Brabus E V12 Cabriolet

Brabus has expanded its E V12 family to include the Cabriolet, and the result is the world’s fastest four-seat convertible.

Based on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the heart of the conversion is a biturbo 6.3 litre (384 cu. in.) V12 engine. With a reprogrammed engine control unit, four intercoolers and a stainless steel exhaust system, it produces 788 PS (588 kW / 800 PS) at 5,500 rpm.



Peak torque meanwhile is a staggering 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb/ft), which is more than even the Bugatti Veyron manages. However, Brabus has decided to electronically limit it to ‘just’ 1,100 Nm (811 lb/ft) in the E V12, as that’s probably the limit of what the specially strengthened five-speed automatic transmission could reasonably be expected to handle.



Unsurprisingly, such outputs result in brutal acceleration. The 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time is 3.7 seconds, 0-124 mph (200 km/h) is over in just 9.9 seconds, and 0-186 mph (300 km/h) takes 23.9 seconds.



Depending on the final drive ratio, the claimed top speed can be as high as 231 mph (370 km/h). Presumably attempting that kind of velocity with the roof up doesn’t result in the car’s fabric hood being ripped off by the wind blast…

To cope with the extra performance, Brabus has also upgraded the chassis. Coil-over suspension co-developed with Bilstein is fitted, and it features adjustable dampers and ride height. To improve handling and high speed stability, the 19” wheels sit on widened tracks, and the bodywork front and rear has been suitably widened to accommodate them.



Stopping is taken care of by Brabus’ own braking system, which comprises vented and grooved steel discs with aluminium calipers.



The Brabus E V12 Cabriolet is build-to-order only, with prices starting at €478,000.



That’s around £420,000 or US$669,000 at today’s exchange rates, an amount which in the UK would buy seven examples of the standard Mercedes-Benz E 500 Cabriolet.



Related posts:

Brabus S 350 BlueTEC

Brabus Widestar SLS AMG

Brabus E V12 Cabriolet

Brabus has expanded its E V12 family to include the Cabriolet, and the result is the world’s fastest four-seat convertible.

Based on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the heart of the conversion is a biturbo 6.3 litre (384 cu. in.) V12 engine. With a reprogrammed engine control unit, four intercoolers and a stainless steel exhaust system, it produces 788 PS (588 kW / 800 PS) at 5,500 rpm.



Peak torque meanwhile is a staggering 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb/ft), which is more than even the Bugatti Veyron manages. However, Brabus has decided to electronically limit it to ‘just’ 1,100 Nm (811 lb/ft) in the E V12, as that’s probably the limit of what the specially strengthened five-speed automatic transmission could reasonably be expected to handle.



Unsurprisingly, such outputs result in brutal acceleration. The 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time is 3.7 seconds, 0-124 mph (200 km/h) is over in just 9.9 seconds, and 0-186 mph (300 km/h) takes 23.9 seconds.



Depending on the final drive ratio, the claimed top speed can be as high as 231 mph (370 km/h). Presumably attempting that kind of velocity with the roof up doesn’t result in the car’s fabric hood being ripped off by the wind blast…

To cope with the extra performance, Brabus has also upgraded the chassis. Coil-over suspension co-developed with Bilstein is fitted, and it features adjustable dampers and ride height. To improve handling and high speed stability, the 19” wheels sit on widened tracks, and the bodywork front and rear has been suitably widened to accommodate them.



Stopping is taken care of by Brabus’ own braking system, which comprises vented and grooved steel discs with aluminium calipers.



The Brabus E V12 Cabriolet is build-to-order only, with prices starting at €478,000.



That’s around £420,000 or US$669,000 at today’s exchange rates, an amount which in the UK would buy seven examples of the standard Mercedes-Benz E 500 Cabriolet.



