Brabus Tuned Mercedes SL Facelift with 730hp

The new Mercedes SL class was very much in need of a facelift which the German Manufacturer duly responded by presenting a much sportier model back in January. Now come the roll of much respected tuner Brabus to work its magic.

The more striking design of the SL deserves a performance engine and what better engine than the 730hp 6.3-liter twin-turbo V12 originally developed for the Brabus Rocket (SL 600 only). The engine is mated to a reinforced five-speed automatic transmission and a special BRABUS limited-slip differential. Other high performance extras include a new sports exhaust system, a special suspension kit and the Brabus high performance brake system.

The new tuning package will now propel the SL from 0-62mph(0-100km/h) in just 4 seconds flat and up to 124mph(200km/h) in 10.5 seconds, the top speed lies at 219mph (350km/h).

The body kit was aerodynamically-enhanced in the wind tunnel to produce a striking appearance. The front bumper is replaced by the Brabus front apron featuring LED daytime running lights and high beam and fog lights. The rocker panels have three entrance lights which illuminate the floor around the vehicle. The customized look is completed by one-piece and multi-piece light alloy rims available in diameters of 17, 18, 19 and 20 inches. The interior of the SL also receieves the Brabus treatment with a increased level of luxury.

BMW 1 Series Cabrio by AC Schnitzer

Following the regular ACS1 comes the ACS1 Cabrio by German tuning specialists AC Schnitzer. Just like its coupe sibling, the BMW ACS 1 Cabrio has gone through some power upgrades resulting in a range topping 135i with 360 hp, 123d with 240 hp and the 120d with 200 hp.

The additional power comes accompanied with a height-adjustable race suspension, exhaust silencer with chromed tail trims and a speedometer which now measures up to 320 km/h. The interior is adorned with silver-carbon details and aluminium accessories, new gear knob, pedals and velours floor mats.

Needless to say that AC Schnitzer also has a body kit available for the new BMW 1 Series convertible. The front skirt is less rounded than the factory spec 1 cabrio and comes with a diagonal grille insert, the rear now features a new rear skirt lip and diffuser giving the convertible a more powerful look. The ACS1 Cabrio sits on 17, 18 or 19 inch alloy or racing wheels.

Mercedes SL500 by Carlsson

To many people the new facelifted Mercedes SL500 is all they need, but to car enthusiasts who know that a more refined ride hides underneath the stock body a tuning kit is essential. German tuning house Carlsson will transform your new SL 500 to a Carlsson CK50 to give you the added performance.

Carlsson installs a new electronic control unit (ECU) which enables the 5.5 liter V8 to produce 435 horsepower or 320 kW (factory specs are 388 hp / 285 kW) at 6,000 rpm with 600 Nm of torque. Carlsson also delimits the top speed and the car is now capable of 293 km/h with an impressive 5.1 second 0-100 km/h sprint. The new exhaust system optimizes the flow of exhaust gases and can be identified by the four polished tailpipes.

Carlsson also offers several optical adjustments like a length-adjustable front spoiler, rear diffuser with air conduction system and rear spoiler for the SL with AMG package. Other aesthetic features include electro-polished grille inserts. The C-Tronic suspension lowers the SL by 30 mm but will automatically adjust to leave enough reserve of spring travel when needed, while the Carlsson rides on 19 or 20 inch light-weight multi-spoke wheels.

Press release:

Power-Roadster: Carlsson CK50

• Carlsson CK50 based on the SL 500 with 435 HP/600 Nm
• Top speed 293 km/h, acceleration 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds
• Intelligent electronic C-Tronic® SUSPENSION lowering gear
• Light forged metal wheels from the 1/16 Ultra Light series

For the newly-arrived, comprehensively reworked Mercedes SL, Carlsson Autotechnik GmbH in Merzig can already offer an individualisation programme – transforming the SL 500 into the Carlsson CK50.

Coming on strong: the Carlsson CK50 engine kit

Specially developed by Carlsson for the current 5.5 Litre V8, the CK50 engine kit, which includes the adaptation of the electronic control unit, allows the elegant roadster to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. Following their boost by Carlsson, the output and torque data are quite impressive: 435 HP/ 320 kW (standard model: 388 HP/ 285 kW) at 6000 rpm. The torque of the tuned V8 is 600 Nm/ 2800-4800 rpm (electronically regulated), the top speed is 293 km/h thanks to the Vmax delimiter, with acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 5.1 seconds. In short, the CK50 engine kit has more than enough output and torque for any situation! Support for its output comes in the form of the CK50 kit’s exhaust gas system, which has been individually adapted to optimise the flow of exhaust gases. The exhaust gas back pressure is reduced with the help of sports middle and rear exhaust silencers made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel and developed by Carlsson’s own engineers. Four polished exhaust tailpipes bear witness to the additional performance of this SL.

