BRABUS at the Dubai International Motor Show 2011

His Heighness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Opens the 2011 DUBAI INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW and Welcomes BRABUS Middle East to his Country

A prominent visitor for BRABUS and the team from BRABUS Middle East, the new branch in the United Arab Emirates: at the opening of the 2011 DUBAI INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, visited the BRABUS show exhibit.


He congratulated Prof. h.c. Bodo Buschmann, CEO of BRABUS Group, on the founding of BRABUS Middle East LLC in Dubai. On behalf of the government Sheikh Maktoum presented him with a marble slab as a valuable good-luck charm, which will receive a special place of honor in the new state-of-the-art tuning center in the Arab metropolis.

“We feel very honored that His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited us here at the show and welcomed us and our new subsidiary to Dubai on behalf of the government,” Prof. h.c. Buschmann declared. “The United Arab Emirates are one of our most vital markets in the world. That is one of the reasons we decided to found BRABUS Middle East LLC here in Dubai.”

The modern building with more than 3,000 m² of floor space is adjacent to Sheikh Zayed Road, the country’s most important traffic artery. The Arab headquarters of BRABUS houses not only a large show room, but also a modern workshop with its own upholstery shop and a large logistics center for the rapid supply of customers and dealers on the Arabian Peninsula with BRABUS tuning components.

The BRABUS team in Dubai consists of German and local specialists who were all trained extensively at the BRABUS factory in Bottrop.

BRABUS Middle East LLC presents two world debuts and several premieres for the Arab market at the 2011 DUBAI INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW. The BRABUS 800 Coupe based on the Mercedes CL-Class sets new standards for this type of vehicle with its 800-hp (788-bhp) / 588-kW V12 Biturbo engine. The second world debut is the BRABUS 800 E V12 Cabriolet, the world’s most powerful and with a top speed of up to 370 km/h (230 mph) fastest convertible.




* Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS *

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

BRABUS 800 Coupe: The World’s Fastest and Most Powerful Luxury Coupe

800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW, 1,420 Nm (1,047 ft-lb) and a 350-km/h (217-mph) top speed: in the new BRABUS 800 Coupe based on the latest Mercedes CL 600 BRABUS celebrates the world debut of the world’s fastest and most powerful luxury coupe at the 2011 DUBAI INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW. In addition to its unique performance the two-door car’s most impressive features are its exclusive sporty-elegant design and its high-class interior.


The 12-cylinder engine of the CL 600 is reengineered thoroughly in the BRABUS engine-building shop that is equipped with state-of-the-art machine tools. Displacement is increased from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 384 cu. in.) with the help of a special BRABUS crankshaft with longer stroke, larger cylinder bore and correspondingly larger forged pistons. Further performance-enhancing modifications to the engine itself are the fine-machining of the two cylinder heads for optimized mixture flow and the installation of four special camshafts.

The engine peripherals are modified extensively as well: the standard twin-turbo system is replaced with a high-end turbocharging system designed by the BRABUS engine specialists. The new system features two custom exhaust manifolds with integrated turbine housings and high-performance turbochargers as well as four water-to-air intercoolers. The combustion air is supplied by a carbon-fiber ram-air intake integrated into the hood. In addition there is a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts.

Precision-programmed mapping for injection and ignition coordinate the optimal interaction of the high-performance components in order to achieve not only maximum power yield but also to meet strict current EURO V emission limits. The high-tech lubricants for the entire powertrain are supplied by technology partner ARAL.

As a result of the extensive modifications the BRABUS 800 V12 Biturbo engine delivers unparalleled performance figures: the engine produces its maximum rated power output of 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW at a low 5,500 rpm. Even more colossal is the peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 ft-lb) available from 2,100 rpm. In the car peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 ft-lb).

Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission that has been reinforced to handle the enormous power, and the BRABUS high-performance limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent. Naturally the BRABUS 800 Coupe retains all modern vehicle stability systems that can be deactivated at the push of a button.

This engine under the hood makes the BRABUS 800 Coupe the world’s most powerful and fastest four-seat luxury coupe. From rest the exclusive two-door car sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.9 seconds and reaches 200 km/h (124 mph) after a mere 10.3 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 350 km/h (217 mph).

These extremely fast speeds place especially high demands on the aerodynamic-enhancement components that were developed in the wind tunnel. The sophisticated shape of the BRABUS front spoiler that attaches to the production fascia reduces lift on the front axle for further improved directional stability at high speed.

