Brabus Presents the World’s First Euro 6 Compliant Performance Kit for Diesel Models

Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist Brabus has presented a new ECO PowerXtra D6S performance kit for the S350 BlueTec, and by doing so, the company claims to have created the world’s first tuned diesel-powered car that meets the Euro 6 emissions standard, scheduled to go into effect in 2014. Available for both rear-while drive and 4MATIC four-wheel drive variants, the kit delivers an additional 55HP and 70 Nm (52 lb-ft) of torque, for a total of 313HP and 690 Nm (509 lb-ft).

Designed to work like a plug-and-play device, the module increases the 3.0-liter V6 diesel’s output depending on the selected shift mode of the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission. In “Eco” mode, peak torque increases, but the engine output remains unchanged (258HP), while in “Manual” or “Sport” mode maximum power is also boosted.

The modified S350 sprints from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a very respectable 6.5 seconds and can reach an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The Brabus ECO PowerXtra D6S unit can be also fitted to all Mercedes E350 CDI BlueEfficiency variants as well as the CLS 350 CDI BlueEfficiency model, delivering identical output.

All models come with a three-year or 100,000 km (62,000 miles) warranty and can be specified with a custom Brabus stainless-steel exhaust with 4 tailpipes, delivering a more distinctive exhaust note and further optimizing power yield.

By Csaba Daradics

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VIDEO: 2011 Audi A8 Commercial Mocks the Mercedes S-Class

With its new commercial for the 2011 A8, Audi of America is opening a fresh chapter in the advertisement wars. Taking inspiration from the 1947 children’s book Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, the ad portrays S-Class owners as gluttonous people with an excessive lifestyle, representing the age of “old luxury”. The 60 second clip is said to be a prelude to the upcoming Super Bowl TV spot, set to air in the first break on Super Bowl Sunday, February 6, 2011. Hit the jump to watch the video.

By Csaba Daradics

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BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 800 Claims the Title of World’s Most Powerful Luxury Sedan

This here is the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class-based Brabus SV12 R Biturbo 800. With 800 hp (597 kW) and 1,047 lb-ft (1,420 Nm) on tap, the R800 sets a new milestone in the luxury segment, while dwarfing the S65 AMG in the process.

This luxo-barge-on-steroids uses the same V12 engine that originally came with the BRABUS E V12. That means that the displacement has been increased from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 385 cui), by using a special crankshaft with longer stroke, larger pistons and corresponding larger bore.

A new air intake is also used, alongside high-performance manifolds and water-to-air intercoolers.

While the engine is capable of delivering a peak torque of 1,047 lb-ft (1,420 Nm) at 2,100 rpm, for technical reasons (as in not to tear apart the transmission) it has been limited to 'just' 811 lb-ft or 1,100 Nm. Even so, the five-speed automatic transmission had to be thoroughly strengthened.

BRABUS claims that the SV12 R Biturbo 800 is also the world's fastest luxury sedan with an electronically limited(!) top speed of 217 mph (350 km/h). Breaking the 62 mph (100 km/h) "barrier" in just 3.9 seconds is no small feat either.

Naturally, the suspension, brakes and aerodynamics have been heavily modified, so that your average oligarch can safely wring every ounce of performance out of this beast.

Wheels come in three sizes, from 19 to 21 inches, and in four "flavors": three-piece forged and high-gloss polished BRABUS Monoblock VI wheels with six double spokes, multi-spoke Monoblock E wheels, Monoblock S wheels with double-spoke design and Monoblock F PLATINUM EDITION forged wheels with cross-spoke design. Pirelli or Yokohama offer the matching rubber, in sizes 265/30 (front) and 295/30 (rear).

The tour de force continues in the cabin, where countless combinations of leather or Alcantara and exclusive wood trim sets are available. The iBusiness multimedia system deserves a special note, as it's for the very first time that various Apple components have been fully integrated into the vehicle electronics of the Mercedes S-Class.

There's no information on the price yet, but surely it will match all the other specs. And who cares? If you really want the fastest opulence there is, you'll surely find a way to "has it..."

By Csaba Daradics

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New Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG gets Bi-Turbocharged

The new and improved for 2011, Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG made its online debut a week after the presentation of the facelifted CL63 AMG luxury coupe. The two cars share the same AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo, which replaces the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 unit, albeit with different output numbers.

In the 2011 S63 AMG, the hand-built 5.5-liter V8, which combines direct petrol injection with bi-turbocharging and a start/stop system, pushes out 544HP at 5,500 rpm and 800Nm /590 lb-ft of peak torque between 2,000 and 5,500rpm. If you opt for the AMG Performance package, these figures are increased to 571HP and 900 Nm / 663.8 lb-ft.

Power is transferred to the rear wheels by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed automatic transmission.

The high-performance German saloon accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.5 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155mph). With the AMG Performance package, the 100 km/h mark is reached in 4.4 seconds while the top speed raised to an electronically limited 300 km/h (187mph).

Despite an increase in output of 19HP and 170Nm for the basic engine, and 46HP and 270Nm for the V8 with the AMG Performance package, over the outgoing naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8, Mercedes says with a combined fuel consumption of 10.5lt/100km (22.4mpg US), the new S63 AMG is 3.9lt more economical than the previous model. Likewise, CO2 emissions have been reduced by almost 30 percent at 244g/km.

The updated for the 2011 model year S63 AMG is distinguished on the outside by the "V8 Biturbo" lettering on the mudguards and the new 19-inch alloy wheels fitted with 255/40 or 275/40 R19 tires.

Inside, there's a revamped instrument cluster with an "AMG V8 Biturbo" starting screen, while the standard PASSION leather upholstery has been enhanced with new, contrasting color stitching.

The re-powered S63 AMG will be offered in both short- and long-wheelbase versions with pricing in Germany set at €143,752 and €151,368 respectively. The AMG Performance package costs €9,401. The market launch is planned for the end of September.