Naturally, Carlsson can also provide the appropriate performance enhancements for versions of the SL with other engines in them – extending right up to the CK65, which has over 700 HP and a torque of 1100 Nm. In all these performance enhancements, the Carlsson engineers are constantly on the lookout to ensure that the tolerance limits of the engine components are not exceeded, so as to avoid any damage. Equally, all engines that have been tuned by Carlsson still comply with all the regulations concerning exhaust fumes.

Aerodynamics, Carlsson style: first-rate appearance meets sporty presentation

Good aerodynamics in a car will have a positive effect on its driving and safety. Discreet but highly-efficient Carlsson components round off the appearance of this SL, cleverly adding a sporting touch. For vehicles with an AMG styling package, Carlsson is offering a length-adjustable front spoiler lip, made of PUR in original equipment manufacturer quality or of carbon, which is used as a material in motor sports. Further visual highlights are provided by the grille inserts made of electropolished stainless steel for the air inlets, and by the air outlet gill vents with carbon supports. Also for vehicles with AMG styling, Carlsson builds into the rear apron a diffusor insert made of PUR, with an air conduction system made of carbon. For the standard rear apron with AMG styling, Carlsson offers grille inserts made of electropolished stainless steel. A spoiler at the rear creates greater downward impetus, thus ensuring greater stability at high speeds.

The electronic C-Tronic® SUSPENSION lowering gear

Carlsson also provides electronic C-Tronic® SUSPENSION lowering gear for the SL, which lowers the vehicle approximately 30 mm further – thus giving the roadster a visibly sportier appearance and ensuring a lower centre of gravity.

This C-Tronic® SUSPENSION reacts intelligently to the actual road conditions. On a poor stretch of road, or in the event of persistently heavy compression, the height of the vehicle is automatically readjusted to ensure that the necessary reserve of spring travel required for preserving driving comfort is maintained. Even at speeds in excess of 120 km/h, the suspension travel remains sufficient at all times because the C-Tronic® SUSPENSION respects the maximum depth permissible for the standard model – in other words, the minimum vehicle level.

Reduced body roll and a much greater agility in handling lead in turn to a significant increase in driving pleasure. At the same time, with less air flowing beneath the vehicle, there is a reduction in aerodynamic drag and lift.

The 1/16 Ultra Light high tech forged wheel

The surface of the 1/16 Ultra Light multi-spoke wheel is polished to a high-gloss finish and coated with highly-transparent protective lacquer. The sides of the spokes are brush-finished and create an elegant contrast to the surface.

Multi-spoke designs are ideal for the optimisation of weight. The even distribution of the spokes means that forces acting upon the wheel are directed into the wheel spider as efficiently as possible. Thus an oversized thickness is avoided and the ideal wheel weight achieved. Stat-of-the-art forging technology ensures a saving in weight of approximately 38% as opposed to cast wheels of comparable wheel load and dimensions. Due to the denseness of the metal, discharged forces are transmitted onward more evenly than in a cast wheel. The unsprung masses at the wheel suspensions are kept as low as possible, and as a result the wheels tramp less. This is why Carlsson’s forged wheels guarantee a noticeable improvement in driving comfort over conventional light metal wheels, and this can be felt particularly clearly on an uneven road surface.

Carlsson’s forged Carlsson 1/16 Ultra Light wheel is available for the SL in the following sizes: 8.5 x 19”, 8.5 x 20” and 9.5 x 20” (VA+HA) and 10 x 19” and 11 x 20” (HA only). A typical 20“ combination would consist of 9.5 x 20“ at the front and 11 x 20” at the rear, with 255/30 and 305/25 tyres respectively.

A chic interior ambience

Available in the colour of your choice, elegant car mats made of soft velour add considerably to the appeal of the cockpit of the SL. The extension of the speedometer to go up to 360 km/h demonstrates that there is far greater potential slumbering under the bonnet than you’ll find in the regular model. Naturally, Carlsson can modify the vehicle’s interior to suit individual wishes. And with fine leather fittings, multimedia components and much more available, there are barely any limits to the remodeling possibilities. This elite car manufacturer breathes life into dream cars for customers from all over the world.

Hamann Sportivo Based on Fiat 500

Coming somewhat as a surprise, renowned BMW tuning house Hamann have revealed a tuning package for the new Fiat 500. Labelled as the Sportivo the new tuning program took the Hamann engineers into unchartered territory which they duly responded with a lot of joy and enthusiasm. However, even though the end product may look good at first glance, the engineers have failed to put the same effort into this model as we have seen on many of their previous tuning programs.

The German tuner starts with a new set of 17 inch alloy rims and the chassis is lowered by 30mm leading to improved handling and drivability. Further peformance upgrades include a new sport exhaust system devised especially for the 1,4 litre petrol engine providing a thrilling soronous sound and a sports braking system for improved deceleration. The 1,3 Multijet 16V is treated to a power increase of 15hp taking the total up to 90hp by re-programming the integrated control unit.

Interior modifications are limited to an embroidered Hamann sportive logo and a set of aluminium pedals.

