Brabus Widestar SLS AMG

It was probably inevitable that the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG would be a prime candidate for aftermarket modifications.

The latest tuner to announce its programme for the gull-wing supercar is Brabus, which has unveiled the Widestar SLS at the Essen Motor Show.


Alterations to the bodywork include spoilers front and rear, a rear diffuser and re-sculptured rocker panels. However, the biggest changes are the wider rear wings and redesigned rear fascia. These allow the fitment of lightweight Brabus Monoblock F Platinum Edition forged alloy wheels. Sized at 9.5Jx20 for the front and 11Jx21 at the rear, these are larger than the standard items, yet they weigh up to 12% less.


Together with reworked rear axle components, the new wheels widen the rear track by 20 mm. Ride height meanwhile can be reduced by up to 30 mm, thanks to adjustable Bilstein suspension.

The Widestar’s chassis also features a Ride Control function that lets the driver alter damping characteristics to give either a sportier or more comfortable ride. Stiffer anti-roll bars can optionally be specified to sharpen up the handling even further.


Although the engine is left alone, the usual SLS exhaust is ditched in favour of a bespoke titanium item. Weighing 40% less than stock, it also adds 9 bhp (7 kW / 10 PS) to the 563 bhp (420 kW / 571 PS) that the 6.3 litre V8 produces in standard tune.

The system’s party trick is its sound management, which the driver controls via a pneumatic flap. This alters the exhaust note, and it even includes a ‘coming home’ setting which is quieter than the production version. That should keep the neighbours happy.

The Widestar conversion is finished off by the interior, which Brabus will customise according to the owner’s wishes.

Related posts:
SLS AMG written off
SLS AMG GT3
SLS AMG pace car

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts:

Saab 9-3 Aero Carlsson

Image
Saab has got experience of producing special editions in honour of rally driver Erik Carlsson, having previously named versions of the 900 and 9000 after him during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Now it has decided to do it again, this time to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Swedish driver’s first win in Britain’s RAC Rally, which was achieved at the wheel of a Saab 96. Thankfully, the company has resisted the urge to just bung some fancy alloys and a few other extra bits onto something like a mid-range diesel model. Instead, it appears to have resurrected the limited edition Turbo X from a couple of years ago, as the new edition similarly features a turbocharged 2.8 litre petrol V6, Saab’s XWD all-wheel drive system and a six-speed automatic gearbox. The result is the 9-3 Aero Carlsson saloon, which turns out to be a very rapid car. With 276 bhp (205 kW / 280 PS) and a healthy 400 Nm of torque, the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) dash takes just 6.9 seconds. But it’s in the mid-range t...
Read more

American spec Fiat 500

Image
Fiat has released the first details and images of the North American specification 500. The tiny city car will be available in Pop, Lounge and Sport trim levels, and is distinguished from the European version by its more aggressive front and rear bumpers, bigger grille and flared sills. Another unique feature is the engine. Fiat has decided to use the 1.4 MultiAir unit currently found in models such as the Fiat Punto Evo and Alfa Romeo MiTo. Perhaps it felt that using the forthcoming two-cylinder TwinAir in the American 500 would have been too much for markets there to take? There’s no word yet on what power output the MultiAir will have, although in its current applications it comes with either 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS), 133 bhp (99 kW / 135 PS) or 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS). Similarly, prices have yet to be confirmed, but hopefully both details will have been sorted out by the time the order book for the 500 hatch opens later this year. For convertible fans, the 500C is due ...
Read more

i10 N Line versus the Up! GTI

Image
Hyundai has confirmed specifications and pricing for its sporty i10 N Line. This new variant – which arrives at dealers later this month – benefits from some cosmetic tweaks, unique suspension components and a more powerful 1.0 litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine.
Read more