Kicherer Mercedes SLS AMG 63 CP Conceptualized

Kicherer Mercedes SLS AMG 63 CP

The Carrera was held all through Mexico along the famous Panamerican Hgihway and supported by the Mexican government. An especially notable race took place in 1952. Mercedes were only successful in the legendary Mercedes 300 SL with wingdoors after a fright. The co-driver was hit and injured by a low flying vulture. As a result the Mercedes mechanics built a grid in front of the windscreen to prevent such a thing happening again. A curious win which is spoken of even today.


The story is so well known to the KICHERER engineers that they built - and even named - the new AMG Mercedes SLS in honour of this sporty example. That's why as hommage the abbreviation CP can be again found in the type description.

True to the firm's philosophy to only make conclusive additions to the basic AMG form and to keep the lines of a vehicle an in essence even more sporty version of the wingdoored car was developed. Especially the aerodynamics were able to enjoy a final high class polish. In addition the developers conceived and mounted a front spoiler lip, a roof ..., a rear diffusor and larger air intakes to better cool the 6.3 litre V8 engine. All new elements developed by KICHERER are, of course, made of high class Carbon.

An immediate eye-catcher on the front of the SLS is the large handcrafted frontgrill made of stainless steel, which is optionally also available in a discreet gold tone. The optics of the vertical struts are meant to remind one of the window grill on the original Pan-American vehicle. A further highlight on the sportscar are the 3 part 20 inch RS-1 lightweight wheels. The classic double spoke design harmonises perfectly with the equally classic sportscar silhouette of the KICHERER SLS 63 CP.

At the rear of the vehicle KICHERER lets the stainless steel exhaust with four oval endpipes melodiously release the exhaust gases into the air. An integrated valve control gives the driver - fitting to the occasion - the choice between a sonorous and a discreet tone.

Various performance enhancers for the 575 PS strong aggregate are optionally available but initially only on demand.

[Source : KICHERER]

BRABUS Refines the Facelift Version of the GL-Class WIDESTAR Version and Tuning with up to 462 hp / 340 kW

2010 BRABUS GL-Class Widestar Wide-Version

The Mercedes GL-Class begins a new chapter with a facelift and BRABUS offers an extensive customization program for the largest Mercedes SUV. It includes the stunning WIDESTAR wide version, engine tuning including the BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine with 462 hp (456 bhp) / 340 kW of power, custom-tailored wheels with diameters of up to 23 inches and exclusive interior upgrades.

The BRABUS WIDESTAR wide version, manufactured in OEM quality from Pur-R-Rim plastics, lends all GL-Class models an even more stunning appearance. The elegantly curved fender flares add five centimeters (two inches) to the width of the SUV.

The BRABUS WIDESTAR front apron and its large air dams give the 4x4 an even more striking face, and reduce aerodynamic lift on the front axle at high speed. Integrated LED daytime running lights and auxiliary high beams and fog lamps improve active safety further.

The BRABUS rocker panels don’t just look great, they also make entering and exiting the vehicle in the dark safer thanks to their integrated entrance lights.

The rear view of the wide version is dominated by the roof spoiler and the new rear apron custom-tailored to the wider fenders. The new bumper features an integrated diffuser, courtesy lights that illuminate the ground behind the vehicle and cutouts for the tailpipes of the BRABUS stainless-steel quad sport exhaust system.

The BRABUS WIDESTAR version also creates room for three-piece BRABUS Monoblock E PLATINUM EDITION wheels in size 11Jx23. These nine-spoke wheels have a forged highgloss-polished drop center and can be fitted with Pirelli or YOKOHAMA high-performance street tires up to size 305/30 R 23.

The BRABUS WIDESTAR can also be equipped with 21-inch Monoblock VI or F wheels or with 22-inch wheels from the Monoblock VI, E, G, Q and S design families.

