Geneva Preshow: Brabus Unleashes its Tune for the New Mercedes-Benz CLS

The arrival of the second generation Mercedes-Benz CLS has Brabus getting ready to present its tuning program for the sports sedan at next week's Geneva Motor Show. For the 2012 CLS, the German tuning house prepared a variety of aero-enhancements, interior goods and performance upgrades.

Aesthetically, the Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist offers a new front bumper add-on that can be further upgraded with LED daytime running lights with either dark or chrome surrounds, fender gills, side skirts, a discrete boot lid spoiler and a rear apron with custom cutouts for the for the four tailpipes of the available sport exhaust system.

There are plenty of choices for the alloy wheels as Brabus offers six different designs in sizes ranging from 8.5Jx17" to 10.5Jx20". The largest tires supplied by the company's partners Pirelli and YOKOHAMA for these wheels come in size 255/30 ZR 20 in front and in size 305/25 ZR 20 for the rear axle.

Inside, the options range from a new sports steering wheel in a variety of leather and wood designs, to custom leather or Alcantara upholsteries and aluminum and carbon fiber trim components.

For the time being, the German tuning firm's engine kits are limited to the diesel models.

The CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY's 2.1-liter turbo diesel engine equipped with the performance kit delivers an additional 31 hp for a total of 235HP and a peak torque of 560 Nm (413 lb-ft).

The Brabus-tuned CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY gets a new kit which offers two different modes. In the ‘Eco’ setting, only peak torque is increased from 620 Nm to 690 Nm (457 to 509 lb-ft) between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm, with the maximum output remaining unchanged. If the driver selects the ‘Sport’ mode, both peak torque and output are increased, with power jumping from 265HP to 313HP. Using this setting, the tuned CLS sprints from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds, while top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h (155 mph).

A sports exhaust system that promises to optimize power yield and produce a throaty exhaust note is available for all CLS engine variants.

Finally, to improve handling, the tuner offers a number of solutions ranging from new sport springs for a 30mm (1.2-in.) lower ride-height to a complete sports suspension.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

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

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Mercedes-Benz Readying Baby CLS and Small SUV, will Arrive in the U.S. within the next Three Years

In order to attract younger customers, Mercedes is planning to launch several new compact models, all based on the brand’s upcoming MFA (Mercedes Front-wheel-drive Architecture) platform. These new vehicles will also be offered in North America. According to an Automotive News Europe report, the Stuttgart automaker is currently working on a 'baby' CLS four-door coupe model and an SUV, which could be joined later on by a convertible or shooting brake variant.

“We will introduce the next generation of our MFA family to the U.S.”, Joachim Schmidt, Mercedes' global sales and marketing boss, told ANE in an interview. “Two variants, maybe even a third, are planned for the U.S.”, he added.

Described by company insiders as a “baby CLS”, the coupe is said to resemble the larger CLS four-door coupe and is due in summer 2013. It will be followed a year later by a BMW X1 rival with both variants to be offered in Europe three to five months ahead their U.S. debut.

The new compact car family will also replace the European A- and B-Class models, starting with the A-Class in late summer 2012. Currently, the automaker has no plans to sell these cars in America, but could do so if consumers show interest.

“The U.S. is not the typical compact hatchback market but if the demand arises, we could react very quickly and introduce these two variants in the U.S. far quicker than in the past”, the inside source said.

Furthermore, the MFA platform could be used by Mercedes’ new partner, Renault-Nissan, for a new-entry level Infiniti model, although nothing has been decided yet, Schmidt said.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: ANE

___________________GALLERY MERCEDES F800 CONCEPT_________________