Honda Crosstour, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

•  Honda Crosstour, 2012

The 2012 Honda Crosstour approaches the crossover SUV formula from a distinctively sleek, sporty and fuel-efficient perspective while also maximizing the interior's cargo capacity, versatility and premium feel. For 2012, the official name becomes Crosstour, replacing Accord Crosstour (2010 and 2011 models).

The Honda Crosstour's exterior design emphasizes a bold, aerodynamic look that also conceals an accommodating rear cargo area with a large, lift-over tailgate. Premium interior styling, appointments and details extend from the passenger compartment all the way through the cargo area. An under-floor storage area in the rear of the vehicle adds functionality, while reversible cargo floor panels accommodate dirty objects.

The Honda Crosstour is in two trim levels, the Crosstour EX and EX-L, with Real Time 4WD also available on the EX-L model. For 2012, new features on the Crosstour EX include auto on/off headlights, a rearview camera, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and USB audio interface. Two new colors are also available on all Crosstour models: Twilight Blue Metallic replaces Glacier Blue Metallic, and Basque Red Pearl replaces Tango Red Pearl.

Safety technology includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, a Honda-exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Additional safety equipment on the Crosstour includes Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, driver's and front passenger's side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, and active front seat head restraints.

The Honda Crosstour comes standard with a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) for power and efficiency. The engine produces 271 horsepower at 6,200 RPM and 254 lb-ft. of torque at 5,000 RPM, while achieving an EPA-rated city/highway/combined fuel economy of 18/27/21 mpg on 2WD models. Meanwhile the Crosstour EX-L with Real Time 4WD delivers an EPA-rated city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 18/26/21 mpg.

To maximize efficiency, the engine's VCM cylinder deactivation system is programmed to run on 3, 4 or 6 cylinders, based on current power requirements, and a technologically advanced 5-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment. For true utility-vehicle capability, the Honda Crosstour provides 6.2 inches of maximum ground clearance in addition to the available Real Time 4WD system.

Besides its new-for-2012 auto on/off headlights, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and USB audio interface, standard features on the Crosstour EX include projector-beam headlights, fog lights, 17-inch aluminum wheels with P225/65R17 all-season tires, a moonroof, body-colored power side mirrors with defrost, chrome door handles, auto up/down driver and front passenger side windows and rear privacy glass. Inside are dual-zone automatic air conditioning with second-row ventilation, a 360-watt AM/FM 6-disc audio system with seven speakers, steering wheel-integrated audio controls, a compass and outside temperature indicator, cruise control, an easy fold-down 60-40 split rear seatback, a hidden removable utility box and more.

Honda Crosstour EX-L adds 18-inch aluminum wheels with P225/60R18 all-season tires, leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heated front seats, a memory driver-side seat and memory side mirrors with reverse tilting capability, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, Kevlar cone audio speakers, front aluminum dome-type tweeter speakers, an auto day/night dimming rearview mirror, a HomeLink transmitter and a cargo privacy cover.

The Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System and the Real Time 4WD mentioned above are available together or separately on the Crosstour EX-L. The Navigation system includes a rearview camera with guidance lines integrated into the display.

The Honda Crosstour is assembled in Ohio at the Honda of America Mfg., Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant using domestic and globally sourced parts.

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Infiniti LE Concept, 2012

 

 

 

 

• Infiniti LE Concept, 2012

The Infiniti LE Concept, which made its world debut at the 2012 New York International Auto Show, is more than just the latest in the series of dramatically styled, technologically advanced concepts from Infiniti. Though sharing much with the stunning futuristic Infiniti concepts that have come before - a sweeping aerodynamic body, an elegantly intelligent interior, inspired driving performance and advanced next-generation technology - the Infiniti LE Concept is more grounded in reality. A production version is expected to reach Infiniti showrooms in near-similar form within the next two years as Infiniti's first zero emission luxury sedan.