Related posts:

Brabus S 350 BlueTEC

Brabus Widestar SLS AMG

Bentley Mulliner Styling

Undoubtedly aware that some aftermarket firms are doing fairly hideous things to its products, Bentley has taken an ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’ approach by launching Mulliner Styling Specification upgrades for the current Continental GT.

Although the end result manages to be quite understated, it doesn’t come cheap…



For instance, buyers will have to part with £7,540 for the Classic Pack. This comprises a front bumper splitter, lower intake grille strakes, side skirts and a rear diffuser, all of which are made from carbon fibre.



But to get the full effect, Bentley is also offering a range of individual Mulliner options. There are yet more carbon fibre trinkets, in the shape of door mirror caps (at a shocking £2,241) and a rear spoiler that costs the same again.

The curved wing vents, which sit just behind the front wheels, are constructed from dark chrome mesh with carbon fibre bezels. Priced at £4,762, they’re claimed to help heat diffusion, presumably from the brakes.



Finally, the standard wheels can be swapped for 21” Elegant alloys which have a contrasting black and machined finish, and cost £5,940.



The Classic Pack can be ordered via Bentley dealers now, while the optional features will be available from this autumn. Customers who go for everything will face a hefty bill of £22,724.

Bentley Mulliner Styling

Undoubtedly aware that some aftermarket firms are doing fairly hideous things to its products, Bentley has taken an ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’ approach by launching Mulliner Styling Specification upgrades for the current Continental GT.

Although the end result manages to be quite understated, it doesn’t come cheap…



For instance, buyers will have to part with £7,540 for the Classic Pack. This comprises a front bumper splitter, lower intake grille strakes, side skirts and a rear diffuser, all of which are made from carbon fibre.



But to get the full effect, Bentley is also offering a range of individual Mulliner options. There are yet more carbon fibre trinkets, in the shape of door mirror caps (at a shocking £2,241) and a rear spoiler that costs the same again.

The curved wing vents, which sit just behind the front wheels, are constructed from dark chrome mesh with carbon fibre bezels. Priced at £4,762, they’re claimed to help heat diffusion, presumably from the brakes.



Finally, the standard wheels can be swapped for 21” Elegant alloys which have a contrasting black and machined finish, and cost £5,940.



The Classic Pack can be ordered via Bentley dealers now, while the optional features will be available from this autumn. Customers who go for everything will face a hefty bill of £22,724.

Superchips Mini Cooper S

Superchips has launched an ECU remap for the post-March 2010 Mini Cooper S.



The modification lifts power from 181 bhp (135 kW / 184 PS) to 206 bhp (153 kW / 208 PS), a 14% increase that’s available from just 2,000 rpm onwards. Torque from the direct injection 1.6 litre turbo engine similarly rises from 240 Nm (177 lb/ft) to 272 Nm (200 lb/ft).



Useful improvements then, and enough to almost match the outputs of the Mini John Cooper Works which boasts 208 bhp (155 kW / 211 PS) and up to 280 Nm (206 lb/ft) of torque on overboost.

Unfortunately Superchips hasn’t released any performance claims, except to say that if driven normally owners won’t see any increase in their Mini’s fuel consumption.



The upgrade costs £455 including VAT. That works out at a very reasonable £18 per extra horsepower, and the ECU remap can be installed at eighty Superchips centres across the UK.



However, one problem with any modification like this is that the original manufacturer’s warranty is probably going to be compromised. To help get around the issue, Superchips offers a 12 month / 30,000 mile supplementary full vehicle warranty. That’s industry leading, but it still might not be long enough to tempt the owner of a brand new Cooper S.



Related post:

Mini gets mini revamp

Superchips Mini Cooper S

Superchips has launched an ECU remap for the post-March 2010 Mini Cooper S.



The modification lifts power from 181 bhp (135 kW / 184 PS) to 206 bhp (153 kW / 208 PS), a 14% increase that’s available from just 2,000 rpm onwards. Torque from the direct injection 1.6 litre turbo engine similarly rises from 240 Nm (177 lb/ft) to 272 Nm (200 lb/ft).



