- Filed under: Podcasts, Government/Legal, Chrysler, LLC., Ford, GM, Earnings/Financials, Brabus, Opinion/Editorial
Has it really been a month of podcasts already? Alex Nunez and editor Neff join Chris and Dan for Autoblog Podcast Episode 106. Hilarity ensues as we cover the bailout (what else?) and try to touch on a couple other issues before finally deflating like a punctured balloon at the 64-minute mark. Enjoy, and remember to drop any feedback our way at podcast at autoblog dawt com.
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- Filed under: Tuners, SUVs, Mercedes-Benz, Brabus
Click above for high-res gallery of the BRABUS GLK
BRABUS tunes all manner of Mercedes-Benzes, and even branches out by pumping performance into diminutive smart cars that have very little business going fast. Likewise, BRABUS also tunes Mercedes SUVs that usually have no business bragging about their performance, and there's a new Merc ute on the scene that has yet to get the German tuning firm's treatment... until now. BRABUS has just released details on its new Exclusive Program for the Mercedes-Benz GLK that allows owners to tune the new soft-roader to their heart's content. Whether you're driving a diesel-powered GLK or gas-powered variant, BRABUS has a host of engine mods to eke out more power and two new suspensions to firm up the ride. Likewise, there's a new front apron, roof attachment, rocker panels and rear apron, as well as an array of new wheels to choose from. There's also a catalogue's worth of interior accessories, and in all more ways to customize your GLK than we care to enumerate here. The gallery below shows a model decked out with all the goodies, and you can check out the official press release from BRABUS after the jump for more details.
[Source: BRABUS]Continue reading BRABUS turns attention towards Mercedes-Benz GLK
BRABUS turns attention towards Mercedes-Benz GLK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Tuners, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Euro, Mercedes-Benz, Brabus
Click above for high-res gallery of the BRABUS C63 AMG
BRABUS, the German tuner of all things Daimler, has laid its hands upon the C63 AMG and somehow teased out an additional 73 horsepower from the sedan's 6.2L V8. With a BRABUS badge on the back, the C63 AMG produces 530 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, up from 457 and 442, respectively. Called the B63 S performance kit, the engine mods include free-flow high-performance metal catalysts, sport air filters and new programming for the ECU with custom mapping. With everything in place, the BRABUS C63 AMG can hit 62 mph in just 4.1 seconds and ultimately top out at 197 mph. Of course, the rest of the sedan has been beefed up to support the engine with components like a BRABUS performance brake system, 19-inch wheels and a height-adjustable BRABUS coil-over suspension. Finally, the German tuner has a whole catalogue of interior and exterior accessories to set your B63 S apart from stock C63 AMGs.
[Source: BRABUS, eMercedesBenz]BRABUS C63 AMG adds 73 HP to super sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Supercars, Bugatti, Brabus, Special/Limited Editions
Click above for hi-res gallery of the Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes
We know what you're thinking, because we're in the same lamentable position ourselves: you'd totally order up that uber-exclusive Hermes edition Veyron, but you're not a big fan of the brown and tan paint scheme. Fortunately Bugatti has heard your cries, brother, and announced the availability of new color options for the Veyron Fbg.
The announcement actually came from Monterey but was quickly overshadowed, somewhat ironically, by the unveiling of the open-top Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport and the subsequent auction of its first example for $3.2 million. The unveiling of the new-tint Hermes Veyrons took place at the Quail motorsport gathering on Monterey Peninsula, where Bugatti revealed the four new color schemes available: "indigo blue and vermilion", "indigo blue and lime green", " black and garance red" and "Prussian blue and blue jean". We're not entirely sure what all these colors are, exactly, and given that Bugatti put them in quotation marks, we're not sure they're sure, either. They undoubtedly would have shown us pictures of all four, but given that these 1.5 million euro hyper-exotics are made to order and available only from the end of the year, we doubt examples of each color option have been made yet. Of course they all come decked out with the H-pattern grille, eight-spoke wheels, lavish calfskin interior and exclusive package of specially-made Hermes luggage.
Follow the jump for all the details, and check out the gallery below to see the new black and "garance red" Veyron Fbg par Hermes, which we like to call the "Autoblog Edition".
[Source: Bugatti]Continue reading Bugatti releases new palette for Veyron Hermes
Bugatti releases new palette for Veyron Hermes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Convertibles, Euro, Mercedes-Benz, Brabus
Click above for a high-res gallery of the BRABUS SL
"BRABUS" might as well be German for, "Hey, why not?" This would seem to be the question its engineers ask themselves before they stuff ludicrous amounts of power under the hoods of Mercedes-Benz cars and trucks. This behavior is well-documented, and it continues unabated with the arrival of MB's new SL. Full wheel/tire, interior, and styling packages are a given. Backing up those enhanced looks is an assortment of tuning packages capable of providing more power than even Montgomery Scott could ever plead for.
