Mercedes-Benz Sport extends its portfolio: Sporty emphasis for the A-Class

Don't Copy From This Blog...

Mercedes-Benz Sport is now offering a broad palette of products to personalise the A-Class. At the Geneva Motor Show the company will use an A 180 in polar silver with detachable body parts in Jupiter red to demonstrate the numerous details with which an A-Class can be sportily upgraded using Genuine Accessories. Mercedes-Benz Sport will also be presenting the entire product portfolio in their own exhibition area.

Reminiscent of the historic Mercedes-Benz racing cars, the designers of the A 180 exhibited in Geneva have combined the polar silver exterior paintwork with detachable body parts in Jupiter red. This striking colour was used for the front apron spoiler lip, the roof spoiler and the rear apron trim in diffusor look. The sporty appearance is underlined by a decorative sticker kit in chequered flag design with a colour gradient and fine lines. The look can be rounded off with racing numbers and a tinted sun protection strip with Mercedes-Benz Sport lettering.

The show car in Geneva shows numerous personalisation options for the A-Class which will all be available as extras for the first time. These include the aforementioned decorative sticker kits and installation kits for a two-pipe rear silencer, sports suspension and brakes with perforated brake discs and red callipers on the front wheels.

Also included in the Mercedes-Benz Sport programme are the "Night" styling package, front and rear trim, the diamond radiator grille, illuminated door sills with the "Sport" logo, sports steering wheel, sports pedals and 18-inch (45.72 cm) two-tone light alloy wheels in black and high-sheen.

Mercedes-Benz Sport portfolio currently for four model series

Over the last three years Mercedes-Benz has offered a portfolio of elegant sporty products for personalising vehicles. The programme includes light alloy wheels, aerodynamic and optically-enhancing detachable body parts and interior products. These retrofit solutions accentuate a vehicle's sportiness and provide individual, elegant touches.

Mercedes-Benz Sport has been available since 2010 for the E-Class family; in 2011 products were added for the SLK and in 2012 for the C-Class family. Other model series are to follow. Most products for personalising the A-Class are already available and can be retrofitted by a qualified Mercedes-Benz partner.

High quality with Mercedes-Benz warranty and intelligent "add-on principle"

Mercedes-Benz Sport components stand out above conventional products for personalising vehicles in three specific points:

- Design is based on the high Mercedes-Benz quality criteria. The development is based on experience and observation of the basic vehicle and the original vehicle computer data. This ensures an outstandingly precise fit for the parts. All parts have been tested for reliability, durability and function in computer simulations and in practical tests. Also the aerodynamic parts have been tested in wind tunnels and test drives including high-speed circuits. As Mercedes-Benz Sport parts conform to the highest standards, they are sold with the Mercedes-Benz original warranty.

- Thanks to the intelligent "add-on principle" for detachable body parts, no existing parts have to be removed or exchanged. For example, original bumpers are retained and enhanced by Mercedes-Benz Sport parts.

- The same designers who design the basic vehicle are also responsible for Mercedes-Benz Sport styling. The features underline the vehicles' character and fit neatly in with the exacting design idiom of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Light-catching edges and taut surfaces create sportiness and reinforce the car's confident appearance.

An overview of Mercedes-Benz Sport for the A-Class

^[1] All prices incl.19% VAT, as valid in Germany, without fitting/painting (as at: February 2013).

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

Read More

World debut at the 2012 Essen Motor Show: BRABUS refines the new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (X 166)

Don't Copy From This Blog...

Sporty-elegant bodywork, high-tech forged wheels with a diameter of 23 inches, powerful and eco-friendly engine tuning as well as exclusive interiors: BRABUS also offers a sophisticated and extensive customization program for the Mercedes GL-Class of model year 2013. All components are backed by the one-of-a-kind BRABUS Tuning Warranty® of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers/62,000 miles.

While the design program for the new Mercedes GL-Class is still under development, the looks of the largest Mercedes SUV can already be upgraded with custom-tailored BRABUS Monoblock wheels in various designs and diameters between 18 and 23 inches.

The large wheel wells of the GL-Class offers enough space for custom-tailored 23-inch high-tech forged wheels. The BRABUS "Platinum Edition" 11Jx23 wheels are available in the three popular designs Monoblock E evo, F and R. Thanks to cutting-edge forging technology the "Platinum Edition" wheels are particularly light despite offering outstanding mechanical strength. Compared with a conventional cast wheel of the same size, these wheels offer a weight saving of up to 15 percent. All BRABUS forged wheels can be easily identified by their “Platinum Edition" stainless-steel badge.