Useful improvements then, and enough to almost match the outputs of the Mini John Cooper Works which boasts 208 bhp (155 kW / 211 PS) and up to 280 Nm (206 lb/ft) of torque on overboost.

Unfortunately Superchips hasn’t released any performance claims, except to say that if driven normally owners won’t see any increase in their Mini’s fuel consumption.



The upgrade costs £455 including VAT. That works out at a very reasonable £18 per extra horsepower, and the ECU remap can be installed at eighty Superchips centres across the UK.



However, one problem with any modification like this is that the original manufacturer’s warranty is probably going to be compromised. To help get around the issue, Superchips offers a 12 month / 30,000 mile supplementary full vehicle warranty. That’s industry leading, but it still might not be long enough to tempt the owner of a brand new Cooper S.



Related post:

Mini gets mini revamp

Roush Stage 3 Mustang

Roush Performance of Livonia, Michigan, has launched a Stage 3 upgrade for the Ford Mustang.



Central to the conversion is an R2300 ROUSHcharger supercharger plus intercooler, which lifts power from 412 bhp (307 kW / 417 PS) to 540 bhp (402 kW / 547 PS). Torque from the 5.0 litre V8 engine is similarly increased, rising from 528 Nm (390 lb/ft) to an impressive 630 Nm (465 lb/ft).



Roush doesn’t offer a choice of transmission, though. Drive to the rear wheels is via a six-speed manual gearbox, and there’s no automatic option.

Costing $16,800 in the US, the Stage 3 package includes a Roush suspension system. This replaces the springs, anti-roll bars, rear dampers and front struts, while adding jounce bumpers and an anti-wheel hop kit for better traction. Additionally, 18” Roush chrome wheels with Cooper tyres are fitted, and the original exhaust is ditched in favour of a square-tip performance item.



The Mustang’s appearance is beefed up by a new front valance, chin splitter, boot spoiler and side skirts. Buyers get to select from eight paint colours, six stripe colours and six stripe accent colours. That’s a total of 288 different combinations so, provided a bit of imagination has been used when specifying the car, the chances of coming across an identical one should be extremely slim.



For those wanting to tweak their Mustang further, the Roush options list is the place to look. It includes louvered panels for the rear side windows, leather upholstery, 20” wheels, competition suspension and three different brake upgrades.



Available from dealers at the end of this month, the 2012 Roush Stage 3 conversion comes with a three-year / 36,000 mile warranty.

Roush Stage 3 Mustang

Roush Performance of Livonia, Michigan, has launched a Stage 3 upgrade for the Ford Mustang.



Central to the conversion is an R2300 ROUSHcharger supercharger plus intercooler, which lifts power from 412 bhp (307 kW / 417 PS) to 540 bhp (402 kW / 547 PS). Torque from the 5.0 litre V8 engine is similarly increased, rising from 528 Nm (390 lb/ft) to an impressive 630 Nm (465 lb/ft).



Roush doesn’t offer a choice of transmission, though. Drive to the rear wheels is via a six-speed manual gearbox, and there’s no automatic option.

Costing $16,800 in the US, the Stage 3 package includes a Roush suspension system. This replaces the springs, anti-roll bars, rear dampers and front struts, while adding jounce bumpers and an anti-wheel hop kit for better traction. Additionally, 18” Roush chrome wheels with Cooper tyres are fitted, and the original exhaust is ditched in favour of a square-tip performance item.



The Mustang’s appearance is beefed up by a new front valance, chin splitter, boot spoiler and side skirts. Buyers get to select from eight paint colours, six stripe colours and six stripe accent colours. That’s a total of 288 different combinations so, provided a bit of imagination has been used when specifying the car, the chances of coming across an identical one should be extremely slim.



For those wanting to tweak their Mustang further, the Roush options list is the place to look. It includes louvered panels for the rear side windows, leather upholstery, 20” wheels, competition suspension and three different brake upgrades.



