mercedes-Benz USA introduced the redesigned C-class to its dealerships nationwide. Because the C-class may be the first luxury car for many of today’s youth, it needed to be an attention-grabber at an entry-level price, competing directly against the BMW 3-Series, the Audi A4, and the Volvo S70. Targeting a specific segment of the population, the new design embraced a youthful image with its coupe-like profile, curvaceous C-pillars, and very simply, as MBUSA points out, the line embodied flair.
And attention-grabbing it is, now that Lorinser has stepped in to dress up the car’s design element a bit. Much like Georgio Armani, Ralph Lauren, or any great fashion designer of our time, the Lorinser name is synonymous with creating “couture” in the European tuning market, specifically that of Mercedes-Benzes. Since the 1970s, Lorinser has given drivers the opportunity to tailor their vehicles to specific wishes rather than relying on limited choices offered by the manufacturer. All work is done in keeping of the inherent style, design, look, and feel of the original vehicle. Thus, it seems an obvious choice that the 2001 C-class was a Lorinser project, considering its tuning capabilities and appeal to those who seek an entry-level luxury car with performance to boot. And when our friends at Claus Ettensberger Corporation (Lorinser’s sole American distributor.—MAX) came knocking at MAX’s door with the opportunity to get to know this baby a little better, we couldn’t resist.
The stock 3.2L V-6 engine boasts 215 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque from 3,000–4,600 rpm. While this particular MRyde isn’t supercharged, Lorinser knew it could improve on the C320’s performance with an optional Kompressor System that produces 275 hp at 5,750 rpm, thus catapulting the car from 0 to 60 in less time than the manufacturer’s listing of 6.9 seconds. What it does have is a Lorinser stainless steel exhaust with dual sport silencers and chrome tips to help the engine breathe that much easier while unleashing a subdued roar.
Standard on the C320 is a five-speed automatic transmission with Touch Shift, the Mercedes-Benz answer to manual gear selection without the presence of a clutch. To maintain the precise response and feel of the suspension engineered by Mercedes-Benz, Lorinser opted to install its own sport suspension system, which encompasses new dampers and springs, lowering the car 1.38 inches all round. The 19x8.5 Lorinser LM5 wheels on 235/35-19 Continental Sport Contact tires in the front and 19x9.5 Lorinser LM5 wheels on 265/30-19 Continental Sport Contact tires in the rear work together to maintain a firm grip of the road.
Echoing the design breakthroughs of the Mercedes-Benz creative team, Lorinser has built on the original concepts with exterior modifications fit for the style hound in all of us. A glance at the front of this four-door sedan confirms only what we couldn’t keep our eyes off even from afar—a Lorinser DTM-style front bumper spoiler with integrated driving lights, a CL hood and front grille, the addition of a European impact strip, thus eliminating side markers, as well as a flat hood emblem. Other features include discreet Lorinser side skirts with integrated vent grilles, a DTM-style rear bumper spoiler, a rear decklid spoiler, and a roof spoiler.
Inside, a Burlwood airbag-equipped steering wheel with ergonomic grip and matching interior wood appointments were outfitted, along with Lorinser doorsill plates. The stock instrument cluster has a central LCD display within the speedometer, which can display a variety of information, including engine rpm, road speed, fuel level, odometer settings, and even water temperature.
Overall, while Lorinser conversions have created a more aggressive, street-driven look for the 2001 C-class, its sentiments are still that of the original Mercedes-Benz designers. From individual body styling appointments to underhood performance enhancements, Lorinser’s C320 sedan is surely dressed to impress.