BRABUS GLK V12 to Debut at Dubai Motor Show

BRABUS has laid claim to yet another fastest-in-the-world record with this GLK V12. Said to accelerate from 0 - 100km/h in 4.2 seconds and 0 - 200km/h in 12.8 seconds, the Mercedes-Benz GLK posted a top speed at 322.3 km/h (211 mph), making it the fastest street-legal SUV in the world, as per the press release.

The work involved in such a feat is enormous. It includes fitting a massive 6.3-litre V12 bi-turbo engine with two large turbochargers, more efficient intercoolers, free-flow metal catalysts and a stainless steel exhaust system.

Maximum power is rated at 552kW (750hp) at 5,500rpm and peak torque is 1,350Nm (995 lb-ft) at 2,100rpm. BRABUS have however limited the latter to 1,100Nm (811 lb-ft). All of that goes to the rear wheels through a 5-speed automatic gearbox assisted by a limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent.



The exterior kit includes a carbon fibre spoiler lip, a front apron with large air dams, BRABUS WIDESTAR fender flares that add 5cm (2 inches) to the width, underside LED lights, a BRABUS roof spoiler to reduce aerodynamic lift and a BRABUS stainless-steel sport exhaust system.

Customers can choose from five different wheel designs sized 10Jx22 with Pirelli or Yokohama tyres of up to size 285/25 ZR 22.

A customised interior featuring things like wood trim or carbon fibre panels, full leather upholstery with optional Alcantara elements and a 7-inch LCD screen can be ordered.

The BRABUS GLK V12 which costs 397,000 Euros is being shown at the Dubai International Motor Show.

Mercedes SLS AMG “Race Version”

The Mercedes SLS is probably one of the most dramatic new cars of this year. Its design may be reminiscent of yesteryears but it’s in no way an old classic. The gull-wing doors and long sweeping hood are design cues carried over from the SL of the 50’s but everything else about it is modern in every sense of the word.

Its design also immediately makes it a favourite among tuners but there’s a high chance that we will never see one particular version of it – a race model. Knowing that, designer Matt Clark of Mattro Design came up with his own interpretation of how a racing SLS would look like.

In his words, the race SLS started off stock but has some traits of the 50’s race version, but instead of the triangular paint scheme above the headlights being non-functional, they are actually unpainted carbon fiber
vents. Also modified for race use are the headlights, fascia, grille, side exit exhausts, race mirrors, spoiler and of course, the addition of ground effects and the removal of the aesthetic vent gills.

The motivation behind the rendering? In Matt’s words, “They’ll probably never make a race version, but hey…it never hurts to hope.”

Source: mattrodesign

Dodge Race-Ready 2010 Viper SRT10 ACR-X Special

Dodge unveiled the third limited, special-edition version of the soon-to-be-discontinued Viper SRT10 sports car, dubbed ACR-X. Based largely upon the Viper SRT10 ACR, the new model is a turn-key, non-street legal, racer that's powered by a tweaked version of the standard Viper's 8.4-liter V10 that gains new headers and a low-restriction exhaust system, increasing output by 40HP to 640 horsepower.

The Viper SRT10 ACR-X's suspension has been upgraded and tuned specifically for track usage, while the sport car's weight is lightened by 160 pounds (73 kg) over the standard production model.



Dodge said that the car also features additional aerodynamic upgrades to improve downforce as well as to enhance stability and grip in high-speed cornering.

As a track racer, the Viper ACR-X comes with all the usual factory-installed safety equipment such as a factory-designed roll cage, fuel cell and race seat.

Dodge said that during a testing session of the ACR-X at Laguna Seca raceway last month, professional driver Kuno Wittmer from the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship series, was able to run consistent 1:31.00 lap times around the 2.238-mile, 11-turn course.

This means that Wittmer's lap times were more than 3 seconds faster than the street-legal Viper SRT10 ACR which holds the production car track record at Laguna Seca raceway.

"The Dodge Viper ACR-X is incredible," said Wittmer. "After a short warm up, I was running lap times as quick as exotic GT race cars. I was blown away by the power and acceleration, and even more surprised at how the ACR-X navigated the challenging Laguna Seca corners and how friendly it was to drive at the limit."

The limited production 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X will go on sale in the States in Spring 2010 with prices starting from around $110,000.

Vorsteiner V-GT Porsche Carrera MKII

Car tuner from California, Vorsteiner, has unveiled its V-GT aerodynamic package for the facelifted Porsche Carrera MKII. The V-GT kit will also be available for Porsche C2, C2S, C4, C4S, Targa 4, Targa 4S and Cabriolet models.

The Vorsteiner V-GT Porsche Carrera MKII aero kit consists of pre-preg autoclave carbon fiber functionally designed add-on front spoiler to improve downforce, integrated dual brake duct openings with a black protective mesh grille and a sporty carbon fiber add-on rear diffuser.



Optional is a carbon fiber roof that removes the stock sunroof that could reduce 47 lbs from the sports car.

The Vorsteiner V-GT Carrera MKII stands on a wheel set available in 19 and 20-inch. The V-GT aero kit will be available worldwide starting in January 2010 through selected authorized dealers.

MUGEN Honda CR-Z Also Revealed

In addition to yesterday's leaked brochure shots containing official photos and details of the production version of the 2011 Honda CR-Z, a new scan featuring the JDM MUGEN variant escaped today onto Japanese automotive forums.

The new photo shows Honda's hybrid-coupe in full MUGEN body ware with a new grille treatment, chunkier side skirts, front apron, large rear wing, a new rear bumper incorporating a diffuser and newly designed alloy wheels.



We assume that, like most MUGEN proposals, the complete package for the 2011 CR-Z will also include numerous other upgrades such as suspension and brake kits, a sport exhaust system and interior options. The new Honda CR-Z will be launched in its home market in February 2010.