Friday, June 15, 2007

2007 Brabus SV12 S Biturbo Coupe based from the CL 600




(source: apg)730 hp / 537 kW of power, 1,320 Nm of top and a top speed of 340 km/h: With the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo coupe based on the latest Mercedes CL 600 model BRABUS presents the world’s fastest and most powerful coupe.

At the heart of this exclusive automobile is the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine. It is based on the turbocharged Mercedes 600 twelve-cylinder engine and represents the most powerful street-legal V12 engine in the world. Installing a special BRABUS crankshaft with longer stroke, combined with a bigger bore and correspondingly sized forged pistons, increases displacement from 5.5 to 6.3 liters. Further engine modifications also include precision-machining the cylinder heads and fitting them with four special camshafts.

In addition the engine peripherals are also modified extensively. The modifications include special exhaust manifolds, two larger turbochargers, a high-efficiency intercooler and a high-performance exhaust system with metal catalysts and low back pressure. Extensive bench tests determined the new programming for the engine electronics that not only maximizes power yield but also ensures that the engine meets stringent Euro IV emission limits.

Performance figures of the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo displacement engine speak volumes: A rated power output of 730 hp / 537 kW at 5,100 rpm is just as extraordinary as a peak torque of 1,320 Nm at just 2,100 rpm. In the car peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm.

Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a modified five-speed automatic transmission. The optionally available BRABUS locking differential optimizes traction. All BRABUS drivetrain elements are operated with ARAL high-performance lubricants.

The BRABUS S V12 S Biturbo coupe is not just the most powerful; it is also the fastest street-legal of its kind. 0 – 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, 200 km/h after just 11.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 340 km/h are all without equal.

The enormous performance of the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo coupe places exceptionally high demands on the aerodynamic-enhancement parts that were developed in the wind tunnel. The sophisticated shape of the BRABUS front apron reduces lift on the front axle and improves engine and front brake cooling due to its large air inlet. Integrated fog lamps and high beams lend the car a characteristic appearance and further improve active safety by optimizing illumination of the road.

The BRABUS rocker panels optimize the airflow along the sides and feature integrated entrance lights for safe entering and exiting of the vehicle in the dark.

The BRABUS rear apron sports custom-tailored cutouts for the BRABUS quad sport exhaust. Three LED lights integrated into the apron are also activated via the keyless fob. An understated rear spoiler rounds out the sophisticated BRABUS aerodynamics concept, and reduces lift on the rear axle for further improved directional stability at high speeds.

The enormous performance of the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo coupe is kept safely in check at all times thanks to custom-tailored solutions for tires, suspension and brakes. Among them are BRABUS Monoblock light-alloy wheels with diameters of 18, 19, 20 or 21 inches. The largest tire/wheel combination features BRABUS Monoblock VI and E wheels in sizes 9Jx21 in front and 10.5Jx21 on the rear axle. The largest corresponding tires are size 265/30 ZR 21 in front and size 295/30 ZR 21 in the rear. BRABUS recommends Pirelli and YOKOHAMA high-performance tires.

The BRABUS module for the standard ABC suspension is specifically calibrated to these high-performance tires, and lowers the ride height of the two-door by some 25 millimeters. For further optimized active safety the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo coupe can be equipped with the BRABUS high-performance brake system. Maximum fade-free stopping power is provided on the front axle by 380 x 36 millimeter discs and 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers. The rear features 355 x 28 millimeter discs and six-piston aluminum fixed calipers.

BRABUS also fulfills any requests imaginable when it comes to exclusive interior options. The list of products ranges from scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo or an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel to an exclusive customized interior crafted from soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and the finest Alcantara.

2007 Bentley Arnage












For 2007, the Bentley Arnage receives a power boost: the R and RL models increase from 400 hp to 450 hp, and from 616 lb-ft of torque to 645 lb-ft; while the T rises from 456 hp to 500 hp, and from 616 lb-ft to 738 lb-ft. In the T, The previous four-speed automatic transmission is now replaced with a six-speed.


As a result, top speed on the R and RL rises to 270 km/h, while the T increases to 288 km/h.

All models now include a tire pressure monitoring system, Bluetooth integrated telephone system, new wheel, new exterior paint and interior trim options, and an optional retractable “Flying B” mascot. The RL long-wheelbase model receives a rear centre armrest bottle cooler, veneered rear centre console, rear master telephone system and backup camera.

All Arnage models use a 6.8-litre V8 with twin turbochargers, mated to a four-speed automatic in the R and RL, and a new six-speed automatic in the T.

Standard equipment on each Arnage includes Connolly leather interior, Wilton carpets, 18-inch wheels with Pirelli low-profile tires, automatic climate control, a DVD-based satellite navigation system, electrically-adjustable heated seats, cruise control and parking sensors front and rear.

The T receives 19-inch, seven-spoke wheels. As each Arnage is built to a customer’s specifications, individual options and interior equipment will be different on each vehicle: over half are further modified by Bentley Mulliner, the company’s coachbuilder.

Although it’s still based on a reengineered Rolls-Royce platform, the Arnage has been moving away from its role as a Rolls clone, and now has a personality all its own. The R and its stretched RL sibling receive softer springs and a cushier ride. The extra horsepower of the T is sent to the asphalt through a firmer setup that makes for a huge, luxurious car that can handle challenging road courses with ease.

The Chrysler Group Shows Interest in Jaguar and Land Rover

(autonews)
As reported earlier this week, and confirmed by Ford, Ford has officially hired Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to sell its Jaguar and Land Rover brand. Now, according to German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Cerberus, who recently bought Chrysler, is showing interest in Jaguar and Ford.

Citing London bank sources, the newspaper said that Cerberus, Blackstone and Cinven have shown interest in joining the auction for Ford’s luxury car brands.

It is not clear yet whether both brands will be sold as a package deal but an industry source has told Automotive News that Ford is favoring a package solution though it won’t mind selling the two brands separately.

Merrill Lynch analysts have previously said that Ford could possibly raise over $9 billion by selling its remaining luxury car brands.

Photo of the Day: Audi R8

Photo of the Day: Audi R8