Brabus 800 Roadster, 2013

 

 

 

•  Brabus 800 Roadster, 2013

The Brabus 800 Roadster - based on the Mercedes SL65 AMG - Brabus builds the world's most powerful roadster. The two-seater is powered by a 12-cylinder Biturbo engine uprated by Brabus T65 RS tuning. It produces 588 kW / 800 hp (788 bhp) of power and a peak torque of 1,420 Nm. A sprint time of 3.7 seconds from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) and of 9.8 seconds to 200 km/h (124 mph) are impressive testaments to the car's special status that is further bolstered by an electronically limited top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph). The exclusive equipment features also include Brabus carbon-fiber bodywork components designed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency, custom-tailored Brabus wheels with diameters up to 20 inches and exclusive options for the cockpit.

Brabus T65 RS tuning unleashes the latent power reserves of the six-liter V12 engine. To this end, the Brabus engine professionals have developed a Brabus high-tech Biturbo system with custom high-performance manifolds that feature integrated turbine housings and high-performance turbochargers. The tuning also includes four water-to-air intercoolers, housed in space provided by the Brabus carbon-fiber hood scoop. Another custom development for the SL65 power upgrade is the special Brabus stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system. It features free-flow metal catalysts and ceramic-coated tailpipes with distinctive Brabus design. An integrated butterfly valve in the exhaust provides an active sound management on the steering wheel: at the push of a button the driver can chose between a discrete "coming home" and a markedly sporty exhaust note.

The newly calibrated engine electronics complete with high-performance mapping for injection and ignition coordinate the perfect interaction of the high-end components while also ensuring compliance with Euro V emission standards. The high-tech lubricants for the entire powertrain are supplied by technology partner Motul.

The Brabus T65 RS engine produces 588 kW / 800 hp (788 bhp) of power at 5,500 rpm and an even more impressive peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), available from a low 2,100 rpm. In the car, peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

In conjunction with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission, whose gears can be shifted automatically or manually with the Brabus aluminum shift paddles on the steering wheel, the Brabus 800 Roadster rises to the become the most powerful of its kind. From rest the sports car weighing in at about two metric tons (2.2 tons) sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds. The two-door car reaches a speed of 200 km/h (124 mph) after just 9.8 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 350 km/h (217 mph).

To master these enormous speeds at all times, a Brabus aerodynamic-enhancement kit for the SL 65 was developed in the wind tunnel. All components are manufactured from carbon fibers and are available either with a matt or high-gloss surface finish. It goes without saying; they can also be painted in the car's exterior color.

The Brabus front spoiler attaches to the lower section of the bumper. It lends the roadster a more sporty appearance and reduces lift on the front axle. Brabus covers for the side air vents round out the striking front for the SL65 AMG.

The sides are refined with custom-tailored attachments for the air vents integrated into the front fenders and with rocker panels.

To achieve an optimal aerodynamic balance, the rear section is upgraded with a diffuser insert for the fascia.

As an alternative to the 19-inch stock tires of the SL 65, the Brabus suspension engineers have developed an exclusive 20-inch high-tech variant. The new Brabus Monoblock R "Platinum Edition" forged wheel offers the perfect symbiosis of lightweight construction and maximum strength thanks to state-of-the-art manufacturing technology. In addition to the innovative construction, this wheel design also offers unique looks with ten double spokes arranged in two matt titanium and fully polished planes. The front axle is fitted with wheels in size 9Jx20 shod with size 255/30 ZR 20 tires. In the rear, tires in size 305/25 ZR 20 mounted on size 10.5Jx20 wheels transfer the Brabus 800 Roadster's power of 800 horses to the asphalt. Brabus recommends high-performance tires from Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA.

To give the two-seater even more agile handling, Brabus developed a special control module for the ABC suspension of the SL65 AMG. It lowers the ride height by about 25 millimeters (1.0 inches).

The Brabus limited-slip rear differential with a locking rate of 40 percent can enhance handling performance further still.