BRABUS offers powerful tuning for all GL engines, all backed by the incomparable BRABUS Tuning Warranty® of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers/62,000 miles (see BRABUS warranty conditions as of November 2006) that sets the standard for the entire tuning industry. All BRABUS engines are lubricated exclusively with ARAL high-performance motor oil.

For the gasoline-powered V8 engines of the GL 450 and GL 500 models the top-of-the-line option is the BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine with a rated power output of 462 hp (456 bhp) / 340 kW and a peak torque of 615 Nm (453 lb-ft). Equipped with this engine the 4x4 accelerates from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 255 km/h (158 mph).

The BRABUS ECO PowerXtra tuning kits were developed for the especially popular common-rail turbodiesel engines. The BRABUS D6 (III) module bumps rated power output of the GL 350 CDI to 272 hp (268 bhp) / 200 kW and peak torque to 590 Nm (435 lb-ft) at just 1,600 rpm.

Rated power output of the GL 450 CDI with BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D8 (III) tuning jumps from standard 306 hp (302 bhp) / 225 kW to 350 hp (344 bhp) / 257 kW at just 3,800 rpm. Simultaneously peak torque grows from 700 Nm to 800 Nm (516 to 590 lb-ft). Performance is on an accordingly high level: The tuned GL 450 CDI accelerates from 0 –100 km/h (62 mph) in just 7.1 seconds, half a second faster than the production car. Top speed increases from 230 to 240 km/h (144 to 150 mph).

The sporty performance of the tuned SUV’s is ideally combined with professional BRABUS suspension tuning. A special module for the AIRMATIC air suspension of the GL-Class lowers the ride height by some 30 millimeters (1.2 inches). This measure not only benefits the looks of the GL. The lowered center of gravity also results in even sportier and safer on-road handling.

To further optimize active safety BRABUS also offers various high-performance brake systems for the Mercedes SUV. The largest version for the GL features 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers and vented and cross-drilled 380 x 36 millimeter (15.0 x 1.4 inches) discs on the front axle. The rear axle stops on 355 x 28 mm (14.0 x 1.1 inches) brake discs and six-piston fixed calipers.

Individual interior exclusivity is also a BRABUS top priority for the five-door SUV. The company upholstery shop transforms customer requests into masterfully crafted fully leather interiors made from especially soft and breathable Mastik leather and Alcantara.

The BRABUS program also includes numerous striking interior accessories. The list of available options ranges from scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo to sporty aluminum components such as pedals and door-lock pins, to an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel. Especially sporty highlights are added with carbon-fiber elements in ‘checkered-flag’ design. Also available are precious-wood inlays in any desired color and with various surface finishes.

Multimedia is another BRABUS domain. Special consoles for the back of the GL-Class front seats each house a seven-inch LCD screen and a DVD player. These consoles are optionally available with an electrically deployed table.

The multimedia equipment can be expanded further. The expansion options include larger screens deployed from the headliner, an on-board PC system with ultra-fast Internet connection and an MP3 player that can hold more than 5,000 songs.

Images : BRABUS GL-Class Widestar Version

[Source : BRABUS}

BRABUS B63S, Tuning for the Mercedes E 63 AMG 555 hp / 408 kW, 320 km/h Top Speed and Exclusive Accessories

BRABUS B63S

• World Debut at the ESSEN MOTOR SHOW 2009
  
• 555 hp / 408 kW, 320 km/h Top Speed and Exclusive Accessories

Even more power and exclusive accessories for the latest top-of-the-line E-Class model, the E 63 AMG: With BRABUS B63 S engine tuning, power output of both sedan and wagon jumps to 555 hp (547 bhp) / 408 kW and their top speed jumps to 320 km/h (200 mph). Also offers exclusive accessories such as sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement components, custom-tailored tire/wheel combinations up to 20 inches in diameter and custom interior options.