The SV12 S Biturbo engine swap appears to have been created by someone with a severe, pathological hatred for tires. This is the same engine used in the Brabus Bullit, and it dishes out a predictably ridiculous 720 horsepower and 973 lb-ft of torque. The latter number is electronically restrained to a mere 811 lb-ft., and a top speed of well over 200 mph comes with the territory. Not interested in the full swap? No worries, BRABUS has your back. SL 65 AMG drivers can opt for the T 65 S package, which bumps the stock V12 Biturbo to 705 hp/811 lb-ft. There's a solution for the all-motor SL 63 AMG as well that packs on an additional 40 horses over stock. This pattern continues right on down the line -- even the "lowly" V6-powered cars can be tuned to deliver 327 hp/ 310 lb-ft. Bonkers. Er, BRABUS, rather.
[Source: BRABUS]Continue reading BRABUS tunes new Mercedes-Benz SL to reliably insane levels
BRABUS tunes new Mercedes-Benz SL to reliably insane levels originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 May 2008 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedans/Saloons, Geneva Motor Show, Brabus
Click the image above for more hi-res shots of the Brabus Black Arrow in matte and siblings
We had Brabus for breakfast here in Geneva, and it is hereby declared the Breakfast of (Obscenely Wealthy) Champions. The Bullitt Black Sheep Arrow in matte -- what else -- black, sat brooding near its pure white and red siblings, the Brabus SLR Roadster and matching Ultimate 112. And is there really any better way to start the day than with a combined €1,083,000 bowl of 1,482-HP goodness? We didn't think so. Beats a double espresso. Check out the full gallery of live shots below.
Geneva 2008: Brabus Bullitt, SLR Roadster & Ultimate 112 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 03:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Geneva Motor Show, Euro, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, Brabus
Click above for high-res gallery of the BRABUS Bullit Black Arrow
At its Frankfurt introduction last year, the BRABUS Bullit was positioned as the tuner's ultimate "sleeper." Painted a fairly standard-looking gray with subdued black wheels and carbon-fiber accents, the Bullit did differ from some of BRABUS' more wildly extroverted vehicles, which scream "SUPER TUNER! LOOK AT ME!" That's not to say that the Bullit doesn't have the creds, though -- a 720-horsepower twin-turbo V12 with torque electronically limited to 811 lb-ft will certainly get the job done. (Sans the electronic safety net, it produces 974 lb-ft, in case you were wondering. Tires become one with the ozone layer at the mere thought of this.)
For Geneva this year, BRABUS is bringing the Bullitt Black Arrow. What's different about it? Not much, except that its matte black finish transforms it from "sleeper" to outright "stealth fighter." You can almost imagine the finish absorbing police radar and dissipating it as the Bullit screams past Johnny Law at 224 mph. Time to call in the chopper, officer -- you're not catching this one on four wheels. Still, in the end, the Black Arrow is essentially just a paint package for an already super-mega-double-secret-handshake special edition tuner car. And it's got a price to match -- €348,000 (same as the regular Bullit).
[Source: BRABUS]Continue reading Matte Missile: BRABUS Bullit Black Arrow to attack Geneva
Matte Missile: BRABUS Bullit Black Arrow to attack Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Convertibles, Economy, Sports/GTs, Geneva Motor Show, Euro, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, SMART, Brabus
Click image for a hi-res gallery of the Brabus SLR and its tender
Megayachts usually come with fancy tenders, so why not supercars, too? BRABUS has taken the idea and run with it, pairing one of its tuned McLaren SLR Roadsters with a matching runabout in the form of a smart fortwo-based ULTIMATE 112. The SLR is the beneficiary of the usual complement of upgrades, including a full body and trim kit (dig those carbon fiber replacement "gills"), a custom interior, and the requisite underhood tweaking, which bestows the roadster with 650 horsepower -- enough to make the Kessel run to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds, with a top end of 211 mph.
When its time to park the super-Merc and head into more constrained areas of the city, it's occupants can switch over to the car's ULTIMATE 112 "tender" which is finished and appointed to perfectly match its "mothership." In this case, that means the same white paint, deep red roof fabric, and right red leather interior -- right down to the waffle-patterned leather footwell trim. Of course, the little shuttlecraft gets a power bump as well, with 112 thundering horses prancing ponies under the wee bonnet. The cost of this matching set? A mere €699,000 gets the job done for owners of either an SLR or a Maybach, and it shows us that BRABUS is uniquely capable of finding new and innovative ways to separate the obscenely wealthy from large chunks of their money.