To achieve a precise aerodynamic balance BRABUS equips the CL with an understated rear spoiler on the trunk lid and a rear fascia insert. The insert replaces its production counterpart in the bumper and features a central reflector as well as one custom-tailored cutout on either side to provide the perfect backdrop for the four tailpipes of the BRABUS sport exhaust system.

Exciting design, top-notch quality and further improved driving dynamics are the outstanding characteristics of the BRABUS Monoblock wheels, which are available for the Mercedes CL-Class with diameters ranging from 18 to 22 inches. To make safe use of the car’s impressive performance requires BRABUS Monoblock 21-inch wheels, available as Monoblock VI, E or F designs. BRABUS technology partners Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA supply tried and tested high-performance tires in size 265/30 ZR 21 in front and size 295/25 ZR 21 on the rear axle.

The BRABUS ride-height lowering module for the standard ABC suspension is specifically calibrated to these ultra-low-profile tires, and lowers the body of the two-door car by some 25 millimeters (1 inch).

To keep the stunning performance safely in check at all times the BRABUS 800 Coupe comes equipped with version IV of the BRABUS high-performance brake system. The front axle is fitted with six-piston aluminum fixed calipers and vented and cross-drilled discs measuring 405 x 34 millimeters (16 x 1.3 in.). Together with discs measuring 380 x 34 millimeters (15.0 x 1.34 in.) and 4-piston fixed aluminum calipers on the rear axle the system delivers outstanding stopping power and endurance.

The interior received a high-class upgrade to match the car’s diamond-white metallic paint finish. The BRABUS upholsterers masterfully crafted an interior from a combination of white leather and black Alcantara, each with contrasting seams and diamond-pattern topstitching. Carbon-fiber elements in the cockpit add a markedly sporty touch. Their matte surfaces in “checkered flag” design make them textbook eye-catchers.

An ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel is also part of the extraordinary BRABUS interior refinement as are scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo, and aluminum pedals, foot rest and shifter.

The BRABUS 800 Coupe is available as a complete vehicle or can be built based on any current Mercedes CL 600 model.















* Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS *

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

In House Tuning Companies, are They Worth It?

Everyone knows the major players in the automotive world but what about their tuning houses? They make parts as small as a mass air flow sensor to a complete turbocharger or supercharger set up. A tuning house is a company that modifies vehicles for a specific purpose. An in-house tuning is a company that works with a specific brand exclusively such as AMG for Mercedes Benz.

Most of the time a few small upgrades are not a huge investment with a car but is it worth it to buy the completely reworked car or do the upgraded that are desired individually. There are many factors to consider when it comes to purchasing these kind of upgrades not the smallest of which is the money. A great example of this is the mighty Honda Civic which comes in lots of configurations the top of which is called the Mugen edition. Now Mugen is a company that specifically makes performance parts for Honda's and they make some great ones at that. On the other hand a fully loaded Civic SI would set a person back about 23 grand...pricey for a civic. It is not that bad for the performance that one can get compared to that of the base model Civic. The Mugen Civic though would set someone back close to 33 thousand dollars which is 10 grand for a body kit, special wheels, a paint job and not much else.

So where should the line be drawn, the fact of the matter is that for all the gear heads out there modifying their cars is a way of life, a costly one. Any serious modification will almost instantly void the warranty on a vehicle and there for lower the resale significantly. So for this we have in-house tuners, they are able to give the performance that we all want while still keeping things under warranty. Not to mention in California it will keep the emissions man off your back. So in the end the Mugen is a good deal but sometimes the ends don't seem to justify the means. There is a company called Brabus and they specialize in Mercedes benz, they are the ultimate expression of automotive crazy. For example  they will take a 2005 Mercedes SL600 and add $45K worth of modifications to it and consider it a lightly modified car. A few times a year they will sell a Merc that has close to a half a million dollars worth of modifications without even breaking a sweat. The amount of money that is spent to create a custom high end ride is truly insane but still it has to be said that their cars are some of the more stunning on the road today.

So is tuning worth it? in short...YES! ever penny is worth it if you are a motor head.

smart at the IAA Frankfurt 2011: The smart WeSC cooperation - Talk is silver, driving is golden

smart and the street fashion brand WeSC have joined forces in a partnership and will be presenting what are quite literally the golden results of their work at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt: the “smart BRABUS tailor made by WeSC” and the “headphones for the smart by WeSC”.


