Just one day after announcing a new tuning package for the Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster, German tuner Brabus have swicthed their focus to another model in the Mercedes line-up, but this time, it’s an SUV. The new generation ML-Class has been hooked up with the customary exterior and interior updates, as well as a significant power increase.
Brabus has brushed up on the new ML-Class’ already aggressive stance with a few accessories to accentuate it even further. The use of an "On Road" front spoiler with attachments for the air inlets in the front fascia, new sill skirts, a new rear spoiler, and a dual or quad sport exhaust system support their effort in bringing the SUV to the next level. Much like every other tuning package provided for any vehicle, Brabus also threw in a new set of wheels ranging from 18" to 22," depending on the choice of the customer. For the interior, Brabus is offering bi-color stainless-steel scuff plates with a backlit Brabus logo, as well as matte-anodized aluminum pedals, door-lock pins, and a new foot rest. Adding more elegance to the package is the choice of exotic-wood and carbon-fiber trim sets in any desired color.
Finally, for the engine updates, the tuner has added an ECO PowerXtra D6S performance kit that will increase the output from 258 HP to 306 HP and the peak torque from 457lb-ft. to 509 lb-ft. As a result, the 0 to 60 mph sprint will be made 1.4 seconds faster, while top speed will be increased to 142 mph.
The new Mercedes ML-Class by Brabus will be presented November 26th at the 2011 Essen Motor Show.
After debuting the new generation ML-Class, Mercedes has gone on to offer a series of accessories for those who want more than just the standard SUV. The company has delivered a very long list of accessories starting with different sets of wheels and extending to a powerful Becker MAP PILOT navigation system.
Exterior options give customers the the choice between 12 different light-alloy wheels, snow chain systems, valve caps in sterling silver, bonnet fin attachments, and aluminum-finish running boards. The interior offers customization options not unlike any typical tuning firm, such as new floor mats, a wood/leather steering wheel, illuminated door sill panels, coat hangers, and stainless steel sports pedals. For those who love technology, Mercedes is also offering a rear-seat integration kit for the Apple iPad, a Rear Seat Entertainment System, and an InCar Hotspot system.
The add-ons continue on to include accessories for the average sports nut, including a range of carrier systems, ski and snowboard racks, bicycle racks, and roof boxes.
Afzal Kahn and his fellows at Kahn Design probably know more about tuning Range Rovers than most people know how to brush their teeth. Over the years that they’ve been in business, that much has been clear.
The British tuning company’s latest Range Rover project is yet another example of the company’s innovativeness in coming out with programs for the luxury SUV.
This one is called the Military Edition, and true to it’s name, it’s been designed with plenty of high-end security design cues that makes it a virtual fortress on wheels.
The exterior of the Range Rover received a Metallic Military Grey paint finish while also getting fitted with a wide arch pace kit that comes with LED daylight lighting in the front arch extensions. Meanwhile, the program also includes an RS grille in carbon fiber finish with a Metallic Military Grey inner grille insert and black mesh. There’s also a front lip extension spoiler, also dressed in Metallic Military Grey and treated to a carbon fiber finish. Rounding out the exterior modifications are orange calipers, black rubber steps, Kahn badging, illuminated Kahn side sill plates, and a new set of 22" Kahn RS/R wheels.
Inside, the Range Rover Military Edition put in bullet-proof glass to ensure that the owners receive maximum protection from any and all threats that might come their way. Adding to the bullet proof glass is a bespoke interior that comes with an RS leather interior in black with grey insert panels, a quilted glove box, door tops and instrumental binnacle, a blue time clock with black Swarovski bezel, a Kahn billet steering wheel finished with grey top and bottom sections.
Needless to say, it’s another immaculate work coming from Kahn Design, which you can scoop up for £73,875, which is around $98,000 based on current exchange rates.
If you likes the Range Rover Evoque package unveiled a few days ago by Startech at the Dubai Auto Show, you will like even better the one they have unveiled today in Essen. The tuner went with two different approaches: while the first package was all about white, the second one we find it more appropriate for a sports SUV. And that’s because it combines a black exterior paint with a red roof and wheels. The same color theme has been applied to the interior.
The exterior package includes a new front and rear bumpers, with striking air inlets and the front spoiler and for the rear a new stainless-steel rear muffler. And for an even meaner look and a more dynamic handling the car’s ride has been lowered by about 30 mm. For the interior Startech is offering an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel and aluminum pedals, foot rest and shifter. And as this is also a luxury car the tuner is offering the finest leather and Alcantara in any desired color and with any upholstery design.
Next to these impressive transformations, Startech has also promised that a significant engine upgrade is about to follow. So, stay tuned!
Fiat chief exec, Sergio Marchionne, has confirmed that Maserati is indeed preparing three new models: a successor to the Quattroporte, a smaller Maserati, and the production Kubang, rumored to be called the Cinqueporte. Moreover, these three models will debut in rapid succession, which is a good thing considering Maserati is keeping mum on which model will be launched first.
"We are being a bit secretive over what you get first because it has implications for the industrial footprint of the group," said Marchionne. "You see, there is a site in Modena that makes the Quattroporte, there’s some debate what happens to that plant after Quattroporte. There is sufficient commonality in what we’re doing between the smaller car and the bigger one that we can do what we want."
Of course, that doesn’t mean that people aren’t going to throw their two cents in. It is believed that the first vehicle to arrive will be the Quattroporte, followed by the Kubang, and then the baby Maserati. It is already known that the Kubang will be heavily based on Jeep Grand Cherokee and that the four-door baby Maserati will be built on a Chrysler 300 platform, but Marchionne says that the four-door will have a completely different suspension and that the engine are "totally Ferrari/Maserati."