Available from dealers at the end of this month, the 2012 Roush Stage 3 conversion comes with a three-year / 36,000 mile warranty.

Moparized Jeep Wranglers

Daftest model name of the year (so far) must be the Jeep Wrangler ‘Pork Chop’. Built in collaboration with Mopar, it’s a customised special that’ll first appear at the upcoming Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah.

Six such models are set to be unveiled, although for now only two have been revealed - the other being the much more sensibly titled ‘Renegade’.

Can’t wait to see what other weird monikers Jeep comes up with for the remaining four…



Related post:

Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty

Moparized Jeep Wranglers

Daftest model name of the year (so far) must be the Jeep Wrangler ‘Pork Chop’. Built in collaboration with Mopar, it’s a customised special that’ll first appear at the upcoming Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah.

Six such models are set to be unveiled, although for now only two have been revealed - the other being the much more sensibly titled ‘Renegade’.

Can’t wait to see what other weird monikers Jeep comes up with for the remaining four…



Related post:

Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty

Honda CR-Z Mugen

Mugen Euro is working on a tuned version of the Honda CR-Z hybrid. Both the 1.5 litre petrol engine and the Integrated Motor Assist system will be fettled to produce more power and torque, and there’s also speculation that fuel economy and CO2 emissions could be improved, too.



So it looks like a win-win situation. Except - for the time being at least - the CR-Z Mugen is only being built as a one-off prototype, set to make its debut at July’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

As well as modifications to the powertrain, chassis improvements will comprise uprated suspension and brakes. To help save weight a carbon fibre bonnet and bespoke alloy wheels are going to be fitted, while replacement bumpers and a spoiler should help the aerodynamics.



Although it’s not scheduled for series production, arguably the enhancements hinted at by the CR-Z Mugen are needed to make the regular CR-Z a more convincing all-round package.



The standard car’s 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 9.9 seconds, top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h), combined cycle fuel consumption of 56.5 mpg (5.0 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 117 g/km are respectable enough.



However, they’re not outstanding either, especially considering that a conventional non-hybrid such as the BMW 118d Coupé is quicker (0-62 mph in 9.0 seconds, top speed of 130 mph / 209 km/h), uses less fuel (62.8 mpg / 4.5 l/100km) and pumps out virtually the same level of carbon dioxide (118 g/km).



Related post:

Electric BMW 1 Series

Honda CR-Z Mugen

Mugen Euro is working on a tuned version of the Honda CR-Z hybrid. Both the 1.5 litre petrol engine and the Integrated Motor Assist system will be fettled to produce more power and torque, and there’s also speculation that fuel economy and CO2 emissions could be improved, too.



So it looks like a win-win situation. Except - for the time being at least - the CR-Z Mugen is only being built as a one-off prototype, set to make its debut at July’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

As well as modifications to the powertrain, chassis improvements will comprise uprated suspension and brakes. To help save weight a carbon fibre bonnet and bespoke alloy wheels are going to be fitted, while replacement bumpers and a spoiler should help the aerodynamics.



Although it’s not scheduled for series production, arguably the enhancements hinted at by the CR-Z Mugen are needed to make the regular CR-Z a more convincing all-round package.



The standard car’s 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 9.9 seconds, top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h), combined cycle fuel consumption of 56.5 mpg (5.0 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 117 g/km are respectable enough.



However, they’re not outstanding either, especially considering that a conventional non-hybrid such as the BMW 118d Coupé is quicker (0-62 mph in 9.0 seconds, top speed of 130 mph / 209 km/h), uses less fuel (62.8 mpg / 4.5 l/100km) and pumps out virtually the same level of carbon dioxide (118 g/km).



Related post:

Electric BMW 1 Series

Mansory Siracusa

Most attempts to modify a supercar are going to be controversial, as are the efforts of German tuner Mansory. Combine the two then, and it’s very likely that the outcome is going to divide opinion.



