Car & Motorbike

All-new Brabus tuned Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Roadster

The tuning gurus at BRABUS have already got to work on the all-new Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster and as you can expect, the results are menacing. Refinements include a carbon fiber aerodynamic-enhancement kit, lightweight BRABUS forged wheels with a comfortable sport suspension, an back-wrenching 600 bhp, titanium high-performance exhaust system with electronic sound management, and a fully custom interior tailored to the owner’s individual preferences.

The BRABUS designers have adapted the aerodynamic-enhancement program originally developed for the coupe version of the SLS to the new roadster. Customers can choose between aerodynamic-enhancement components with a high-gloss finish or with a matte finish for undiluted racing looks. Upon request the components can also be painted in body or contrasting color. The BRABUS front spoiler attaches to the underside of the production bumper. It lends the two-seat car a more striking front end and reduces lift on the front axle at high speeds. The two BRABUS carbon-fiber covers for the upper air ducts in the front fascia add further thrilling highlights.

On the sides the BRABUS side skirts create an optimal aerodynamic transition between the front and rear wheel wells. But that’s not all: together with the air vents in the front fenders that were newly designed by BRABUS they lend the sports car an even more dynamic profile. A special feature of these components stands out particularly in the dark: pushing the unlock button on the keyless remote or pulling on a door handle activates the blue-backlit BRABUS lettering in the new air vents and the LED entrance lights, which facilitate safe entering and exiting the vehicle in low-light conditions.

The rear end of the SLS Roadster adds even more sporty character as well: the modifications include the understated BRABUS rear spoiler, the side air vents for the rear fascia and the BRABUS diffuser with custom-tailored cutouts for the four distinctive tailpipes of the BRABUS quad sport exhaust.

The more exclusive appearance is to no small extent also the merit of the BRABUS forged wheels, which were custom-developed for the SLS. To add even more emphasis to the wedge shape of the car the wheels are mounted in a staggered combination with diameters of 21 inches on the front axle and 22 inches in the rear. The BRABUS Monoblock F “Platinum Edition” cross-spoke wheels are manufactured using a high-tech forging process, making them more than just stunning eye-catchers. Their low weight also contributes to even sportier handling. Compared to the production SLS wheels they represent weight savings of up to 12 percent. The wheels in size 9.5Jx20 in front and in size 11Jx21 on the rear axle are available either with a high-gloss, ceramic polished or with a brushed finish. The suitable high-performance tires in sizes 275/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 21 are supplied by technology partners Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA.

Also contributing to even more agile handling is the BRABUS Ride Control smooth-ride suspension that was developed in cooperation with BILSTEIN. It can lower the ride height by up to 40 millimeters (1.6 inches). At the push of a button on the center console the driver can choose between damper settings that offer a more comfortable or sportier ride than the production car. The sport suspension and the production suspension can be upgraded with the BRABUS Front Lift System for added convenience. At the push of a button, a hydraulics system raises the front end of the roadster by 50 millimeters (2.0 inches) in just a couple of seconds. This makes it possible to safely navigate past speed bumps or parking garage ramps without any unwanted contact of the front end with the obstacle. The suspension reverts to its original position at a second push of the button or automatically upon reaching a speed of 30 km/h (19 mph).

The sportier handling offers the perfect basis for more power. The BRABUS engine specialists have developed the BRABUS B63 S tuning kit for the 6.3-liter fast-revving V8 engine. The performance kit consists of newly calibrated engine electronics with special BRABUS mapping for ignition and injection, and the BRABUS high-performance exhaust system. This exhaust system, which can also be combined with the non-tuned production engine, features four tailpipes with a diameter of 84 millimeters (3.3 inches) and enhances power output. But that’s not all: the sport exhaust is manufactured from titanium, making it 12 kilograms (26.5 lbs.) or 40 percent lighter than the production exhaust. In addition, an integrated butterfly valve provides a sound management option controlled by the driver from the cockpit: apart from the ‘Sport’ setting, which lends the eight-cylinder an even more thrilling exhaust note, there is also a discreet, deliberately soft ‘Coming Home’ mode. BRABUS B63 S tuning bumps maximum power output from standard 571 hp (563 bhp) / 420 kW to 611 hp (600 bhp) / 448 kW, making the SLS even more dynamic.

The BRABUS interior design studio gives the SLS cockpit an equally sporty and exclusive ambiance. Among the upgrades are striking accessories such as a speedometer with 400-km/h (250-mph) dial, an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel, stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo and matte-anodized pedals.

The BRABUS upholstery shop can fulfill requests for custom interiors in any color and design. The artisans meticulously transform leather and Alcantara by hand into interior appointments custom-tailored to the customer’s individual preferences. Carbon-fiber and exotic-wood trim sets in any desired color and with every type of surface finish are yet another particular BRABUS specialty.

Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop
Tel: (49) (0)2041 7770
Web: www.brabus.com

From CDC Lifestyle (Showing 19 of 584 items)

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Stuart Hughes £5m Rolls Royce Phantom

This Rolls Royce Phantom Solid Gold is the most unique car. A collaboration between Stuart Hughes of Liverpool U.K. & Eurocash AG of Zug Switzerland. Already the Phantom is considered the word’s most luxurious car, however this one is totally bespoke. Not only does this car house 120 kg of solid 18ct gold, but it’s also fully armoured. Jürgen Beckl of Eurocash AG approached Stuart Hughes, for this unique project for one of their clients who wanted something safe yet truly special.

The armour Ballistical tested and certified by the German Government Beschussamt München against Kalaschnikov, AK-47, and Dragunov, with approximately 570 shots plus 2 Hand grenades DM-51 at the same time. The gold was applied by using moulds on the interior, whilst the exterior had exact fitting gold veneers made. The job took approximately 18 months to complete at a staggering cost of £5 million before being shipped to an anonymous Middle eastern Businessman

Feature from StuartHughes.com

Slow drivers are the biggest frustration for UK motorists

Confused.com has released new research which reveals that dawdling drivers are the top cause of irritation for UK drivers. The survey by the car insurance experts shows that over half (60%) of motorists experience an increase in stress levels and a heightened irritability when faced with a vehicle driving slower than the rest of the traffic.

In reaction to these slow drivers, almost half (45%) of motorists risk overtaking, thus increasing the chances of an accident. Research from the Department for Transport also reveals that 143 accidents a year are caused directly by slow drivers or “Sunday drivers” as they are known.

With little to prevent drivers from travelling too slowly, half of British motorists are supporting the idea to introduce the first ever ‘slow speed camera’ to the roads of the UK. The slow speed camera will specifically catch slow motorists, penalising them with a fine for driving slower than the minimum designated speed limit. This has come as a reaction to the fact that although minimum speed limits are enforced on some UK motorways, there are few preventative measures that are used widely.

Gareth Kloet, Head of Car Insurance at Confused.com said: “Slow drivers need to be taken as seriously as motorists caught speeding. Findings confirm they are a constant source of anxiety on UK roads and responsible for a large amount of accidents each year.”

Kloet continued: “We support the introduction of a programme of measures to eliminate this hazard as our research has highlighted that excessively slow driving is a real problem – the government introduced speed cameras and now even a super speed camera so should also consider the same rigour to combat slow driving as it could make a difference and help reduce motorists putting themselves or others at risk.”

The Confused.com car insurance survey’s additional findings also uncovered other solutions for limiting slow drivers. Suggestions included imposing a minimum speed limit on ALL British roads (37%) the introduction of a slow lane (26%), dedicated times for slow drivers to be on the road (15%) and even a warning badge system to be displayed by offending motorists (5%).

Peter Rodger, Chief Examiner from The Institute of Advanced of Motorists (IAM) supports the need for change on Britain’s roads. He said: “All forms of inconsiderate driving need to be tackled. Drivers who are unnecessarily excessively slow lead others to make rash moves.”

For more information on car insurance, interested parties can visit:

Confused.com/car-insurance.

Article provided courtesy of Confused.com

£1.4m Bugatti Veyron in porcelain

If you are lucky enough to win this Friday’s EuroMillions jackpot, which is estimated to be £136million, you might - at a push - be able to justify splashing out on this £1.4 million special edition Bugatti Veyron. The high-end French automobile manufacturers, which celebrated its centenary two years ago, today unveiled its 16.4 Grand Sport ‘L’Or Blanc’ in Berlin. The elegant car, complete with porcelain fittings, has revved up petrol heads, most of whom can only dream of sitting in the super-car. ‘At first, this seemed to be an original idea of using porcelain in a car, especially in one of the fastest cars in the world,’ said Dr Stefan Brungs, director of sales and marketing for Bugatti. ‘But that’s what Bugatti is synonymous with: the creation of exceptional ideas while striving to meet the quality and aesthetics. ‘This allows us to continue to transfer and continue to us the skills of Ettore Bugatti, who, himself, liked to experiment with new materials.’ Jorg Woltmann, owner of the KPM, said that the idea for the partnership was inspired by Rembrandt Bugatti, the Italian sculptor who died in January 1916 and was known sculptures of wildlife subjects. Mr Woltmann added: ‘The impetus for this partnership comes from the elephants created by the renowned Rembrandt Bugatti. ‘At first we wanted to integrate the sculpture of the elephant in our product, then we thought about the possibility of a full service and finally a synthesis of ideas led us to this exceptional Grand Sport.
‘Now, we have created the fastest porcelain in the world.

