The new BRABUS 800 Roadster based on the SL 65 AMG: World debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2013

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With the new 800 Roadster based on the Mercedes SL 65 AMG, BRABUS builds the world’s most powerful roadster. The two-seater is powered by a 12-cylinder Biturbo engine uprated by BRABUS T65 RS tuning. It produces 588 kW / 800 hp (788 bhp) of power and a peak torque of 1,420 Nm. A sprint time of 3.7 seconds from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) and of 9.8 seconds to 200 km/h (124 mph) are impressive testaments to the car’s special status that is further bolstered by an electronically limited top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph). The exclusive equipment features also include BRABUS carbon-fiber bodywork components designed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency, custom-tailored BRABUS wheels with diameters up to 20 inches and exclusive options for the cockpit.

BRABUS T65 RS tuning unleashes the latent power reserves of the six-liter V12 engine. To this end, the BRABUS engine professionals have developed a BRABUS high-tech Biturbo system with custom high-performance manifolds that feature integrated turbine housings and high-performance turbochargers. The tuning also includes four water-to-air intercoolers, housed in space provided by the BRABUS carbon-fiber hood scoop. Another custom development for the SL 65 power upgrade is the special BRABUS stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system. It features free-flow metal catalysts and ceramic-coated tailpipes with distinctive BRABUS design. An integrated butterfly valve in the exhaust provides an active sound management on the steering wheel: at the push of a button the driver can chose between a discrete “coming home” and a markedly sporty exhaust note.

The newly calibrated engine electronics complete with high-performance mapping for injection and ignition coordinate the perfect interaction of the high-end components while also ensuring compliance with EURO V emission standards. The high-tech lubricants for the entire powertrain are supplied by technology partner MOTUL.

The BRABUS T65 RS engine produces 588 kW / 800 hp (788 bhp) of power at 5,500 rpm and an even more impressive peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), available from a low 2,100 rpm. In the car, peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

In conjunction with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission, whose gears can be shifted automatically or manually with the BRABUS aluminum shift paddles on the steering wheel, the BRABUS 800 Roadster rises to the become the most powerful of its kind. From rest the sports car weighing in at about two metric tons (2.2 tons) sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds. The two-door car reaches a speed of 200 km/h (124 mph) after just 9.8 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 350 km/h (217 mph).

To master these enormous speeds at all times, a BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement kit for the SL 65 was developed in the wind tunnel. All components are manufactured from carbon fibers and are available either with a matt or high-gloss surface finish. It goes without saying; they can also be painted in the car’s exterior color.

The BRABUS front spoiler attaches to the lower section of the bumper. It lends the roadster a more sporty appearance and reduces lift on the front axle. BRABUS covers for the side air vents round out the striking front for the SL 65 AMG.

The sides are refined with custom-tailored attachments for the air vents integrated into the front fenders and with rocker panels.

To achieve an optimal aerodynamic balance, the rear section is upgraded with a diffuser insert for the fascia.

As an alternative to the 19-inch stock tires of the SL 65, the BRABUS suspension engineers have developed an exclusive 20-inch high-tech variant. The new BRABUS Monoblock R “Platinum Edition” forged wheel offers the perfect symbiosis of lightweight construction and maximum strength thanks to state-of-the-art manufacturing technology. In addition to the innovative construction, this wheel design also offers unique looks with ten double spokes arranged in two matt titanium and fully polished planes. The front axle is fitted with wheels in size 9Jx20 shod with size 255/30 ZR 20 tires. In the rear, tires in size 305/25 ZR 20 mounted on size 10.5Jx20 wheels transfer the BRABUS 800 Roadster’s power of 800 horses to the asphalt. BRABUS recommends high-performance tires from Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA.

To give the two-seater even more agile handling, BRABUS developed a special control module for the ABC suspension of the SL 65 AMG. It lowers the ride height by about 25 millimeters (1.0 inches).

The BRABUS limited-slip rear differential with a locking rate of 40 percent can enhance handling performance further still.

BRABUS adds even more luxury and custom features to the two-seat interior upon request as well. The product portfolio ranges from scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo and a speedometer with 360-km/h dial (220 mph) to carbon-fiber and wood trim sets in any color imaginable and with a variety of surface finishes.

The company upholstery shop crafts exquisite BRABUS interiors from especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara. A prime example for the precision craftsmanship is the leather-clad trunk of the show car at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show that features meticulous and precise honeycomb stitching throughout.

~ Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS GmbH ~

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Classic: 50 years ago - “Pagoda” premiere in Geneva

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The launch of the Mercedes-Benz 230 SL at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1963 caused quite a sensation: nine years after the introduction of the 300 SL (W 198) and 190 SL (W 121) sports cars in 1954, Mercedes-Benz presented the motoring world with a single successor to both these extremely successful early SL models. Known internally as the W 113, the two-seater Roadster was characterised by its exceptional comfort, excellent performance, and exemplary handling safety.

The team under Chief Designer Friedrich Geiger had produced a vehicle with a distinctly contemporary flair, which also set a new benchmark in terms of handling safety. For indeed, the 230 SL was the first sports car in the world to feature a safety body made up of a rigid passenger compartment with crumple zones both front and rear. The engineering designers’ work on the W 113 thus reflected the ideas developed by Béla Barényi with respect to the passive safety of automotive body shells.

The characteristic inward curvature of the removable Coupé roof improved the vehicle’s passive safety still further: the concave shape improved stability, while at the same time keeping the weight low. The curve of the Coupé roof, designed by Paul Bracq, was somehow reminiscent of the sweep of an oriental temple roof, so the W 113 model series soon acquired the nickname “Pagoda”.

Sports car with luxury-class genes

The technical basis of the Roadster was provided by the Mercedes-Benz 220 SE (W 111) luxury-class Saloon: the shortened and reinforced frame floor assembly of the sports car, including its front and rear-wheel suspension, stemmed from this predecessor of today’s S‑Class. The engine in the 220 SE also formed the basis for the development of the 150 hp (110 kW) M 127 six-cylinder in-line engine (with a displacement of 2306 cc), with which the new SL model series was launched onto the market in 1963. For the first time in an SL, a four-speed automatic transmission was available as an option.

Towards the end of 1966 the 230 SL was succeeded by the 250 SL model. Its six-cylinder in-line engine (M 129) also had an output of 150 hp (110 kW), but generated 10 per cent more torque. This meant that the vehicle could accelerate from a standing start to 100 km/h in 10 seconds, and thus 1.1 seconds faster than the version introduced in 1963. The top speed of both the 230 SL and the 250 SL was 200 km/h.

Finally, in 1968, the 280 SL with M 130 engine became the third and last version of the W 113 model series to enter the market. Its 2778 cc six-cylinder in-line engine developed 170 hp (125 kW) and could accelerate the sports car from a standstill to 100 km/h in 9 seconds. As before the top speed was 200 km/h, a very respectable figure for this era.

The three SL models that made up the W 113 model series were each available as a Roadster with folding soft top, as a sports car with a removable Coupé roof, and in a further variant that combined the removable Coupé roof with a Roadster soft top. As an optional extra, Mercedes-Benz would fit an additional transverse seat into the rear of the sports car.

Production of the W 113 ended in March 1971 with 48,912 units to its credit. The completely redesigned successor of model series R 107 took over from the technically and stylistically trailblazing “Pagoda” – and went on to set new benchmarks in its turn, for example in the form of the first eight-cylinder engine for the SL-Class.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Mercedes-Benz SL features in twin model car set: Two pieces of birthday silver

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Big anniversary captured in a small scale: to mark the 60th anniversary of the super sports car legend that is the SL, Mercedes-Benz has brought out a twin model car set. Produced in a scale of 1:43, the set brings together the first 300 SL dating from 1952 (W 194) and the current SL-Class model (R 231).

Model car specialist Norev has produced the highly-detailed miniatures using a metal injection moulding process and finished them off in the respective authentic silver paint colour. The interiors also feature a high-quality printed finish. Both SL models are supplied in a gift box. Limited to a production run of 1500, the set is priced at 89.90 euros (non-binding recommended price for Germany including 19% VAT) and is available under order number B66041015 from Mercedes-Benz sales partners and the online shop ( http://shop.mercedes-benz.com ).

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Lightweight design makes for award-winning concept: the SL wins EuroCarBody Award 2012

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The Mercedes-Benz SL has secured a first place for itself by picking up the EuroCarBody Award 2012. This highest of vehicle body awards is presented each year by Automotive Circle International in recognition of outstanding developments in the body construction industry.

Once again this year more than 500 experts from the automotive industry cast their votes to reward the best implemented body design. Out of all of the new vehicles which were put to the vote, the Mercedes-Benz SL emerged victorious at the 14th Global Car Body Benchmarking Conference held in Bad Nauheim. In carrying out their assessment, the experts took into account such criteria as development and design concepts, material development and application, production efficiency, customer value and engineering focus.