The matching high-performance tires in size 305/30 R 23 are supplied by BRABUS technology partners Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA.

The new Mercedes GL-Class can also be fitted with forged 21-inch Monoblock VI or F wheels or with 22-inch cast wheels of the Monoblock VI, E, Q, R and S design families as well as with BRABUS Monoblock G "PLATINUM EDITION" forged wheels.

The BRABUS control module for GL models with AIRMATIC air suspension is specifically calibrated to the use with these sporty tire/wheel combinations. They lower the ride height of the vehicle by about 30 millimeters (1.2 inches).

To further optimize active safety, the SUV can be equipped with a BRABUS high-performance brake system. It consists of six-piston aluminum fixed calipers gripping vented and cross-drilled front discs measuring 405 x 34 millimeters (15.9 x 1.3 inches). The rear axle stops with discs measuring 380 x 34 mm (15.0 x 1.3 inches) and four-piston fixed calipers.

BRABUS offers the world’s most extensive engine tuning program for Mercedes-Benz automobiles, which obviously also benefits the new GL-Class. For the GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC the BRABUS engine specialists have developed the BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D6S performance kit. It goes without saying that the performance kit was designed for maximum eco-friendliness and retains the BlueTEC concept that uses the reactant AdBlue® for emission control. As a result the GL 350 turbodiesel with BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D6S performance kit meets EURO VI emission standards.

The plug-and-play auxiliary control unit can be installed by any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. Afterwards the engine produces 228 kW / 310 hp (306 bhp) of power and a hefty torque of 690 Nm (509 lb-ft), available between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm. Performance benefits accordingly: Compared with the production car the sprint time for 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) is shortened to 7.6 seconds. Top speed increases to 225 km/h (140 mph).

The BRABUS B50-520 performance kit is available for the GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY. It also integrates a plug-and-play BRABUS PowerXtra module into the engine electronics. After the conversion the 4.7-liter eight-cylinder Biturbo engine produces powerful 383 kW / 521 hp (513 bhp), up from standard 320 kW / 435 hp (429 bhp). Peak torque grows to 800 Nm (590 lb-ft), available between 1,800 and 3,500 rpm. Thus equipped the all-wheel-drive car accelerates from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.0 seconds. The top speed can be limited electronically to 250 or 275 km/h (155 or 171 mph) with the help of the integrated BRABUS Vmax unit.

All BRABUS engines are lubricated exclusively with MOTUL high-performance motor oil. Custom-calibrated BRABUS stainless-steel sport exhaust systems that depending on the model come with two or four chrome-plated tailpipes are available for all GL-Class engines.

Exclusive interior options are another BRABUS specialty for the new Mercedes GL-Class: Stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo are part of the lineup as are exclusive BRABUS all-leather interiors masterfully crafted from the finest Mastik leather and Alcantara.

BRABUS wood and carbon-fiber inlays are available in any color imaginable and are color-coordinated with the interior color. The sporty character of the vehicle is rounded out by a speedometer with 320-km/h dial (200-mph) and aluminum components such as pedals and door-lock pins.

~ Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS GmbH ~

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

Read More

World debut at the 2012 Essen Motor Show: BRABUS refines the Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG (W 166)

Don't Copy From This Blog...

456.3 kW / 620 hp (611 bhp) of power and a peak torque of 820 Nm (604 lb-ft) give it a top speed of up to 300 km/h (186 mph). The spectacular WIDESTAR wide-body version in conjunction with forged 23-inch wheels set it far apart from the masses: BRABUS refines the Mercedes ML 63 AMG!

There is no such thing as enough power and consequently the BRABUS engine specialists have developed performance tuning for the 5.5-liter V8 Biturbo engine of the latest ML 63 AMG: the B63-620 performance kit. The engine tuning kit is available in various versions for vehicles with or without AMG performance package. It is backed by the one-of-a-kind BRABUS tuning warranty of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers/62,000 miles (see BRABUS Warranty Terms and Conditions, updated November 2006). BRABUS recommends high-performance lubricants from technology partner MOTUL.

The tuning involves the integration of a plug-and-play BRABUS PowerXtra module into the engine electronics. This auxiliary control unit optimizes power yield as the result of a new mapping for injection and ignition as well as a moderate increase in boost pressure.