The key features and innovations of the Infiniti LE Concept are:

•     Luxury sedan style, combining signature Infiniti design cues with EV aerodynamic efficiency
•     Exceptional acceleration and re-acceleration, providing a new level of luxury driving experience
•     Leading-edge compact Lithium-ion battery technology
•     Smart hospitality, featuring a quiet, luxurious Infiniti interior and next-gen Infiniti Connection, Infiniti Personal Assistant and EV connected services
•     Innovative, intuitive home-based Wireless Charging System with Intelligent Park Assist

First and Foremost an Infiniti
From inception, the Infiniti LE Concept has been designed as a pure Infiniti, rather than as an electric vehicle with luxury appointments. The vehicle is also substantial in form - about the same overall length as an Infiniti G Sedan - supporting Infiniti's belief that zero emission does not have to mean small. The Infiniti LE Concept does not compromise either roominess or comfort, which is why it starts with an advanced luxury-styled sedan body, not a converted hatchback.

The Infiniti LE Concept's dramatic exterior blends distinctive Infiniti design cues, such as its double-arch grille and crescent-cut rear-pillar, with EV aerodynamic efficiency to create a sleek, emotional silhouette. The strong shoulder line, which directs the eye from front to rear, expresses a dynamic, elegant flowing movement. The beautifully balanced proportions represent an efficient dynamic form as a new definition of luxury.

A number of design features contribute to the coefficient of drag of 0.25, which aids driving range, including the aluminum-alloy wheels with aero treatment, the high rear deck, rear aero diffuser and aero side fin spoilers with integrated illumination. The large front grille features a solid finisher and a charge port hidden under the illuminated center Infiniti emblem. The deep-skirted front fascia includes an aero fin spoiler with illumination. The iconic Infiniti LED headlights and taillights echo the design direction of Infiniti's recent Infiniti Essence and EMERG-E concepts.

Special illumination located under the rear diffuser illustrates the positioning of the wireless charger. The already dramatic exterior is accentuated by blue LED lighting that flows around the lower panels. Distinctive Infiniti EV Blue paint is adopted to enhance the sense of Infiniti EV-ness on the door handles and wheels.

The Infiniti LE Concept's efficient EV platform maximizes interior space by placing the batteries under the passenger compartment floor. This positioning helps provide a low vehicle center of gravity for enhanced handling and maximizes trunk room, without compromising front or rear seat passenger legroom or comfort. Beyond its advanced packaging, the real beauty of the interior design is its "smart hospitality" - combining a luxurious Infiniti environment with next-generation instrumentation, driver interface and connectivity.

The Infiniti LE Concept interior is anchored by its Infiniti signature double-wave layout, which flows seamlessly from instrument panel to the center console and down the cabin sides - embracing driver and passengers in a generous, energetic space. The double-wave design is highlighted by special soft LED Infiniti EV Blue lighting that flows in two waves from front to back, while the center console forms a strong anchor line that penetrates the interior space. The center console finisher adds a touch of EV-ness though use of a "Hamon" (ripple) design. A sculpted shift knob comfortably controls the LE Concept's drive system.

The Infiniti-EV meters combine modern digital display and timeless analog gauges, creating an atmosphere of both exclusivity and futuristic design. The center cluster features an innovative connected twin display powered by an Intel Atom™ processor. The twin display will offer Infiniti LE drivers access to the kinds of information that EV drivers will appreciate such as a dynamic range calculator that will use onboard and cloud based data. As the public charging station network expands, the on-board database will be kept current. And on compatible charger networks, the driver will be able to confirm real time charger availability.

The elegant, bolstered seat and door trim design also comes from traditional roots, inspired by the "Eriashi" (collar) of a Japanese kimono. The seats are covered in a suede-and-mesh fabric with violet accents, and semi-aniline leather sides. The unique interior color combination of blush violet for upper portions and light white for lower also reinforces the vehicle's Infiniti EV-ness.

An Engaging Driving Experience
As a fusion of hospitality and Inspired Performance, the Infiniti LE Concept is designed to stimulate, not sedate. Targeting "impressive EV acceleration without sacrificing the range," the engineering team behind the LE Concept's e-powertrain sought a silent, smooth response for both accelerating from a start and re-accelerating, such as merging onto freeways or changing lanes. Torque of 240 lb-ft is instantly available immediately at all times. The Infiniti LE Concept's battery system is a proven laminated 24 kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) design with a ChaDeMo DC50kW quick charger.