The traditional sports car from Stuttgart impressed the experts with its intelligent lightweight design. With the newly developed full-aluminium bodyshell of the SL - which is around 110 kg lighter than a comparable steel bodyshell - Mercedes-Benz is setting standards, according to the experts.

Made almost entirely from aluminium, the bodyshell makes a significant contribution to ensuring that overall the SL is up to 140 kg lighter than the preceding model. It provides the basis for sharp, agile, sporty handling, coupled with exemplary roll characteristics and ride comfort – benefits which are noticeable and can be experienced to the full by SL customers.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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BRABUS refines the new Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Roadster (R 231)

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Exclusive refinement for a unique automobile: BRABUS now also customizes the sixth generation of the Mercedes SL. The measures include a striking BRABUS designer outfit, thrilling alloy wheels up to 20 inches in diameter, even more agile handling as a result of professional suspension tuning, a power increase to 520 hp (512 bhp) / 382 kW for a top speed of up to 300 km/h (186 mph) for the SL 500, and interior options custom-tailored to the owner’s personal style.

Sporty-elegant body styling components, tuned in the wind tunnel for maximum aerodynamic efficiency, are the BRABUS designers’ specialty. With or without AMG Sport package: Custom-tailored front fasciae, add-on components for the side sills and rear fasciae were developed for both body styles of the SL. There is also a BRABUS rear spoiler and side air vents for the front fenders. For a perfect fit all components are manufactured in OEM quality from high-grade PUR plastics.

Just as important for a custom look are the OEM-quality BRABUS Monoblock wheels, which can be mounted on the new roadster in four different designs and with diameters of 18, 19 and 20 inches. The largest combination to fit the R 231 model series SL features BRABUS Monoblock F, Q or R wheels in size 9Jx20 in front with size 255/30 ZR 20 tires and size 9.5Jx20 wheels with 295/25 ZR 20 tires on the rear axle. BRABUS recommends high-performance tires from Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA.

To be able to further improve upon the already high level of driving dynamics of the new Mercedes roadster BRABUS has developed custom-tailored suspension components in collaboration with technology partner BILSTEIN. BRABUS sport springs are available for the SL 350 with conventional steel suspension. For all SL models with active ABC suspension the BRABUS suspension engineers have developed an electronic module that lowers the ride height by about 25 millimeters.

This makes the SL 500 the perfect beneficiary of even more power. The BRABUS B50 - 520 PowerXtra CGI power kit wrestles an additional 85 horsepower from the 4.7-liter eight-cylinder Biturbo engine. BRABUS recommends using fully synthetic high-performance motor oil from MOTUL.

The BRABUS PowerXtra module with plug-and-play design is integrated into the engine electronics to generate more power as a result of special mapping for injection and ignition as well as of moderately increased boost pressure. But that’s just one part of the equation. The conversion also includes an auxiliary water-to-air intercooler powered by an auxiliary electric pump. The drop in charge air temperature benefits not only power yield but also engine life even under extreme operating conditions such as in the desert, for example.

After the conversion the engine puts 520 hp (512 bhp) / 382 kW instead of the standard 435 hp (429 bhp) / 320 kW on tap, accompanied by a peak torque of 820 Nm (604 lb-ft). Consequently the two-seater accelerates to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. The BRABUS Vmax unit, another component of the engine tuning, allows limiting the top speed electronically to 250, 275 or 300 km/h (155, 172, 186 mph).

A BRABUS stainless-steel sport exhaust system with four chrome-plated tailpipes is indispensable for an SL with BRABUS high-performance engine. It is also perfect for all roadster owners longing for a sportier exhaust note and a more striking rear appearance of their two-seater. BRABUS will offer a version with butterfly valve for the SL 500 shortly. It will allow choosing between a soft and a thrillingly sporty exhaust note via a button on the steering wheel.

The BRABUS limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent can improve handling even further.

The two-seated cockpit can receive even more individual character and luxury attributes at BRABUS. The product lineup ranges from scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo and a speedometer with 320-km/h or 360-km/h dial (200 mph or 225 mph) to carbon-fiber or fine wood trim sets in any imaginable color and with a variety of surface finishes.

The company upholstery shop creates exquisite BRABUS interiors from especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara.

* Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS GmbH *

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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