The arrival of the second generation Mercedes-Benz CLS has Brabus getting ready to present its tuning program for the sports sedan at next week's Geneva Motor Show. For the 2012 CLS, the German tuning house prepared a variety of aero-enhancements, interior goods and performance upgrades. Aesthetically, the Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist offers a new front bumper add-on that can be further upgraded with LED daytime running lights with either dark or chrome surrounds, fender gills, side skirts, a discrete boot lid spoiler and a rear apron with custom cutouts for the for the four tailpipes of the available sport exhaust system. There are plenty of choices for the alloy wheels as Brabus offers six different designs in sizes ranging from 8.5Jx17" to 10.5Jx20". The largest tires supplied by the company's partners Pirelli and YOKOHAMA for these wheels come in size 255/30 ZR 20 in front and in size 305/25 ZR 20 for the rear axle.Inside, the options range from a new sports steering wheel in a variety of leather and wood designs, to custom leather or Alcantara upholsteries and aluminum and carbon fiber trim components.For the time being, the German tuning firm's engine kits are limited to the diesel models. The CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY's 2.1-liter turbo diesel engine equipped with the performance kit delivers an additional 31 hp for a total of 235HP and a peak torque of 560 Nm (413 lb-ft). The Brabus-tuned CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY gets a new kit which offers two different modes. In the ‘Eco’ setting, only peak torque is increased from 620 Nm to 690 Nm (457 to 509 lb-ft) between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm, with the maximum output remaining unchanged. If the driver selects the ‘Sport’ mode, both peak torque and output are increased, with power jumping from 265HP to 313HP. Using this setting, the tuned CLS sprints from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds, while top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h (155 mph).A sports exhaust system that promises to optimize power yield and produce a throaty exhaust note is available for all CLS engine variants. Finally, to improve handling, the tuner offers a number of solutions ranging from new sport springs for a 30mm (1.2-in.) lower ride-height to a complete sports suspension. photos
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is the car most tuners wanted to put their mark on at this year's Geneva Motor Show. Brabus of course, couldn't miss out on this party, so here's what they came up with: a 700 horsepower wide-body version of an already impressive supercar.Called the 700 Biturbo, Brabus' iteration of the SLS AMG received the Widestar treatment, which means the car is 20 millimeters (0.8 in.) wider at the back, creating the necessary space for the extra wide 11Jx21 wheels (9.5Jx20 on the front). Brabus says the entire body was subjected to aerodynamic tunnel tests to ensure the car is stable at high speeds. The front spoiler, the covers for the air inlets, the gills, the rear spoiler and the diffuser are all made from carbon-fiber and contrast the silver paint of the 700 Biturbo. Brabus also added carbon side skirts fitted with air vents for the rear brakes. Inside, the German supercar can be fitted with matte or shiny carbon-fiber elements of any color, matte anodized aluminium pedals and foot rests, as well as an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel. The speedometer dial shows a maximum speed of 400 km/h (250 mph), even though 700 BiTurbo goes up to 340 km/h (213 mph).It's still 23 km/h (14 mph) faster that the production model, and it gets from 0 to 100 km/h 0.1 seconds quicker, at 3.7 seconds. These figures are made possible thanks to the fitting of a twin-turbocharger to the V8 engine which helps unleash an output of 700 horsepower and 850 Nm of peak torque (626 lb-ft) at 4,300 rpm. Mated to the SPEEDSHIFT DCT seven-speed transmission, the 700 Biturbo can reach 200 km/h (124 mph) from a standing start in 10.2 seconds.Developed by Brabus, the engine conversion also includes a large intercooler, high-performance air filters, new mapping and specially manufactured forged pistons. Other changes include a new titanium exhaust system and a new suspension that lowers ride height by up to 30 millimeters (1.2 in.) and has a “Ride Control” function, altering the damping according to needs. photosRead more In
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