A smooth, comfortable ride is provided by the e-platform's high body stiffness (with rigid-mounted battery frame), front independent strut/rear torsion beam suspension with double-piston shock absorbers. Handling is enhanced by the low noise, vibration and harshness e-powertrain, along with the low center of gravity and concentration of vehicle weight in the center of the vehicle

Customizable Connected System, Home Wireless Charging
The Infiniti LE Concept's connectivity to the outside world includes the next generation of Infiniti Connection features, such as Infiniti Personal Assistant 24-hour concierge service, navigation, and POI search.

The IT system, which includes a large twin display, is easy to operate. The twin display offers drivers all of the information they want, displayed in the right place. The system can also be used to pre-heat or pre-cool the vehicle at pre-set times, synchronize with web calendars and search for local charging stations. The system will be capable of reserving charging stations at public venues such as malls or ballparks (once the appropriate infrastructure is in place).

In terms of charging, the Infiniti LE Concept is equipped to utilize an integrated charging port, a DC Fast Charge option and an advanced Wireless Charging System.
The system's non-contact charging is via inductive energy flow, with a coil safely encased on the garage floor. The primary coil is connected to the energy source, which then creates a magnetic field that excites electric current in a second coil in the LE Concept. The high-frequency charging, controlled by the twin display or smartphone, is safe for children and pets and can be installed easily in a home garage.

Taking inspired technology a step beyond, the Infiniti LE Concept features an Intelligent Park Assist with Around View™ Monitor to easily align the vehicle in the proper position over the wireless charging coil. The system uses e-steering, with full forward and backward capability, along with a 360-degree view of the surrounding area.

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Koenigsegg Agera, 2011

 

 

•  Koenigsegg Agera, 2011

Agera, the Swedish verb "to act", has been chosen as the name for Koenigsegg´s latest super creation, as it symbolizes the Koenigsegg philosophy well. Koenigsegg is always striving forward, seeking challenges beyond limitations. The new supercar Koenigsegg Agera is an outcome of that creative process and its functions respond very well to the given name.

Koenigsegg celebrate 15 years of making dream cars, by unleashing their latest jewel - the Koenigsegg Agera. A new supercar aimed to take the Koenigsegg experience to the next level, both on the road and the track.

The development of the Koenigsegg Agera has been evolutionary, following the Koenigsegg tradition of continuous improvements, by honing and perfecting the end result, all based on previous experience and innovative mindsets. The focus when developing the Koenigsegg Agera was to maximize, driving experience, cornering speed, braking and adaptability, says Christian von Koenigsegg.

A testament to time
The Koenigsegg Agera is a testament to time. The original shape and concept of the Koenigsegg CC, created 15 years ago, is still valid, fresh and highly competitive today. The Koenigsegg Agera still stay true to the original philosophy, shape and size of the original CC. At the same time, it looks, feels and performs like something belonging to the future, with all new content.
Koenigsegg Agera

A Supercar is not better than the tires it use, as it is the only link between the road and the car. Therefore Koenigsegg has a deep and long term collaboration with Michelin, when it comes to tire development. The Koenigsegg Agera program will take this collaboration to the next level and is expected to set new standards when it comes to overall performance -wet as well as dry handling.

The Koenigsegg Agera is as wide at the front as in the rear of the car. This gives very good balance in corners and minimizes body roll.

The Koenigsegg Agera also features the latest in braking technology, incorporating an adjustable ABS system, 392x36 and 380x34 ventilated and drilled ceramic discs, for unparalleled braking performance and zero fade regardless of track or road condition.Thanks to optimized breathing and Twin Turbo, power is now 910 hp, running on regular petrol. Torque is maximum 1100 nm and is reached at 5100 rpm. There is over 1000 nm of torque available from 2680 to 6100 rpm.

The new traction control is the fastest reacting in the industry, with auto adapt functionality for different road conditions and driving styles as well as several manual settings.

Koenigsegg has also developed a new type of interior illumination, which is a worlds frst in the car industry - Ghost light. The illumination shines through the billet aluminium buttons and surfaces by way of invisible nanotubes, creating excellent visibility of the symbols, as well as a very clean and stylish appearance, framed by an all-new carbon fbre centre console and tunnel assembly.