WeSC have selected classic elements with elegant colour contrasting from the countless individualisation options in the smart BRABUS tailor-made range: the smart fortwo cabrio is painted in gold shades all over, partly matt, partly high-gloss, and all the colours have been created for the Swedish label by the car tuner BRABUS. The jet black wheels and the leather seats with crossways quilting bear the unmistakeable signature of the streetstyle experts. Meanwhile smart took care of the design of the 32-ohm headphones from WeSC, giving a nod to the car’s look, as can be seen in the perforated black ear pads and high-gloss golden highlights.

The headphones will be available from spring 2012 via http://shop.wesc.com/ and in WeSC shops and Concept Stores all over the world. The golden city runabout will also be seen on the streets then, and advance orders can be placed via BRABUS with immediate effect. The equipment of the “smart BRABUS tailor made by WeSC” includes air conditioning, the leather BRABUS sports steering wheel with steering wheel gearshift, the 75 kW engine with turbocharging and lots of other features. The gold-plated horse-head knob, which adorns the shift lever of the WeSC original, is a one-off and not for order.

Orders to: info@brabus.com , subject: WeSC tailor made.






Source: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

BRABUS at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt: Complete story collection

Experience the fascinating fleet of world premieres BRABUS will unveil at the prestigious IAA 2011 Frankfurt/Main throughout an entire set of dedicated articles and photos covering the tuner's presence at the German motor show. Read more about the insane BRABUS Rocket 800, world's fastest street-legal sedan, and about bespoke upgrades BRABUS has applied to the new C-Class and the CL 500 4MATIC. Or, you might want to find out about the tuning house's plans for producing green dream machines which use electric drive and hybrid power. Everything you wish to know is just one-click away. So, surf through the links posted below and enjoy reading!

1. World Debut at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt: The All New BRABUS ROCKET 800

2. World Debut at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt: The BRABUS Sport Program for the CL 500 4MATIC


3. World Debut at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt: The BRABUS Sport Program for the New C-Class

4. World Debut at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt: The New BRABUS ULTIMATE electric drive

5. World Debut at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt: The BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric

6. World Debut at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt: The BRABUS Technology Project HYBRID

7. World Debut at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt: The BRABUS SV12 Safe by Stockinger

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

World Debut at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt: The All New BRABUS ROCKET 800

The World’s Fastest Street-Legal Sedan

BRABUS has been building the world’s fastest street-legal sedans for many years. This tradition started in 1996 with the BRABUS E V12 that had a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph), and continued in 2003 with the E V12 Biturbo that reached 350.2 km/h (217.6 mph). In 2006 the BRABUS ROCKET, built in small-series production based on the first edition of the Mercedes CLS, improved the world record to 365.7 km/h (222.7 mph). The BRABUS E V12 "one of ten" based on the latest E-Class, pushed the record to 370 km/h (230 mph).


The world debut of the new BRABUS ROCKET 800 from BRABUS at the 2011 IAA in Frankfurt/Main now continues this unique success story. The high-performance automobile based on the new Mercedes CLS generation is powered by a BRABUS 800 V12 Biturbo engine that produces 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW of power and a peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), which in the car is limited to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft). The exclusively appointed BRABUS ROCKET 800, built to order starting at EUR 429,000, reaches a top speed in excess of 370 km/h (230 mph) and accelerates from 0 to 300 km/h (186 mph) in just 23.8 seconds.

Like its predecessors the new BRABUS ROCKET 800 is also powered by a 12-cylinder high-capacity engine that was converted to 800 V12 Biturbo specifications in the BRABUS engine-building shop. Using state-of-the-art machining processes and with utmost precision in every last detail the engine, based on the latest Mercedes 600 engines, underwent a displacement increase from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 384 cu. in.).

The displacement increase comprises a special crankshaft with longer stroke, larger, forged pistons and an increase in cylinder bore across the board. Intake and outlet ports of both cylinder heads are optimized for mixture flow, and fitted with sports camshafts.

The intake side was also completely reworked: the hood of the ROCKET 800 features a carbon-fiber ram-air intake system that gets its combustion air through slits in the BRABUS front element.

Another custom development is the BRABUS 800 Biturbo system. It comprises two special exhaust manifolds with integrated high-performance turbochargers, and four water-to-air intercoolers. The stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts and butterfly valve was also created specifically for the CLS floorpan.

Just as elaborate was the implantation of the V12 engine and all its peripherals into the modified engine bay of the sedan. Numerous components such as the engine mounts had to be custom designed.