The BRABUS press release gets into the minutiae after the jump.
[Source: BRABUS]Continue reading Roadster & Toaster: BRABUS SLR with ULTIMATE 112 "tender"
Roadster & Toaster: BRABUS SLR with ULTIMATE 112 "tender" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Mar 2008 20:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Economy, SMART, Brabus
With all the hype surrounding the imminent sale of smart fortwos beginning next month here in the U.S., we overlooked a line on the smart's website that may hint at some hotted-up versions of the diminutive coupe. Although the model will initially be introduced with 1.0-liter three-pot, "Other engine types and sizes (including BRABUS) may become available in the next few years though no specific timeline has been outlined." What size engines they're referring to is up in the air, but if smart begins selling factory-authorized Brabus accessories - particularly the tuner's engine packages - it might open up a whole other demographic to the smart's growing fan base.
[Source: smart USA]
Brabus mods coming to U.S. smart in the next few years? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedans/Saloons, Maybach, MINI, Brabus
Click on the images to view in high-speed and high-resolution
Remember the Maybach Exelero? The ultra-premium marque from Merceceds-Benz built it almost two years ago as a high-speed test vehicle based on its Maybach 57 luxury sedan, but unfortunately never offered production versions to the public. To the rescue comes Brabus, those whacky German tuners who give the go-fast treatment to everything produced by the three-pointed star, from the Smart ForTwo all the way up to this 730-hp limousine.
Like the Exelero, Brabus' monster is based on the Maybach 57 and was built in order to achieve the highest speeds attainable. To get there, Brabus tuned the Maybach's twin-turbo V12 to the same standard as the CLS-based Brabus Rocket speed record car: that means boosting power from 550 hp to 730, thanks to an increase in displacement from 5.5 liters to 6.3, coupled with a new crankshaft, pistons, cylinder heads... the works. The turbos were beefed up, and along with the intercoolers, a custom exhaust was installed and the ECU was reprogrammed.
The result is a top speed of 330.2 km/h (205.2 mph in American speak) achieved at the same Nardo test track in Italy where the Exelero was put through its places. A far cry from the 218.4 mph achieved by the Exelero, but not to shabby in its own right. And here you thought the S versions of the Maybach 57 and 62 were obscene enough....
Check out the images in the gallery below, and the press release after the jump.
[Source: Brabus]
Continue reading Brabus builds its own Exelero, hits 205 mph at Nardo
Brabus builds its own Exelero, hits 205 mph at Nardo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Auto Show, Podcasts, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Crossovers/CUVs, Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Bugatti, Dodge, Ford, GM, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, PSA, Volkswagen, Volvo, Renault, Brabus
We're back with Autoblog Podcast #77, and it's a Frankfurt-recap extravaganza. We discuss our favorite picks, as well as touching on some of the numerous highlights from the monster-sized show. We got a glimpse of the Jaguar XF in person, and it's better in person, but can it save Jaguar? BMW unveiled the X6, it's own AMC Spirit ripoff, not to be left behind by the Audi Cross Coupe Quattro from Shanghai. We continue on about exotic sheetmetal from Brabus, Schnitzer, Bentley, and Aston Martin, to name a few. On the more mundane tip, the Mazda 6 rocked, the Aveo was ugly, the Journey landed on its face, and could we please, please knock it off with the front quarter panel vents? After Alex's speed-round wrapup, we discuss a solitary piece of non-Frankfurt news, the Jeep J8. Yes, it's awesome, no, you can't buy one. Damn, that's stupid, Chrysler. Onward!
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ADD the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregatorAutoblog Podcast #77 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Frankfurt Auto Show, Tuners, Economy, Hatchbacks, SMART, Brabus
Click the image above for a gallery of live and press shots of the BRABUS Ultimate 112.
Sure it's €45,900, but what better commuter companion could you have if you want to keep your BRABUS Bullit within the safe confines of your garage? BRABUS smart fortwo cabrio-based Ultimate 112 lives up to its lofty moniker with 112 metric horses (110 HP) sending power to 18-inch rollers, controlled by the standard flappy paddle gearbox. Upping the available grip of the tangerine city schlepper are a set of BRABUS coilovers, with 235/35 R 18 high-performance tires out back and 205s keeping things sticky in front.
All the details can be found in our previous post, and be sure to check out our live images in the gallery below.
