Geneva 2011: Brabus 700 Biturbo is One Mean Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

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.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Geneva 2011: Carlsson C25 Royale is a Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG in Disguise

Carlsson showed up at the Geneva Salon with a new version of its C25 supercar dubbed Royale. Based on the Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG, the heavily customized coupe with the fixed rooftop will be built in a limited run of 25 units. Company officials said six vehicles have already been sold and will be delivered to the customers in 2011. According to Carlsson, each C25 Royale takes six months from order to delivery.

Compared to the Mercedes SL65 AMG coupe-cabriolet, the C25 Royale is 180 kilograms lighter, thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber, which is found on the hood and the fixed roof. This contributes to a lower center of gravity, in addition to the revision of the weight distribution, both aimed at offering improved handling.

Other weight-saving measures include the fitting of a full ceramic brake system, which is 50 percent lighter than on the SL 65 AMG. The German sports car also features a C-Tronic Suspension system developed by Carlsson, which detects road conditions and driving style and acts accordingly. For instance, on bad roads, the car is raised to offer better ride comfort.

At the heart of the C25 Royale is the biturbo V12-engine, tuned to deliver753 horsepower and 1,320 Nm of torque (973 lb-ft), which is electronically limited to 1,150 Nm (848 lb-ft). These impressive figures allow the C25 Royale to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,7 seconds and reach a top speed of 352 km/h (219 mph).

The custom exterior styling is matched to a bespoke interior with Carlsson offering buyers a variety of choices in features and materials.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Mercedes-Benz Launches Viano Avantgarde Edition 125 for Business People on the Go

The 125th anniversary of the world's oldest car maker brought a new version to the Mercedes-Benz Viano range called the Avantgarde Edition 125. Taking its place as the flagship version of the series, this Viano comes with a host of styling features including bespoke 19-inch wheels, chromed mirror housings, chrome trim on the front bumper, chromed side skirts and, finally, chrome trim on the tailgate. Exterior colors are restricted to obsidian black or brilliant silver.

Inside, the Viano Avantgarde Edition 25 can seat six passengers, two in the front and four at the back. The individual seats can be covered in “Lugano” leather or the new “Twin DINAMICA” microfiber surface. Mounted on rails, the rear seats can be moved in 25 mm steps and include height-adjustable head restraints and adjustable armrests. At the front, the instruments have a white scale illumination, while the sports pedals are from brushed stainless-steel.

There are two available V6 engines, a 3.0-liter diesel and a 3.5 liter gasoline unit. The first has an output of 224 horsepower and develops a healthy 440 Nm of torque (324.5 lb-ft), accelerating the 2 tonne minivan from 0 to 100 km/h in 9,1 seconds en route to a top speed of 201 km/h (125 mph). The gasoline engine puts out 258 hp and allows the Viano to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in 10,4 seconds and achieve a top speed of 217 km/h (135 mph). Both versions are rear-wheel-drive and have automatic transmissions, while their suspension has been tuned for a sportier feel.

The diesel variant is equipped with BlueEfficiency technology, so average fuel consumption amounts to 8.5 - 8.6 liters/100 km, while CO2 emissions are 224 – 226 g/km. The Edition 125 will be available in two different lengths, compact and long with sales starting this spring.

By Dan Mihalascu

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