The fast-revving 6.3-liter V8 becomes even more powerful with the BRABUS B63 S performance kit. The conversion consists of two sport air filters, free-flow metal catalysts and newly programmed engine electronics. The tuning kit bumps power output of the engine from standard 525 hp (517 bhp) / 386 kW by 30 hp (30 bhp) / 22 kW. Simultaneously peak torque grows from 630 to 650 Nm (464 to 479 lb-ft) at 5,400 rpm. BRABUS recommends fully synthetic ARAL high-performance motor oil.

Equipped with the BRABUS B63 S kit, the sprint time from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) is shortened to 4.3 seconds and in combination with the BRABUS V/max unit top speed jumps to up to 320 km/h (200 mph), depending on the speed rating of the selected tire/wheel combination.

To transfer the increased power to the road with as little slip as possible BRABUS offers a limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent for the E 63 AMG.

Minimizing aerodynamic lift is essential in a car as fast as this one. The BRABUS designers went into the wind tunnel to develop aerodynamic-enhancement components that are as stunning as they are effective. These components are manufactured from clear-coated carbon fiber. The production front apron of sedan and wagon can be upgraded with a spoiler lip. The aerodynamics of the sedan's rear can be further improved with a diffuser and a rear spoiler.

On the front axle BRABUS aluminum sport fenders with lateral air outlets improve venting of the wheel houses and add a decidedly sporty note to the car's appearance.

BRABUS also offers custom-tailored tire/wheel combinations for all E63 models. They are available with diameters of 18, 19 and 20 inches. The largest homologated version features Monoblock VI, E, Q or S wheels in size 9Jx20 on the front axle and in sizes 9.5Jx20 or 10.5Jx20 in back. They are fitted with Pirelli or YOKOHAMA high-performance tires in size 245/30 ZR 20 in front and up to size 295/25 ZR 20 on the rear axle.

Exclusive BRABUS-refined interiors are also available for the Mercedes E 63 AMG. The list of accessories ranges from stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo to a speedometer with 360-km/h (225-mph) dial. The company upholstery shop creates luxury interiors from a combination of especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara to each customer's exact specifications. The perfect complements are precious-wood and carbon-fiber inlays in any desired color and with various surface finishes.

Images : BRABUS B63S

[Source : BRABUS]

New Škoda Superb Estate : Loaded with innovation and luxury

2010 Skoda Superb Estate

MILTON KEYNES, UK : November 27, 2009 - The new Škoda Superb Estate is set to become both the most luxurious and most practical car ever to wear the famous winged arrow badge.


Trim levels and engine choices will mirror those of the Superb hatchback with S, SE and Elegance models available along with the same range of three petrol and three diesel engines. All engines, from 1.4 TSI to 3.6 V6 are equipped with direct fuel injection for optimum fuel efficiency, performance and low emissions. With a choice of manual or twin-clutch DSG gearboxes linked to either two- or four-wheel drive, there's a Superb Estate to suit everyone's needs.

Not to be outdone by the hatchback's innovative Twin Door tailgate, the Superb Estate's boot – the biggest in its class – has its fair share of neat touches too. All models are fitted with a pair of lights built into the tailgate to illuminate not only the load bay but also the area around the rear of the car. A third, LED light in the boot can be removed all together and used as a torch and, thanks to its magnetic body, mounted to the car's body.

The tailgate itself has an optional power-operated function while the integrated luggage cover automatically retracts when the boot is opened. Customers can also specify the variable floor which extends over the rear bumper to help with awkward loads. Those who choose SE or Elegance will further benefit from a load partition and tethering system provided in the boot as standard. And if the Superb Estate's cavernous load bay (633 litres with the rear seats in place, 1,865 litres seats down) still isn't big enough, all models are fitted with roof rails as standard. (Black roof rails on S and chrome roof rails on SE and Elegance).

To make life even easier, an optional keyless entry and starting system (KESSY) is available for the first time on a Škoda, while passengers in all five of the Superb Estate's spacious seats will enjoy the natural light offered by the new two-piece electric panoramic sunroof.

The Superb Estate will carry a premium over the hatchback of between £1,150 and £1,350 when it goes on sale in the UK in February. The estate is expected to account for a third of all Superb sales in 2010, of which fleet sales are expected to make up approximately 75 per cent.