Brabus adds even more luxury and custom features to the two-seat interior upon request as well. The product portfolio ranges from scuff plates with backlit Brabus logo and a speedometer with 360-km/h dial (220 mph) to carbon-fiber and wood trim sets in any color imaginable and with a variety of surface finishes.

The company upholstery shop crafts exquisite Brabus interiors from especially soft yet durable Brabus Mastik leather and Alcantara. A prime example for the precision craftsmanship is the leather-clad trunk of the show car at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show that features meticulous and precise honeycomb stitching throughout.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse WRC, 2013

 

 

•  Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse WRC, 2013

Bugatti is presenting the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse fresh from its record-breaking 408.84 km/h drive. Its appearance at China's biggest motor show will be the first time that enthusiasts from all over the world get the chance to see the world record holder for the fastest production roadster. China is one of the most important markets in the French luxury marque's future strategy. The new world record has inspired Bugatti to design a World Record Car (WRC) edition, the production of which will be limited to just eight vehicles.

The time has come to unveil the fastest production roadster the world has ever seen: just a few days after setting a world speed record, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse is celebrating its world debut at China's biggest automotive show, Auto Shanghai 2013. After reaching a top speed of 408.84 km/h, which was gauged and confirmed by the renowned independent German organisation for Technical Inspection and Certification TÜV, the car has officially been crowned the world's fastest open-top production sports car. The 1,200 PS Vitesse was unveiled in Shanghai by the President of Bugatti, Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, and Chinese entrepreneur and world record setting driver, Anthony Liu.

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse has been on the market since spring 2012. None of the technology in the vehicle was modified for its record-breaking trip. Its power comes from an 8-litre W16 engine, which hits the streets with 1,200 PS and a torque of 1,500 Mm at 3,000 to 5,000 rpm. Its high performance handling can be attributed to a racing chassis which, together with extremely fast-acting shock absorbers and reinforced anti-roll bars, guarantees exact control of both the four-wheel-drive system and the entire vehicle. Other factors that help to push the car to the upper limits of performance include a standard carbon monocoque with high torsional rigidity and an outer shell made entirely of carbon fibre.

Keeping wind noise and air turbulence to a minimum in the vehicle's interior is a particular concern with open-top vehicles. The Vitesse is equipped with a specially developed roof spoiler along with an intricately designed windbreak to guarantee calm open-top driving. These features were key in helping the car reach the record-breaking speed of 408.84 km/h.

World record-breaking Vitesse with dynamic styling
For its record-breaking drive, the Vitesse has been made over with a powerful dual-colour scheme in black and a bright Arancia orange, perfectly blending its inner qualities into its exterior appearance.

The entire vehicle exterior, including its air ducts and the fuel and oil cap, are made out of black visible carbon. The Arancia orange paintwork, which glides from the bumper, across the wing to the behind the door, ensures that the car turns heads wherever it goes. Fine details, such as the Arancia paintwork on the bottom of the rear wing and the inside of the striking double diffuser, accentuate the car's eye-catching design. The strong colour scheme is also mirrored in the orange EB logo on the fuel and oil cap and the Vitesse lettering on the engine cover, while the classic Bugatti horseshoe radiator grill is framed in Arancia for this special edition design. The car's distinctive look is rounded off by striking wheel rims also in eye-catching orange, a feature that is only available in the Vitesse World Record edition. A black version of the famous Bugatti emblem, known in French as the Macaron, on the front of the car and a stylish black carbon EB logo framed in aluminium add another touch of elegance to the design.

Interior
The black and orange motif continues into the vehicle's interior where the black inner parts of the leather seats are highlighted with orange leather on their sides. An orange quilting stitch on the black areas of the seats and orange seatbelts add another splash of colour. The colour scheme continues in the contrast and quilting stitch on the centre tunnel, on the selector lever, and in the trim of the door pockets and door handle recesses. The striking Arancia orange also highlights the Vitesse lettering on the headrests and knee bolsters.