For the Siracusa - based on the Ferrari 458 Italia - Mansory has adopted its usual procedure: replace as much bodywork as possible with carbon fibre, fiddle with the aerodynamics, boost power, re-trim the interior and then apply a ‘unique’ colour scheme.

Some visual elements don’t work particularly well, for example the revised headlights and the various carbon fibre addenda stuck onto the side skirts and front apron. But the claimed results are more down-force, better cooling and a car that’s 70 kg (154 lbs) lighter.



Combined with a modest 2% increase in power to 581 bhp (434 kW / 590 PS) - thanks to a tweaked engine management system, replacement air filter and a sports exhaust - the Siracusa will accelerate from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.2 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).



Impressive performance, although it should be remembered that the standard 458 Italia does the same sprint in 3.4 seconds and maxes out at 202 mph (325 km/h). So it begs the question: what’s the point for such insignificant gains?



Of course, it might be that the Mansory has a notably improved mid-range, while the lowered suspension and more effective spoilers unite to considerably enhance handling. The only way to tell would be to pitch the Siracusa against a stock 458 Italia on a track.



Related post:

MP4-12C versus 458 Italia

Mansory Siracusa

Most attempts to modify a supercar are going to be controversial, as are the efforts of German tuner Mansory. Combine the two then, and it’s very likely that the outcome is going to divide opinion.



For the Siracusa - based on the Ferrari 458 Italia - Mansory has adopted its usual procedure: replace as much bodywork as possible with carbon fibre, fiddle with the aerodynamics, boost power, re-trim the interior and then apply a ‘unique’ colour scheme.

Some visual elements don’t work particularly well, for example the revised headlights and the various carbon fibre addenda stuck onto the side skirts and front apron. But the claimed results are more down-force, better cooling and a car that’s 70 kg (154 lbs) lighter.



Combined with a modest 2% increase in power to 581 bhp (434 kW / 590 PS) - thanks to a tweaked engine management system, replacement air filter and a sports exhaust - the Siracusa will accelerate from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.2 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).



Impressive performance, although it should be remembered that the standard 458 Italia does the same sprint in 3.4 seconds and maxes out at 202 mph (325 km/h). So it begs the question: what’s the point for such insignificant gains?



Of course, it might be that the Mansory has a notably improved mid-range, while the lowered suspension and more effective spoilers unite to considerably enhance handling. The only way to tell would be to pitch the Siracusa against a stock 458 Italia on a track.



Related post:

MP4-12C versus 458 Italia

Mansory Cormeum

German tuner Mansory has comprehensively reworked the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The result is the Cormeum, named after an opera aria.

Changes to the bodywork go well beyond just sticking a body kit on. The front end, which has been totally redesigned to reduce lift, now sports aggressive air intakes and new headlights. Lighter roof and door panels are fitted, while replacement wings widen the car by 66 mm at the front and 84 mm at the rear. Around the back, a race-spec diffuser is there purely for more down force, as is the boot lid spoiler.



Combined with the forged alloy wheels - 20” diameter at the front and 21” for the rears - the alterations knock 90 kg off the weight of the donor SLS AMG.



To go with the reduced bulk is more power. The V8 engine in the Cormeum boasts 650 bhp (485 kW / 660 PS), compared to the standard car’s 563 bhp (420 kW / 571 PS). However, if that’s still not enough, Mansory is saying that outputs of up to 790 bhp (588 kW / 800 PS) are in development.



Any carbon fibre enthusiasts thinking of buying a Mansory Cormeum had better be quick, as production will be limited to just fifteen examples.



Related posts:

SLS AMG E-CELL is go

Brabus Widestar SLS AMG

Mansory Cormeum

German tuner Mansory has comprehensively reworked the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The result is the Cormeum, named after an opera aria.