Summary of new optional equipment available on Superb Estate:

• Electrically operated boot (with automatic retractable parcel shelf)
• Panoramic sunroof - electrically sliding and tilting
• KESSY – keyless entry and start system
• Variable boot floor

Summary of engine range for Superb hatch and estate:

• Petrol: 1.4 TSI 125 bhp

1.8 TSI 160 bhp (manual or 7 spd DSG, 4x4 available)

3.6 V6 260 bhp DSG 4x4

• Diesel: 1.9 TDI 105 bhp

2.0 TDI CR 140 bhp with DPF (manual or DSG). Available from March 2010
2.0 TDI CR 170 bhp with DPF (manual or DSG, 4x4 available)

Škoda Superb specification highlights:

Superb S

• Seven airbags
• Alarm with interior monitoring and tilt sensor
• Light Assistant (Coming home, tunnel and daylight functions)
• Split folding rear seats
• Remote central locking
• Climatic air conditioning
• Radio with single CD + MP3
• Electric front and rear windows
• Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors
• 16” ‘Spectrum’ alloy wheels
• ESP
• Twindoor (hatch only)
• Front fog lights
  

Superb SE (over S)

• Front fog lights with cornering function
• Four-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel (for radio)
• Umbrella in rear door
• Alcantara upholstery
• Acoustic rear parking sensors
• Cruise control
• Dual-zone air conditioning
• 17” ‘Trifid’ alloy wheels
• Electrically folding door mirrors (after locking of car)
• Integrated 6CD touchscreen stereo
• Maxi-dot trip computer
  

Superb Elegance (over SE)

• Bi-xenon headlights with integrated headlight washers
• AFS (Adaptive Front-light System)
• Tyre pressure monitor
• Rain sensor windscreen wipers
• GSM III telephone preparation with Bluetooth
• Heated front seats
• Full leather upholstery
• Electrically adjustable diver and passenger seats
• ‘Colombus’ colour touch screen satellite navigation
• 18” ‘Themisto’ alloy wheels
• 4 spoke leather multi-function steering wheel (radio and telephone)

Škoda is the manufacturer of happy drivers:

• Škoda is the winner of Auto Express‘ Driver Power award 2009 for customer satisfaction.
• Škoda is the Best Manufacturer in the 2009 Auto Express Driver Power survey.
• Škoda has been in the top five in the JD Power Survey of Customer Satisfaction for the past 14 years.
• The Škoda Superb is Auto Express’ ‘Best Family Car 2009’.
• The Škoda Superb 3.6 V6 is Caravan Club’s ‘Best All-wheel Drive Vehicle under 1800kgs 2009’.

[Source : SKODA]

TUNE IT! SAFE! BMW 123d Coupé by AC Schnitzer.

AC Schnitzer - TUNE IT! SAFE! - BMW 123d

AACHEN : November 27, 2009 - The fifth concept car of the "TUNE IT! SAFE!" VDAT initiative has been designed mainly by BMW tuning specialist AC Schnitzer

"Only serious, safe tuning will bring the hoped-for driving pleasure!“ Under this motto, the Association of German Car Tuners (VDAT) every year launches a special concept car. In 2010, BMW AG is providing a BMW 123d Coupé for the Association's "TUNE IT! SAFE!“ initiative, which is also supported by the Police and the Federal Ministry for Transport, Building and Road Development. Most of the vehicle accessory equipment has been supplied by Aachen-based BMW tuning specialist AC Schnitzer.