Another engineering masterpiece of the BRABUS engineers is the newly configured on-board electronics system. It includes newly programmed engine mapping that contributes equally to achieving maximum power yield and to meeting the current EURO V emission standards. Just as important is the adaption to the driving dynamics systems such as traction control, ESP, ABS and Brake Assist.

The BRABUS 800 V12 Biturbo engine is lubricated with high-tech motor oil from technology partner ARAL and produces 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW at 5,500 rpm. The even more enormous peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), available from a low 2,100 rpm, is limited electronically in the car to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

For the first time the BRABUS engine specialists combine this high-end engine with a seven-speed quick-shift gearbox. Gears are shifted by means of shift paddles on the steering wheel or automatically. The BRABUS limited-slip differential, available with various final drive ratios, optimizes traction of the rear-wheel-drive car.

The BRABUS 800 V12 Biturbo engine and the entire powertrain are operated with high-performance lubricants from technology partner ARAL.

With the longest available final-drive ratio the BRABUS ROCKET 800 reaches a top speed of more than 370 km/h (230 mph), making it the world’s fastest street-legal sedan. But this exclusive high-performance automobile is tops in other areas as well: 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds, 0 – 200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.8 seconds and 0 – 300 km/h (186 mph) in 23.8 seconds are figures that are as unique as this BRABUS automobile itself.

To keep the enormous performance of the world’s fastest sedan safely in check at all times, the vehicle’s aerodynamic properties, suspension and brakes were modified extensively.

Like all other BRABUS body components for the new CLS, the ROCKET 800 front element that includes the front spoiler and the radiator frame was developed in the wind tunnel. The aerodynamic-enhancement components for the ROCKET 800 are manufactured form ultra-light yet high-strength carbon fiber.

The front spoiler features large air inlets and side air vents to ensure optimal air supply of radiators, oil coolers and front brakes. Just as important is that it also minimizes lift on the front axle while improving drag. The air inlets above the radiator cutout provide the ram-air intake system of the 12-cylinder engine with ample combustion air.

The air vents in the front fenders are part of the sporty-elegant yet understated appearance of the four-door car. BRABUS side skirts with integrated LED entrance lights calm the airstream along the vehicle’s sides. They also form a transition to the carbon-fiber fender flares on the rear axle, which add 40 millimeters (1.6 in.) to the width of the ROCKET 800 compared to a stock CLS.

To achieve an optimal aerodynamic balance, the BRABUS design studio has developed a rear wing and a rear diffuser for the CLS body. Side air vents in the rear bumper round out the sporty appearance.

A high-performance vehicle such as the BRABUS ROCKET 800 naturally also has a precisely calibrated high-end suspension. A height-adjustable coilover suspension was developed in cooperation with technology partner BILSTEIN. In addition to an adjustable ride height the gas-pressure shocks on front and rear axle feature ten selectable settings each for bound and rebound. Sport sway bars give the car even more agile turn-in and reduce body roll during fast cornering.

Maximum stopping power and absolutely fade-resistant brakes are further active safety features of the ROCKET 800. The BRABUS high-performance brake system was adapted to work with the Brake Assist system of the CLS. On the front axle it consists of vented and grooved steel brake discs that measure 380 x 37 millimeters (15.0 x 1.45 in.) and 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers. Vented and grooved steel discs measuring 360 x 28 millimeters (14.2 x 1.1 in.) and six-piston fixed aluminum calipers on the rear axle complete the extremely efficient and durable brake system.

The immense top speed of the BRABUS ROCKET 800, for street operations limited electronically to 350 km/h (217 mph), necessitates special high-performance tires. Technology partners Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA mount the 19-inch one-piece BRABUS Monoblock F wheels with high-speed-capable tires. The front axle features size 9.5Jx19 wheels and tires in size 255/35 ZR 19. Tires in size 285/30 ZR 19 mounted on identically sized wheels on the rear axle provide excellent traction.

The ergonomically shaped BRABUS sport steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles always guarantees perfect, close contact with the suspension. Aluminum pedals, footrest and shifter add further sporty highlights. The BRABUS speedometer with 400-km/h (250-mph) dial is also part of the custom-tailored interior as are stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit ROCKET 800 logo.

They welcome driver and passengers to the exclusive atmosphere of a BRABUS fine leather interior. The company upholstery shop has created an all-leather gray interior crafted with utmost precision from the finest supple leather. The leather is combined with high-gloss-polished black piano wood and a headliner made from black Alcantara. The headrests are embroidered with a BRABUS and a ROCKET 800 logo.