Frankfurt 2007: BRABUS Ultimate 112 - Diminutive and demented originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Frankfurt Auto Show, Tuners, Sedans/Saloons, Mercedes-Benz, Brabus
Click the pic above for more high-res shots of the BRABUS Bullit.
The term "sleeper" isn't quite accurate when referring to the BRABUS Bullit. It has presence, with an air of understated brutality. The aero mods speak volumes about its predilection for sinister speed, and the V12 emblems flanking the sides only tell half the story. Housed within the engine bay is BRABUS' own SV12 Biturbo mill, producing 720 HP and an electronically governed 811 lb.-ft. of torque (974 lb.-ft. of twist would be available if it wouldn't tear apart the rear diff and liquify the tires). On your way up to the 224 MPH top speed, you'll pass 62 MPH in just under four seconds, and if you want all the details, you can read through our initial post here and check out our high-res pics in the gallery below.
Frankfurt 2007: BRABUS Bullit, live and brutally insane originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Convertibles, Economy, Euro, SMART, Brabus
Click image for high-res gallery
On tap for introduction in Frankfurt is the BRABUS ULTIMATE 112, based on the open-air smart fortwo. Sporting 112 metric horsepower (PS) from the turbo-3 underhood, and limited to 112 units total, you don't exactly need a detective's shield to figure out where the car's naming scheme comes from. All 112 rides are finished in the metallic/pearlescent orange you see above and are trimmed out in full-dress BRABUS Widestar bodywork and the always good-looking Monoblock VI wheels. Inside, orange trim adorns the seats and instrument panel. Want one? Well, you need to live in Europe. Assuming you've got that covered, simply fork over €45,900 (!) and you're in. Exactly what you're in after dropping 45K Euros on a smart is a separate discussion. A mental institution, perhaps?
[Source: BRABUS]
Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: BRABUS Ultimate 112
Frankfurt Preview: BRABUS Ultimate 112 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Euro, Dodge, Brabus
Click image for hi-res gallery
The STARTECH Starster is a Dodge Avenger-based concept prepared by BRABUS' Chrysler-tuning division for the Frankfurt Motor Show. In some respects, STARTECH's herculean effort succeeds. In others, not so much. We like the shaved door handles, as the convergence of shapes and curves at he rear door now looks muscular instead of simply cluttered. The big black wheels in the flared fenders are pretty mean-looking, too. On the flip side, the LED crosshairs in the Mustang-looking headlights are just weird, and that replacement front grille looks pretty lame, particularly the blacked-out elements in the middle. That taillamp/trim insert across the rear? More "cheesy aftermarket" than "respected tuner" if you ask us. Lastly, the whole orange-trim thing is just about played out. The tuner segment needs to fall in love with a new color.
The functional hood scoop (how novel!) feeds a 335-horsepower 2.4L turbo connected to a 5-speed manual. The 0-62 sprint takes 5.6 seconds, and this Avenger keeps going all the way up to 165 mph. The ultra-garish, full-leather interior (complete with quilted floormats) is an assault on the senses (and one's taste), yet it's still an improvement over the horribly bland, overly plastic stock interior. We can't wait to hear what Autoblog's Frankfurt posse thinks of this one when they see it in person.
Until then, you can read STARTECH's full press release after the jump.
[Source: STARTECH]
Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: 335 HP Dodge Avenger-based STARTECH Starster
Frankfurt Preview: 335 HP Dodge Avenger-based STARTECH Starster originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Sep 2007 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Archive for the 'BRABUS' Category
Tuesday, April 11th, 2006
Details info: Alternative names:
Limousine 4d
(Maybach 57)
(2005 - )
Brabus Maybach 57-62 Maybach 57
Sales Company:
Available version:
SV 12 Biturbo - 6.3 V12 36v Biturbo aut.
Previous version:
Variation:
Info:
Donors:
Maybach - 57
Maybach - 62
Donors:
Maybach - 57 Limousine 4d
Posted in BRABUS | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 11th, 2006
Details info: Alternative names:
Brabus Mercedes A-class (W168)
Sales Company:
Available version:
Previous version:
Variation:
Info: Engine Tuning:
A-class
A140 – BRABUS A1 tuning kit, 70kW,
A160 – BRABUS A2 tuning kit, 82kW,
A170 CDI until 03/2001 – BRABUS D1 tuning kit, 85kW, 230Nm/1580-3500rmp, with AKS gearbox or automatic transmission,
A170 CDI – BRABUS D1 (II) tuning kit, 88kW, 230Nm/1580-3500rmp, with AKS gearbox or automatic transmission,
A190 – BRABUS 2.2, 114kW, 215Nm/4200rmp,
Donors:
Posted in BRABUS | No Comments »