An orange stitching trim adds a dash of detail to the black leather steering wheel, which features a ring of visible carbon at the 12 o'clock position. The concept of bringing the vehicle's carbon exterior into its interior design is also visible in the door inserts, the extension of the centre console, the edging of the iPad console and the belt outlet trims on the seats. The EB logo in the leather back panel is also made of visible carbon.

Production of the World Record Car (WRC) Edition of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse is limited to just eight vehicles. The price per vehicle is €1.99 million (plus tax).

Volkswagen Beetle GSR, 2013

 

 

•  Volkswagen Beetle GSR, 2013

Volkswagen launches a Beetle designed solely with dynamics in mind: the new GSR. The exclusive, powerful 155 kW / 210 PS model will take centre stage at its world premiere at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. Limited edition: 3,500 cars; worldwide. GSR - a quaint abbreviation with a legendary predecessor: the "Yellow/Black Racer" based on the Beetle 1303 S. And only 3,500 cars of the earlier model were produced as well. Exactly 40 years ago, the sportiest series production Beetle of all time made its debut. Its yellow/black body made it instantly recognisable. In 2013, Volkswagen is writing a further chapter in the history of the iconic car with the new Volkswagen Beetle GSR. Just like its predecessor, the current version is also being launched as a two-colour model. Orders for the VW Beetle GSR can be made from May onwards; the cars will be delivered from the autumn. Price in Germany: € 30,300.

With respect to the look of the Beetle GSR, Volkswagen has systematically re-interpreted the concept of the 1970s GSR for the modern era. Just like the GSR from days gone by, the body of the new version is yellow. The bonnet and the boot lid of the 1973 Beetle were painted in matt black, as were the bumpers. Black trim strips underneath the side windows and black/yellow side stripes above the doorsills rounded off the look. Now, yellow and black are the link between old and new - the bonnet and the boot lid of the new Volkswagen Beetle GSR are black once again, however the roof and the exterior mirror trims are also black on the new model. Black/yellow stripes with "GSR" lettering ensure a unique silhouette above the side sills. Yellow painted bumpers in new R-Line design and a yellow/black rear spoiler complete the GSR look. As opposed to the older Beetle, the Beetle GSR can also be ordered in "Platinum Grey / Black" as an alternative.

The 15-inch steel wheels (with 175 size tyres) which were commonly used 40 years ago, even for sporty cars, and the "Tornado" 19-inch alloy wheels (painted black) with 235/40 tyres on the VW Beetle GSR are worlds apart.

The black/yellow interior of the GSR from days gone by featured a leather sports steering wheel and sports seats for an extra-dynamic Beetle performance.

Four decades later, it is the ergonomically sophisticated, R-Line racing track sports seats (with fabric covers and contrasting yellow stitching; US version in black leather), a high-grip leather sports steering wheel (again with contrasting yellow stitching) with R-Line logo and a limited edition badge with the special edition number (1 to 3,500) which give the GSR its special character. The car also boasts an R-Line dash pad (designer panel for the dashboard), GSR gear stick, leather handbrake lever and black floor mats with contrasting yellow embroidery.

40 years ago, the yellow/black Beetle needed precisely 50 PS to turn the world of compact cars on its head. But this world has long been turning much faster. The new Volkswagen Beetle GSR with its 210 PS engine needs just 7.3 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h (0-60 mph in 6.6 s). It has a top speed of 229 km/h (130 mph). The torque characteristic of the VW Beetle GSR is even more impressive than the pure road performance. From as low as 1,700 rpm, the turbo engine achieves its maximum torque of 280 Nm; the value remains at this high level up to 5,200 rpm. However, despite this, the car records an average consumption of 7.3 l/100 km which is low in view of its dynamic performance. As an option, the new Beetle GSR can also be ordered anywhere in the world with an automatic 6-speed, dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) as an alternative to the 6-speed manual gearbox.

The combination of performance, design, equipment and the limited number of cars ensure that the Volkswagen Beetle GSR will quickly become a collector's item. The same was also true of the Beetle 1303 S - today it is one of the most expensive and most sought-after 1970s versions of what was then the most successful car in the world. It will therefore be interesting to see what the VW Beetle GSR will be valued at in the year 2053.