The driver can easily select the information he wants displayed in front of him, on the all new multi-info cluster combined with the upgraded infotainment display, ranging from basic functionality, to G force meter, power meters, Sat-nav, music, lap-timer or compasses - to best suit the current driving conditions, be it highway cruising, touring country roads, city navigation or serious track driving. Furthermore the interior features the new Koenigsegg Agera stitching and seams, which gives an beutiful fuidity to the interior.

All in all the Koenigsegg Agera is created to maintain Koenigsegg's position as one of the most engaging and top performing cars on the road, on the track -on the planet. Still, maintaining the largest luggage space in the industry and the novel Koenigsegg doors and detachable/stow able hardtop, that really makes all Koenigsegg cars stand out.

The Koenigsegg Agera  produced in parallel to the Award winning CCX and CCXR models. This gives Koenigsegg the ability to live up to our customers varying wishes and demands. The Agera is on display at the 80th Salon International de l'Auto in Geneva. The pre-production show car will be put through its phases for the coming six month prior to the production car launch of the Agera. Finally, Agera is also short for the Greek word Ageratos, which in ancient Greek means "ageless".

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Italdesign Tex Concept, 2011

 

 

 

•  Italdesign Tex Concept, 2011

The 4 real seats, front wheel drive and a gently aggressive line, the Tex fits into a long tradition of Volkswagen brand sports cars.

The interior
As in the Go!, the Tex's interiors have also been designed to offer the occupants maximum space and maximum ergonomics. The passenger compartment is definitely geared to the driver. All of the instruments are positioned in a functional manner and wrap around the driver so as to leave the passenger an incredible sensation of space. The large dashboard containing the controls and driving information grows smaller as it approaches the door panels so as to make getting in and out of the passenger compartment easier.

The contents are instead full of the maximum technology available today. All of the controls and indicators are housed in LCD screens, as is the infotainment console put on a touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard, set in a transparent structure that lays bare the structure.

The dashboard is separated from the central tunnel, an unusual solution for a car, but wraps around the driver with a graphic and colour continuity.
The two rear seats are independent and can be folded down.

Compact, very low (1355 mm in height) and 1750 mm wide, the Tex at first glance looks like a sports car with great grip on the road, stressed by the large 19" wheels at the ends and generous wheel arches.

Its set-up is that of a classic two-door coupé whose clearly sporty personality is emphasised by an aggressive front and its rear flaunting two spoilers.

The side view is marked by lines that sculpt the doors next to the air exit of the front wheels and its waistline that rises up toward the tail.

The front is distinguished by a slender grille that encloses the light clusters in an unprecedented trapezoidal shape and three air intakes in the bumper/spoiler zone, necessary for cooling the brake discs and 1.4-litre turbo engine. The VW badge sits in the centre of the grille and is optically underscored by the V-shaped groove of the bonnet. Windscreen and roof are a single piece of glass that becomes dark electronically.

The large rear window dominates the rear and accommodates two spoilers, with the windscreen wiper housed in one at the bottom. Like the Go! previously, the light clusters are under the windscreen and are invisible when the panel is off. Access to the luggage compartment is permitted by raising just the rear window and, once it is open, the light indicators are repeated by the two supplementary tail lights located in the lower part of the bumper, at the sides of the rear air intake that also contains the rear fog lights.

STRONG HEART, GENTLE SOUL
The Tex is fitted out with the hybrid plug-in system called Twïn Drive conceived and developed by Volkswagen.

The Twïn Drive couples a 1.4-litre turbo internal combustion engine with a battery-powered 85 kW peak electrical system capable of developing 400 Nm when used combined together.
It has front-wheel drive with a 7-gear Direct Shift gearbox with gearshifting on the steering wheel.

Its performance is that of a pure sports car. The Tex is able to reach 100 km/h from a standstill in about 6 seconds, and reach a top speed of 220 km/h.

However, in the case sportiness and eco-friendliness are not worlds apart. The Tex is able to cover approximately 35 km in the totally electric mode, mostly enough for getting around during the day.

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Daihatsu Materia, 2008

 

•  Daihatsu Materia, 2008

Daihatsu Materia mini-MPV went on sale in the UK in July 2008 with prices starting from £10,995 on-the-road offering outstanding interior space and distinctive styling.
In fact, the boxy yet wide and squat design theme with flared wheelarches and minimum overhangs has created a cult-following in Japan - and now the United States - with several manufacturers struggling to keep up with consumer demand.

