Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing done the Brabus way


Brabus has a solution to anyone looking to augment their Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG sports car with some flamboyant styling bits and modest performance upgrades. The German tuners start with a new carbon fiber aero kit, which is available in a clear coat or painted to match or contrast the Gullwing's exterior color.

The aero package includes a front spoiler said to further reduce lift on the front axle, new covers for both the air inlets on the front bumper and fenders, a small rear boot spoiler, and a new rear bumper element that features custom-tailored cutouts for the four exhaust tips of the sport exhaust system.

To complete the look, the Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist equipped the SLS AMG with 20-inch alloys in 275/30 ZR20 low profile rubber at the front, and 22-inch rims with 295/25 ZR21 tires at the back.

Brabus is still working on a comprehensive tune for the 6.3-liter V8 that produces 563-ponies out of the factory, but for now it offers a titanium sport exhaust system with four slanted exhaust tips that adds an extra ten horsepower to the engine's output. The exhaust weighs 12 kilograms (26 lbs.) or 40 percent less than the production exhaust and features a pneumatically controlled bypass gate that adjusts the sound levels and is activated from the cockpit.

Also available is a height-adjustable suspension system that can lower the ride height of the sports car by up to 40 millimeters (1.6 inches) while also allowing the driver to choose between damper settings that offer a more comfortable or sportier ride compared to the production suspension, all through the touch of a button.

For the interior, Brabus' customization program includes many options such as a restyled speedometer, a sports steering wheel, unique leather upholstery, stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo and matte-anodized sport pedals.