The perfect complement to the BRABUS engine tuning for the ML 63 AMG is a stainless-steel BRABUS sport exhaust system with butterfly valve. It gives drivers the option of switching between a discreet and quiet “coming home” mode and a decidedly throaty V8 exhaust note in “sport” mode at the push of a button. The BRABUS sport exhaust features two ceramics-coated design exhaust embellishers on either side for an even more striking rear appearance.

ML 63 models delivered ex-factory without performance package gain an extra 69 kW / 95 hp (93 bhp) with BRABUS B63-620 tuning; the performance version adds 45 kW / 63 hp (60 bhp). Both models produce a peak torque of 820 Nm (604 lb-ft), available between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm.

The BRABUS-tuned SUV accelerates from rest to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. The BRABUS Vmax unit that is part of the performance kit can be programmed to allow an electronically limited top speed of 280 or 300 km/h (174 or 186 mph).

At these speeds aerodynamic properties are crucial. To account for this fact, the BRABUS designers have developed an additional spoiler for the production fascia. It is made from clear-coated carbon fiber and reduces lift on the front axle. A rear spoiler is available as its aerodynamic counterpart.

The front of the refined ML 63 AMG adds more appeal with striking attachments for the side air inlets. A centrally placed diffuser made from clear-coated carbon fiber adds even more sporty character to the rear.

The BRABUS WIDESTAR fender flares on the front and rear axle add six centimeters (2.5 inches) to the width of the top-of-the-line M-Class. These flares give the vehicle a more bullish stance that is rounded out with the attachment components for the sides of the front and rear fasciae. But that’s not all: The WIDESTAR fender flares also make room for extremely wide BRABUS king-size tires with diameters of up to 23 inches.

The largest possible tire/wheel combination for the BRABUS WIDESTAR version features size 10Jx22 wheels. Customers can choose from five wheel designs, Monoblock VI, E, G "Platinum Edition", Q and R. The most exclusive option is the BRABUS Monoblock G "Platinum Edition" forged wheel. Thanks to cutting-edge manufacturing technology it offers an unparalleled combination of lightweight design and maximum strength. The corresponding high-performance tires in size 295/30 ZR 22 are supplied by BRABUS technology partners Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA.

A special BRABUS control module for the AIRMATIC air suspension of the ML 63 AMG lowers the ride height of the high-performance SUV. This not only gives the all-wheel-drive car an even more striking appearance, the lowered center of gravity also further improves handling.

BRABUS is one of the top addresses in the world for exclusive automotive interior design. The company upholstery shop uses the finest leather and Alcantara to craft custom-tailored interiors for the ML 63 AMG to suit each owner’s personal taste.

Wood and genuine carbon-fiber trim sets in any desired color and with a variety of surface finishes are available to round out the ensemble. A speedometer with 360-km/h dial (225 mph) is also part of the product program.

~ Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS GmbH ~

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

Read More

World debut at the 2012 Essen Motor Show: The BRABUS Tuning Program for the Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W 166)

Don't Copy From This Blog...

Exclusive, individual and ecofriendly strong in compliance with EURO VI emission standards: these three attributes best describe the latest BRABUS tuning program for the Mercedes W 166-series M-Class. From a visual standpoint the SUV receives an upgrade with a sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement program and custom-tailored BRABUS Monoblock wheels with diameters of up to 22 inches. The program also includes engine tuning for the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC that is as powerful as it is ecofriendly. Further on offer are stainless-steel sport exhaust systems for all models and striking interior designs including an all-leather interior in any desired color. BRABUS backs all components with the one-of-a-kind BRABUS Tuning Warranty® of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers/62,000 miles.

To give the current M-Class a more customized and exclusive look BRABUS offers an innovative and striking appearance package. The front bumper of the sport version can receive some added profile with the BRABUS ‘On Road’ front spoiler and attachments for the air inlets in the front fascia.

To give the new 4x4 seemingly a longer, sleeker stance the BRABUS designers have developed new sill skirts. They combine elegant design with a safety feature: entrance lights integrated into the underside are activated by pulling on a door handle or by pushing the unlock button on the keyless remote. This also activates the BRABUS logo optionally integrated into the sill skirts and the BRABUS lettering in the fender attachments that are a new development as well.