Key competitors in the UK and Europe are the similar-sized but move conservatively-styled Renault Modus and Vauxhall/Opel Meriva. All are compact and versatile with a high-command driving position that especially appeals to women.

The Materia's owners are expected to include style-conscious young families seeking a distinctive yet practical design plus older couples who appreciate the Materia's low running costs, manoeuvrability and easy access  wide-opening and deep doors.

The Daihatsu Materia specification is exceptionally high and includes: power steering, ABS with EBD, driver, passenger and side airbags, air-conditioning, remote central-locking, height-adjustable driver's seat, sliding and reclining split rear seat, alloy, wheels, rear privacy glass, front fog lamps and a radio/CD player with six speakers.

Powered by a lively 103.3 PS 1.5 litre petrol engine, the Daihatsu Materia is both economical at 46.3 mpg on the Extra Urban Cycle (manual) and 45.6 mpg (automatic) and offers a 100-plus mph top speed. This leaves plenty in reserve for comfortable long-distance motorway travel.

The Concept
The Materia's funky yet practical shape maximises interior space and was designed to be both distinctive and spirited. It is sold as both a Toyota and Daihatsu in Japan.
Its exceptionally short overhangs and flared wheelarches give a ground-hugging stance, while the squared-off passenger compartment promises - and delivers - outstanding space.

The front design is quite imposing with a chunky, deep bonnet and chiselled look to the headlamps and narrow but wide grille, cut into the deep bumper.
The Materia's rear also emphasises its width, strength and stability, emphasised by a swooping, low-mounted panel that connects the narrow rear lamps which gently curve over each rear wheelarch.
From the side, large 15 ins diameter spoked alloy wheels - linked by deep side skirts - further reinforce the message of stability. The generous 185/55 tyres combined with a wide track 'fill' the wheel openings.

Size Comparisons
The Daihatsu Materia's spacious cabin features both a generous interior width and length clothed in a compact body with excellent manoeuvrability thanks to good visibility and a tight 9.8 metre turning circle (kerb-to-kerb).
Its overall length of 3,800 mm is between the Renault Modus (3,792 mm) and Vauxhall Meriva (4,042 mm). The Daihatsu's width of 1,690 mm is almost identical to the 1,695 mm of the Renault and 1,694 mm of the Vauxhall.

The Materia's 1,635 mm height compares with the1,589 mm of the Modus and 1,624 mm of the Meriva, while the Daihatsu's wheelbase of 2,540 mm exceeds the 2,482 mm of the Renault but is slightly shorter than the Vauxhall's 2,630 mm.
Its 1,420 mm interior width far exceeds the Renault Modus which can only offer 1,280 mm. This, combined with an interior length of 1,950 mm (Vauxhall Meriva 1,825 mm) offers outstanding useable space.
The Daihatsu Materia offers 619 litres of load space with the rear seat folded and either 294 or 181 litres with the rear seat upright (VDA) depending on whether the seat is slid forward or backwards.

The Interior
The Materia's stylish and versatile interior includes a rear seat that has a rake-adjustable backrest which can also be fully reclined to form a bed, joining the equally fully-reclining front seats.
The rear seat also features a 60/40 split plus fore and aft slide adjustment of 160 mm. This allows a fully-flexible rear legroom/load space compromise. The rear tailgate opening is flush with the load floor for easy loading and unloading.

A compartment under the rear floor allows the storage of various items such as tools, while a deep bottle holder is also included in the side of the luggage compartment. Interior bottle holders can be found in both front and rear doors plus four in the centre console.
Meanwhile, the interior design itself is both funky and interesting with, for example, blue illumination of the front door armrests and circular front door speakers.

The centrally-mounted acrylic instrument panel creates a futuristic, three-dimensional look boosted by a swooping, stadium-shaped arc to the entire fascia.
Other distinctive features include a glossy black finish to the flush-fitting audio unit and side air-conditioning vents for a high-quality look.