AC Schnitzer - ACS1 2.3d

As in the last four years, a police vehicle has been professional converted as part of the promotion. The AC Schnitzer "ACS1 2.3d“, based on the BMW 123d Coupé, shows that safe
tuning is far from boring. VDAT-member AC Schnitzer has upgraded the 2.3 D engine to 241 HP (177 kW) and 480 Nm. The police car with 6-speed automatic transmission now accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, so would acquit itself well even in the fastest pursuit. The latest AC Schnitzer wheels Type IV BiColor are fitted with tyres from TUNE IT! SAFE! main sponsor Hankook. The low, safe road position is achieved with the sports suspension from the Aachen- based specialist with 30 mm lowering. The bodystyling kit consists of two-piece front spoiler, rear skirt insert, rear wing and rear roof spoiler. Good visibility is ensured by the "LEDayFlex“ modern daytime running lights from Hella, and optimum rearward vision by the AC Schnitzer "New Generation" sports mirrors.

Interior

In the interior, the guardians of the law could enjoy leather racing bucket seats with AC Schnitzer logo and silver genuine carbon fibre trim on the dashboard, centre console, door handles and steering wheel, which are perfectly complemented by the aluminium pedals and aluminium foot rests. A further highlight is the G-force indicator, which measures and displays the centrifugal forces inside the car.

The concept car impressively demonstrates large parts of the tuning accessory range from AC Schnitzer. To give the BMW the essential, authentic look of a "real" police car, Foliatec supplied the original stickering and Hella the flashing lights. Even the police could - and would like to - drive the converted vehicle in public road traffic. To their regret however, the concept car will not be brought into use and is not available in this complex form. Nonetheless, it makes an important contribution towards achieving the aim of the initiative: to combat illegal, unsafe tuning and counterfeiting. All AC Schnitzer conversions are however available commercially and are of course T?V-approved.

The AC Schnitzer "ACS1 2.3d Coupé“ will be on display for the first time at the Essen Motor Show on VDAT Stand No. 406 in Hall 10 from 28 November to 6 December 2009. "Serious and safe tuning is not only a company philosophy, but it is also our mission“, emphasises Rainer Vogel, Managing Director of AC Schnitzer. And you can take this literally: Safe tuning with components from a reputable manufacturer not only brings the desired driving pleasure, but can even be lifesaving

TUNE IT! SAFE! BMW 123d Coupé by AC Schnitzer

Basic car :

• BMW 123d Coupé (E82)

Engine :

• AC Schnitzer performance upgrade performance: 177 kW / 241 HP

Exhaust :

• AC Schnitzer "Racing" tail trim, chromed

Suspension :

• AC Schnitzer sports suspension
  
• AC Schnitzer strut brace

Aerodynamics :

• AC Schnitzer front spoiler for cars with M-Technik
  
• AC Schnitzer rear skirt insert for cars with M-Technik
  
• AC Schnitzer rear wing
  
• AC Schnitzer rear roof spoiler
  
• AC Schnitzer sports mirrors "New Generation"

Wheel Tyre set:

• AC Schnitzer Type IV "BiColor" wheels (with Hankook tyres)

Steering:

• AC Schnitzer sports steering wheel "EVO"
  
• AC Schnitzer carbon insert for steering wheel, silver

Interior:

• AC Schnitzer carbon interior incl. panels for door handles
  
• AC Schnitzer carbon automatic gear knob
  
• AC Schnitzer Recaro sports seats incl. side airbags
  
• AC Schnitzer G-Force display* (prototype)
  
• AC Schnitzer aluminium cover for "i-Drive system" "Black Line"
  
• AC Schnitzer aluminium handbrake handle "Black Line"
  
• AC Schnitzer aluminium pedal set, eloxed
  
• AC Schnitzer aluminium foot rest, eloxed
  
• AC Schnitzer floor mats, velours

All AC Schnitzer conversions are components of the sales program for the 1 series model range (except *). They are all TÜV approved and available through BMW partners.

Police decor:

• FOLIATEC / INTAX / folioCar

Car glas foil:

• FOLIATEC SECURLUX

Light-signal system:

• Hella RTK 7

Daytime running light:

• Hella LEDayFlex

Tyres:

• HANKOOK Ventus S1 evo

Images : AC Schnitzer - TUNE IT! SAFE! - BMW 123d

[Source : AC Schnitzer]