BRABUS ROCKET 800 – Technical Data


Body

Four-door sedan based on C 218-series Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.

Steel unibody welded to floorpan, widened by 40 millimeters with BRABUS carbon-fiber fender flares.
BRABUS ROCKET 800 aerodynamic-enhancement kit for reduced lift on front and rear axle and reduced drag. Consists of front element with integrated front spoiler and air inlets for the ram-air intake, air vents in the front fenders, side skirts with integrated entrance lights, rear wing and rear diffuser, rear fascia with side air vents.

BRABUS hood with integrated ram-air intake system.


Dimensions

Length: 4.996 mm (196.7 in.)
Width: 1.881 mm (74.1 in.)
Height: 1.371 mm (54.0 in.)
Curb weight: 1.980 kg (4,365 lbs.)
Gross vehicle weight: 2.415 kg (5,324 lbs.)
Tank capacity/reserve: 66 l / 14.0 l (17.4 / 3.7 gal.)


Engine

BRABUS 800 V12 Biturbo high-capacity engine based on Mercedes 600.

BRABUS 800 V12 Biturbo engine conversion consisting of: Displacement increase to 6.3 liters (384 cu. in.) by means of a special crankshaft with longer stroke, larger cylinder bore and corresponding larger pistons. Mixture-flow-optimized intake and outlet ports of both cylinder heads, including installation of high-performance camshafts.

BRABUS 800 V12 Biturbo system with two high-performance turbochargers with optimized exhaust manifolds and integrated turbine housings, more efficient intercooling system with four water-to-air intercoolers and ram-air intake integrated into hood.

BRABUS stainless-steel twin exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts and butterfly valve. Newly programmed mapping for engine and on-board diagnostics.

V12-cylinder three-valve alloy engine with two turbochargers

Displacement: 6.233 cc (380.4 cu. in)
Compression ratio: 9.0 : 1
Rated power output: 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW at 5,500 rpm
Peak torque: 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft) from 2,100 rpm (electronically limited to 1,100 Nm / 811 lb-ft)
max. CO2 emissions: 372 g/km (595 g/mile)
Fuel type: Super plus (98 ROZ)
Motor oil: ARAL


Power Transfer

Rear-wheel drive with limited-slip differential and ESP

Reinforced seven-speed quick-shift automatic gearbox

Gear ratios

1st gear: 4.38
2nd gear: 2.86
3rd gear: 1.92
4th gear: 1.37
5th gear: 1.00
6th gear: 0.82
7th gear: 0.73

1st reverse gear: 3.42
2nd reverse gear: 2.23

BRABUS limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent

Final drive ratio: 2.65 : 1


Suspension

Independent front and rear suspension with height-adjustable BRABUS coilover sport suspension developed in cooperation with BILSTEIN.

Front axle: Three-link suspension, anti-dive geometry, Height-adjustable BRABUS struts with gas-pressure shocks with 10-way adjustable bound and rebound, coil springs, BRABUS sport sway bar.

Rear axle: Multi-link suspension, anti-dive and anti-squat geometry. Height-adjustable BRABUS struts with gas-pressure shocks with 10-way adjustable bound and rebound, coil springs, BRABUS sport sway bar.

Wheels: One-piece BRABUS Monoblock F alloy wheels with YOKOHAMA ADVAN Sport high-performance tires.

Front: 9.5J x 19 H2 with size 255/35 ZR 19 tires
Rear: 9.5J x 19 H2 with size 285/30 ZR 19 tires


Brake System

Dual circuit brake system with Brake Assist and BRABUS high-performance brake system.

Front: BRABUS 12-piston fixed aluminum calipers with vented and grooved steel discs measuring 380 x 37 mm (15.0 x 1.45 in.)
Rear: BRABUS six-piston fixed aluminum calipers with vented and grooved steel discs measuring 360 x 28 mm (14.2 x 1.1 in.)


Performance

0 - 100 km/h (62 mph): 3.7 sec.
0 - 200 km/h (124 mph): 9.8 sec.
0 - 300 km/h (186 mph): 23.8 sec.

Top speed: more than 370 km/h / 230 mph (for on-road operations electronically limited to 350 km/h / 217 mph due to tires)


Fuel Economy

Max. city: 23.8 l / 100 km (9.9 mpg)
Max. highway: 11.1 l / 100 km (21.2 mpg)
Max. combined: 15.7 l / 100 km (15 mpg)























* Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS GmbH *

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.