Lively, Frugal, Advanced Petrol Engine
The new Daihatsu Materia features a lively and frugal 1.5 litre petrol engine offered with the choice of either five-speed manual of four-speed automatic transmission.
The engine itself is highly advanced and is similar to that fitted to the Daihatsu Terios compact SUV and can also be seen in 1.3 litre form in the Sirion supermini.

Featuring Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) which enhances low-speed pulling power and high-rev response, the twin overhead camshaft unit is compact and light, with an alloy head and block.
Power is 103.3 PS at 6,000 rpm with torque of either 97.4 lb ft at 4,400 rpm for the Daihatsu Materia manual or 101.8 lb ft in the automatic. The engine has a 10.0:1 compression ratio and features a bore and stroke of 72 x 91.8 mm.

It also features durable chains for its camshaft drive which require no maintenance and cannot snap like belt systems.

The five-speed manual gearbox and four-speed automatic both have carefully chosen ratios that provide sprightly acceleration from standstill yet relaxed cruising.
To further aid refinement, various sound-insulation measures enhance noise-suppression. These include asphalt sheets for the passenger floor plus fascia, engine compartment and body frame insulators. All four doors have double seals for a quality closing experience and further refinement boost.

World's First Self-Regenerating Catalyst
The new Sirion 1.3 litre launched in 2005 featured the world's first self-regenerating catalyst. This innovation is also standard on the new Copen 1.3 and now the new 1.5 litre Daihatsu Materia.

It effectively extends the life of the catalytic converter, reducing maintenance costs and is kinder to the environment as it keeps the catalyst 'healthier' over a higher mileage meaning the already low 169 g/km does not increase as the engine becomes older.
This revolutionary technology works by providing a self-regenerating capability in the particles of the precious metal which normally degrades.
Using nanotechnology, the intelligent catalyst incorporates metallic ions of palladium, the most heat-sensitive of the metals used in a catalytic converter.
According to temperature and available oxygen, the particles turn in and out of a crystalline state therefore regenerating and prolonging the cat's ability to clean exhaust gasses.

European-Tuned Chassis
Daihatsu has tuned the Materia's chassis for European markets and the result is a firmly-damped but smooth ride and excellent control of body roll despite the car's higher-than average stance.
The power-steering is well-weighted, with good straight-line stability and reassuring self-centring. Meanwhile, the front and rear anti-roll bars coupled with generous low-profile tyres keep understeer well in check.

Front suspension is by MacPherson struts with a long-travel design for an absorbent ride, while the anti-roll bar - specially developed for export - reduces body lean.
The semi-independent rear features a conventional torsion beam and coil springs with separate shock absorbers. The anti-roll bar is complemented by a curved shape to the torsion beam which further improves roll stiffness.

The Daihatsu Materia has a conventional hydraulic power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system as opposed to the growing trend towards electric power-assistance. The benefits are greater feel and sensitivity.

High Safety Levels
Safety is given high priority in the Daihatsu Materia, especially considering its likely roll as a family car. It therefore has all the latest life-saving and injury-reducing initiatives.
For example, both front seats have seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters. These are designed to provide just the right amount of restraint for the level of retardation.

All three rear seatbelts have three-point occupant protection. The outer rear seats also offer the more secure ISOFIX child-seat mounting points.
Should parents wish to carry their offspring in a child seat placed on the front passenger seat, a switch can be used to disable the passenger airbag.

Twin front airbags and side airbags are also standard as are dual side-impact door beams. The body structure is designed to absorb all-angle impacts while maintaining survival space around the occupants.
Various materials are used around the cabin to minimise impact injury such as to the knees and lower legs, while the brake pedal features a special mechanism which reduces intrusion into the cabin.

The braking system features servo-assisted front ventilated disc brakes and rear drums. Anti-lock (ABS) is also standard as is Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) which further avoids the locking-up of individual wheels during severe braking.

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Brabus Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

• Brabus Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, 2012

A sporty designer suit, custom-tailored wheels with diameters of up to 20 inches complete with corresponding suspension options, performance tuning for all engines and exclusive interior design: Brabus now offers an extensive customization program for the new Mercedes SLK.