Changes to the bodywork go well beyond just sticking a body kit on. The front end, which has been totally redesigned to reduce lift, now sports aggressive air intakes and new headlights. Lighter roof and door panels are fitted, while replacement wings widen the car by 66 mm at the front and 84 mm at the rear. Around the back, a race-spec diffuser is there purely for more down force, as is the boot lid spoiler.



Combined with the forged alloy wheels - 20” diameter at the front and 21” for the rears - the alterations knock 90 kg off the weight of the donor SLS AMG.



To go with the reduced bulk is more power. The V8 engine in the Cormeum boasts 650 bhp (485 kW / 660 PS), compared to the standard car’s 563 bhp (420 kW / 571 PS). However, if that’s still not enough, Mansory is saying that outputs of up to 790 bhp (588 kW / 800 PS) are in development.



Any carbon fibre enthusiasts thinking of buying a Mansory Cormeum had better be quick, as production will be limited to just fifteen examples.



Related posts:

SLS AMG E-CELL is go

Brabus Widestar SLS AMG

Novitec Rosso 599 GTO

Arguably, the last thing that the Ferrari 599 GTO needs is more power.



That hasn’t stopped tuner Novitec Rosso though, which has lifted the GTO’s outputs from 660 bhp (493 kW / 670 PS) and 620 Nm (457 lb/ft) of torque to 875 bhp (653 kW / 888 PS) and 862 Nm (635 lb/ft).

Those are enormous increases, achieved by reworking the twin superchargers, fitting high-flow air filters and fuel injectors, replacing the exhaust system and fiddling with the engine’s ECU.



The end result is, well, rather underwhelming. Whereas the standard GTO will accelerate from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.35 seconds and to 124 mph (200 km/h) in 9.8 seconds, the Novitec version does each sprint in 3.2 and 9.1 seconds respectively. Improvements that hardly embarrass the stock car, then.



Top speed also gets a similarly slight increase, rising from ‘over’ 208 mph (335 km/h) to ‘more than’ 211 mph (340 km/h).

Completing the conversion are lower sports springs, a front axle lift function to help negotiate speed humps, lightweight five-spoke alloys and wider Pirelli PZero tyres.



Perhaps the nicest thing about the Novitec Rosso 599 GTO is the colour scheme. Inspired by the Écurie Nationale Belge 250 GTO that won the 1964 Tour de France in the hands of Lucien Bianchi and Georges Berger, it features silver paintwork with a distinctive Belgian racing yellow stripe across the bonnet.

Novitec Rosso 599 GTO

Arguably, the last thing that the Ferrari 599 GTO needs is more power.



That hasn’t stopped tuner Novitec Rosso though, which has lifted the GTO’s outputs from 660 bhp (493 kW / 670 PS) and 620 Nm (457 lb/ft) of torque to 875 bhp (653 kW / 888 PS) and 862 Nm (635 lb/ft).

Those are enormous increases, achieved by reworking the twin superchargers, fitting high-flow air filters and fuel injectors, replacing the exhaust system and fiddling with the engine’s ECU.



The end result is, well, rather underwhelming. Whereas the standard GTO will accelerate from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.35 seconds and to 124 mph (200 km/h) in 9.8 seconds, the Novitec version does each sprint in 3.2 and 9.1 seconds respectively. Improvements that hardly embarrass the stock car, then.



Top speed also gets a similarly slight increase, rising from ‘over’ 208 mph (335 km/h) to ‘more than’ 211 mph (340 km/h).

Completing the conversion are lower sports springs, a front axle lift function to help negotiate speed humps, lightweight five-spoke alloys and wider Pirelli PZero tyres.



Perhaps the nicest thing about the Novitec Rosso 599 GTO is the colour scheme. Inspired by the Écurie Nationale Belge 250 GTO that won the 1964 Tour de France in the hands of Lucien Bianchi and Georges Berger, it features silver paintwork with a distinctive Belgian racing yellow stripe across the bonnet.