Archive for January, 2010
Brabus GL 63 Biturbo Pumps Out 650hp
German tuners Brabus released their version of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class last month at the Dubai Motor Show. The Brabus GL 63 Biturbo has been fitted with the Mercedes eight cylinder engine from the ML 63 AMG, tuned to deliver 650 horsepower and up to 850 Nm of torque.
If that number sounds familiar for Brabus, it is because the company used the same engine and tuning package on their ML 63 Biturbo. That SUV debuted in Geneva a year ago with a top speed of 310 km/h (192.6 mph).
The GL 63 is a bit slower, with a top speed of 300 km/h (186.4 mph), and a 0-100 km/h sprint of 4.7 seconds. The engine is mated to a modified version of the Speedshift 7G-Tronic automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive. It includes a customized, and more responsive twin turbo system, large water-to-air intercooler, with other upgrades to the intake and exhaust, brakes, suspension, and tires. The vehicle now rides on forged 23-inch wheels. 21- and 22-inch wheels are also offered.
GM Reaches Agreement to Sell Saab to Spyker
DETROIT – General Motors and Spyker Cars NV today confirmed that they have reached a binding agreement on the purchase of Saab Automobile AB.
“Today’s announcement is great news for Saab employees, dealers and suppliers, great news for millions of Saab customers and fans worldwide, and great news for GM,” said John Smith, GM vice president for corporate planning and alliances.
“General Motors, Spyker Cars, and the Swedish government worked very hard and creatively for a deal that would secure a sustainable future for this unique and iconic brand, and we’re all happy for the positive outcome,” Smith said.
Lorinser Treats Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe with Acura-esque Beak
Take that you devilish Acura-grille haters; with or without knowing it, famous Mercedes-Benz tuner, Lorinser, has followed in the footsteps of Honda’s luxury arm crafting a beak-like grille on the 2010 E-Class Coupe. The new radiator grille is part of Lorinser’s most recent package for the two-door German model.
Acura beak aside, body changes include a redesigned front bumper with integrated LED daytime running lights, new side skirts, a trunk lid spoiler, a rear bumper with a diffuser and a four pipe exhaust system.
2010 Nissan GT-R New FIA GT1 Race Car
Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) has announced that it has signed a deal with two teams for the FIA GT1 World Championship series in which the R35 GT-R will compete in 2010.
The R35 Nissan GT-R will be raced by the Sumo Power GT team from the UK as well as the Swiss Racing Team. Further details, such as the driver lineup, will be released later on.
The GT-R is a rear-wheel drive GT1 racer and comes with a naturally aspirated 5.6-liter VK56DE V8 engine tuned to 600 hp and 650 Nm of torque. It is fitted with a 6-speed transmission from Ricardo by way of a carbon triple-plate clutch and grips the ground with 18-inch x 13-inch forged wheels by Rays.