Sporty-elegant Brabus aerodynamic-enhancement components give the roadster an even more thrilling appearance. The two Brabus front spoiler lips that attach on the left and right side of the production apron and the striking bezels for the daytime running lights lend the SLK a more striking nose. But that's not all: the spoilers also reduce lift on the front axle which particularly benefits directional stability at high speeds.

The Brabus side sill attachments emphasize the sporty lateral lines of the car and seem to make the rear fenders wider visually. The rear of the car receives some added sporty character with the Brabus diffuser and the Brabus rear spoiler on the trunk lid. The diffuser is integrated with utmost precision into the production bumper and features a centrally mounted rear reflector. These aerodynamic-enhancement components also serve more than just a visual function; they reduce lift in the rear as well.

A major contribution to the sporty appearance of the new SLK from Bottrop likewise comes from the Brabus Monoblock wheels, which are in various one-piece or multi-piece designs with diameters ranging from 17 to 20 inches.

The attached photos show the roadster equipped with Brabus Monoblock F wheels painted the new exclusive 'Liquid Titanium' color. They are mounted in size 8.5Jx20 in front and in size 9.5Jx20 on the rear axle. Brabus recommends high-performance tires from Continental, Pirelli or Yokohams in sizes 235/30 ZR 20 on the front axle and 275/25 ZR 20 in back.

Brabus sport springs were custom-developed to match the conversion to these king-sized tires. They are calibrated to work with the production shocks, and lower the ride height of the two-seater by some 30 millimeters (1.2 inches). Brabus also offers various versions of its high-performance brake systems for the new SLK.

The measures furthermore make the new SLK perfectly suited for some extra power. In a first step Brabus offers efficient and reasonably priced Brabus ECO PowerXtra CGI tuning for the four-cylinder direct-injection engines. The processor-controlled Brabus ECO PowerXtra CGI auxiliary control modules are custom-tailored to each respective engine variant and can be installed by any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer in less than an hour thanks to their 'plug and play' design. All performance kits are backed by the one-of-a-kind Brabus Tuning Warranty of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers / 62,000 miles (updated November 2006). Brabus recommends Aral high-performance lubricants.

To retain the engine's longevity and fatigue strength these kits are designed to only activate the performance-enhancing mapping when all parameters such as engine temperature etc. are in the green. This effectively prevents the performance increase from negatively affecting the service life of the engine.

After the installation of the Brabus ECO PowerXtra B20 CGI performance kit the four-cylinder direct-injection engine of the SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY produces an extra 26 hp (25 bhp) / 19 kW of power and an additional 30 Nm (22 lb-ft) of peak torque.

The new SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY can be upgraded at Brabus in two stages. The Brabus ECO PowerXtra B25 CGI module bumps power output of the four-cylinder direct-injection engine from standard 204 hp (201 bhp) / 150 kW to 230 hp (226 bhp) / 169 kW at just 5,500 rpm.

Other ten additional horsepower can be realized with the supplementary installation of a larger intercooler and an electronically controlled Brabus sport wastegate valve that are part of the Brabus ECO PowerXtra B25S CGI performance kit. 240 hp (236 bhp) / 176 kW of power and 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) of torque in overboost mode accelerate the two-seater in 6.2 seconds from rest to 100 km/h on the way to a top speed of 248 km/h (154 mph).

On the road all CGI engines performance-tuned by Brabus deliver not just excellent driving performance but also optimized pulling power from low engine speeds and favorable fuel economy. Just as important for the Brabus engine specialists were exemplary low emissions: like the corresponding non-tuned engines all engines with Brabus ECO PowerXtra CGI performance kit meet strict Euro V emission limits.

The installation of the Brabus stainless-steel sport exhaust system is advantageous not only for tuned engines. Its four tailpipes featuring the typical Brabus design not only give the roadster an even more exclusive appearance but also produce an even sportier exhaust note for all engine variants.

Other focus of the Brabus refinement of the new Mercedes SLK is the interior. Brabus offers an extensive program for the roadster: it includes attractive accessories such as high-gloss polished stainless-steel scuff plates with Brabus logo and sporty elements such as aluminum foot pedals and shifter.

Requests for even more individuality can be fulfilled by the Brabus upholstery shop in the form of exclusive interiors crafted from especially soft and breathable Brabus Mastik leather and Alcantara.

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