The rear end of the M-Class is upgraded with the BRABUS ‘On Road’ rear fascia that is available in two versions. Depending on the type of engine the rear fascia comes with a cutout on the left or with a cutout on either side to provide the perfect backdrop for the BRABUS dual or quad sport exhaust system. A BRABUS rear spoiler that attaches to the liftgate is available as well. In addition, there is a BRABUS WIDESTAR wide-body version complete with fender flares. The entire appearance package is manufactured in OEM quality from high-grade Pur-R-Rim plastics.

The exclusive looks are also characterized by the custom-tailored BRABUS Monoblock wheels with diameters ranging from 18 to 22 inches. The largest version BRABUS offers for the new M-Class features king-size 10Jx22 wheels. The cast wheels are available in five different designs as Monoblock VI, E, Q, R and S wheels. As an alternative BRABUS offers the Monoblock G "Platinum Edition" forged wheels in the same size. State-of-the-art forging technology makes these wheels with five double spokes the perfect symbiosis of low weight and maximum strength. BRABUS technology partners Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA supply suitable high-performance tires up to size 295/30 ZR 22 front and back for all BRABUS wheels.

The BRABUS suspension components, developed in cooperation with BILSTEIN, are specifically calibrated to this tire/wheel combination. For vehicles with conventional steel suspension BRABUS offers a choice of sport springs for a ride-height lowering by some 30 millimeters (1.2 inches) or a sporty yet comfortable sport suspension. For M-Class vehicles with AIRMATIC air suspension the BRABUS suspension engineers have developed a custom control module that lowers the ride height of the SUV by some 30 – 40 millimeters (1.2 – 1.6 inches).

For further optimizing the off roader’s already impressive active safety BRABUS offers a high-performance brake system. The front axle combines six-piston fixed aluminum calipers with vented and cross-drilled discs measuring 405 x 34 millimeters (16 x 1.3 inches). Together with four-piston fixed aluminum calipers and brake discs measuring 380 x 28 mm (15 x 1.1 inches) on the rear axle the brake system provides stopping power normally reserved for purebred sports cars. The BRABUS system also delivers maximum fade-free endurance.

BRABUS offers the world’s most extensive program of engine tuning for Mercedes-Benz automobiles and so it is no wonder that the program was also adapted to the new M-Class. For the V6 common-rail turbodiesel engine of the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC the BRABUS engine specialists have developed the BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D6S performance kit that falls into the same EURO VI emissions class as the production car.

The engineers developed the BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D6S module for the direct-injection engine in the BRABUS engine development department using state-of-the-art test bench technology and a cutting-edge emissions lab. The plug-and-play auxiliary control unit is integrated into the CAN bus of the SUV. The BRABUS mapping was calibrated specifically to the ecofriendly BlueTEC concept that uses AdBlue® reactant for emission control.

The BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D6S performance kit bumps peak torque from standard 620 Nm to 690 Nm (457 to 509 lb-ft), available on a plateau between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm. At the same time maximum power output jumps from 190 kW / 258 hp (254 bhp) to 227 kW / 309 hp (304 bhp) at a low 3,600 rpm.

Performance with BRABUS D6S tuning improves enormously: with a sprint time of just 6.0 seconds the SUV takes exactly 1.4 seconds less for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) than the production car. Top speed increases to 229 km/h (142 mph).

Additional versions of BRABUS engine tuning are available for the other M-Class engines. All BRABUS engines are lubricated exclusively with MOTUL high-performance motor oil. Custom-calibrated stainless-steel sport exhaust systems with two or four distinctive BRABUS tailpipes are available for all M-Class engines.

Yet another particular BRABUS specialty are exclusive interior options for the new M-Class: bi-color stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo as well as matte-anodized aluminum pedals, door-lock pins and foot rest are part of the refinement repertoire as are exclusive BRABUS interiors masterfully crafted from a combination of the finest Mastik leather and Alcantara. In addition, there are exotic-wood and carbon-fiber trim sets in any desired color and with a variety of surfaces from open-pored and matte to high-gloss finishes.

~ Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS GmbH ~

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

Read More

World debut at the 2012 Essen Motor Show: BRABUS refines the Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster (R 231)

Don't Copy From This Blog...

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 382 kW / 520 hp (512 bhp) 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. Custom-tailored front fasciae, add-on components for the side skirts and rear fasciae were developed for both body styles of the SL, with or without AMG Sport package. 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 PU 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 the use of 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 382 kW / 520 hp (512 bhp) instead of the standard 320 kW / 435 hp (429 bhp) 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 or 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.

Read More