Press release:

Normally HAMANN-Motorsport is renowned as a tuning company for BMW and for refining sinfully expensive luxury cars. But sometimes the Laupheim-based technicians move off the beaten tracks and devote themselves to something completely unexpected – in this case the Fiat 500. The HAMANN-technicians started with a lot of joy and enthusiasm for the cool little retro sports car and developed the extensive HAMANN sportivo–tuning programme. Striking 17-inch rims and a lively flag pattern optically emphasize the racy character of this little Italian. The strong sound of the HAMANN-sport exhaust system for the 1,4 litre petrol car also underlines this acoustically. A performance optimization for the diesel model, progressive chassis springs and a newly-developed braking system round out the racy appearance and provide a speedy joyride.

The design wheel HM sportivo I stands for trendy mobile appearance and perfect handling. The matt black varnish rim in one piece has a diamond-polished outer edge and is offered in the size 7.0 x 17. HAMANN recommends matching tyres in the sizes 195/40 ZR17 or 215/34 ZR 17 by its technology partner Hankook. A complete wheel-set can be obtained from 1,420 €. The HAMANN-set for lowering chassis leads to a further improvement in handling the car and ensures that the vehicle centre which is made up from four progressively spun springs is lowered by 30mm.

The sport exhaust system which was especially devised for the 1,4 litre petrol car renders a thrilling sonorous sound. The system includes a muffler (from 390 € onwards) with two round end pipes made of high-grade steel (70 mm diameter), a pre-muffler with metal catalyst and a sport fan manifold. All components can also be obtained individually. Also for this model, HAMANN developed a stable sport braking system for improved deceleration values. The set consists of two perforated and ventilated brake discs (diameter 280 x 28mm) at the front axle in connection with red 4-piston fixed yokes and steal flex brake lines. The back axle can be upgraded with brake discs measuring 240 mm in diameter.

The increased performance by HAMANN costs 699 € for the 1,3 Multijet 16V Fiat 500 diesel model. After re-programming the integrated control unit, the motor renders up to 90 hp / 66 kW at 4,000 r.p.m. (series: 75 hp / 55 KW) and a maximum torque of 230 Nm at 1,750 r.p.m. (series: 145 Nm at 1,500 r.p.m.).

The aluminium pedal set including footrest and a car mat set with an embroidered HAMANN sportive logo accentuate the interior and perfect the Fiat 500 programme in a stylish way.

Audi Q5 S Line

Barely weeks after Audi first showed the Q5 officially, the German marque has revealed an S Line version of the Q5. The car attracts a sportier demeanor through a number of exterior changes. Some of these are 19-inch wheels which if you didn’t know, would certainly put you off the idea of going off-road in the swashbuckling Audi SUV. An optional 20-inch alloy is available, put around 255mm of black rubber. A groovy grille with a matching mesh pattern of air vents around the fog lights accentuates the aggression of S Line.

Interior features layons of brushed aluminium with the three-spoke steering wheel featuring multi-function capability and wrapped in perforated leather. Typically S Line, the door sills show “S Line” whenever you open the doors. The seats are layered in Nappa or Alcantara trim with the S Line logo embroidered on the seat for that extra special touch.

Nothing gets done to the engines as these are purely for sporty looks and drivability. That means for now we get the two TDI engines 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre, as well as the petrol-engined 2.0-litre TFSI. These plants are good for 125kW, 350Nm and 176kW, 500Nm respectively, while the TFSI makes 155kW and 350Nm.

Audi A4 3.0 TDI by Rieger tuning

Soon many other tuners will be on the new A4 (B8) bandwagon. For now RIEGER Tuning is showing off its latest creation in the A4 3.0 TDI. RIEGER has gone and changed quite a few bits and pieces of A4, such as a redesigned rear bumper that features an integrated air diffuser, side skirts and a front lip spoiler. The wheels are special as well at 20-inch in alloy.

To give the A4’s look some suitable go to match, RIEGER popped the bonnet to redo some of the ECU’s hard work. So instead of 176kW from the turbo diesel motor, we now see a total of 219kW, plus torque measuring stonking 610Nm. Remember that the standard car sees 500Nm, so this is quite a significant jump.

Mercedes CLS 500 by Lorinser

After the two-tone S-class by ART we have now laid our after market hands on Lorinser's new CLS L 55 RS, based on the recently facelifted Mercedes CLS 500 four-door coupe offers 72 more horsepower. The L 55 RS can boast about 460 hp (338 kW) and 585 Nm of torque versus the stock 388 hp (285 kW) and 530 Nm, all this power gives the 4-door coupe a 300 km/h top speed.

Of course Lorinser doesn't just leave at a power boost, the German tuning house has also developed some new aerodynamic accessories like a new front spoiler, side skirts and rear boot spoiler. The Lorinser's profile is supported by 20 inch Lorinser RS 6 light weight alloy wheels. The interior comes equipped with carbon detailing for the arm rests and center console.