By Oliver Pickup at 16:45pm 01/07/2011

Hamilton driving on edge at Monaco

Hamilton was handed two drive-through penalties, the second retrospective, en route to sixth place in a chaotic and thrilling race. Having been summoned to see the stewards to discuss the second incident, a tangle with Williams’ Pastor Maldonado which forced the Venezuelan rookie out of the race, a visibly furious Hamilton appeared to question their motives.

“You know what? Out of six races I’ve been to the stewards five times,” he told the BBC. “It’s a joke. It’s an absolute frickin’ joke.”

Asked why he might be such a magnet for them, Hamilton said: “Maybe it’s because I’m black?” before adding: “That’s what Ali G says. I dunno.”
The fact that the Hamilton laughed slightly while referring to comedian Sacha Baron Cohen’s character, would seem to suggest that it was merely a flippant remark from a deeply irritated driver.

That was certainly Hamilton’s defence. After intense discussions with McLaren’s media men and with his father and former manager, Anthony, he went back in to see the stewards before finishing his interviews for the day. “I’ve just been to the stewards to make peace,” he said. “It was a bit of a joke, which wasn’t funny at the time. I made them aware that when emotions are high - and it’s very intense at the end of those kind of races - you don’t always say the right thing. “We’ve made our peace. They accepted my explanation, they understood. We all shook hands afterwards. They said it was a tough weekend, let’s move on, and they all wished me well for the season.” It remains to be seen whether the powers-that-be back at the FIA’s headquarters in Paris are of the same opinion. Hamilton’s comments were broadcast on the BBC’s live post-race show and published soon after on the corporation’s website. They may feel he only apologised when he and his McLaren team realised how his comments might be construed.

The threat of Article 151c, which forbids competitors from bringing the sport into disrepute, is ever present although it is called on less readily in Jean Todt’s reign than it was under his predecessor Max Mosley. Hamilton said he was not worried. “They [the stewards] said at the end that they would make sure other people in the FIA understand,” he said, “and that anybody else who has heard it and misunderstood, that they’ll clarify it with them and it won’t go any further than the meeting room. “Should I have said it or shouldn’t I? Like I said I was trying to be funny, but it wasn’t funny. “You’re not always right when you’re trying to be funny. Sometimes you really put your foot in it and you offend people.”

Hamilton may find he also has to apologise to the drivers with whom he collided, Maldonado and Ferrari’s Felipe Massa, after they too came in for some stinging criticism in his post-race interview. Asked what had happened in the two incidents, Hamilton planted the blame squarely with them and called the pair “ridiculous”.
“[Massa] turned in so early. Of course I get the penalty, which is usual,” said Hamilton who added that he felt victimised for driving in an entertaining manner.
“He held me up in qualifying and I got the penalty. He turned into me [today] and I got the penalty.
“Then I went up the inside of Maldonado and you can see on the screen he turned in a good car length too early and crashed into me. It’s ridiculous man. These drivers are absolutely frickin’ ridiculous. Stupid.”

The comments capped an ignominious week for Hamilton whose behaviour recently has come under close scrutiny. He raised eyebrows after criticising Mercedes’ Michael Schumacher, both Toro Rosso drivers and his own team in the wake of his second place finish at the previous weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix. It has certainly been a baptism of fire for Hamilton’s new manager, Simon Fuller, and his XIX Entertainment company.
Neither Fuller nor any of his employees were present in Monaco but they may be concerned by these latest developments and by Hamilton’s close escape last month when his friend, Adrian Sutil, got into a fight with Renault owner Eric Lux while they were out celebrating his Chinese Grand Prix victory.

Sutil may yet face charges for physical assault and GBH. Former driver Martin Brundle said Hamilton needed to start looking at himself.
“The problem with Lewis is that it’s always someone’s fault,” he said. “You wonder if he needs a bit of a mindset change on that.”

Lewis Hamilton’s interview with the BBC’s Lee McKenzie

Q: You’ve just been to see stewards. What’s the latest?
A: You know what? Out of six races I’ve been to the stewards five times. It’s a joke. It’s an absolute frickin’ joke.
Q: What happened with Massa and Maldonaldo?
A: “[Massa] turned in so early. I tried to go over the kerb to avoid him but we were stuck together. Of course I get the penalty which is usual. He held me up in qualifying and I got the penalty.
He turned into me [today] and I got the penalty. Then I went up the inside of Maldonado and you can see on the screen he turned in a good car length too early and crashed into me. It’s ridiculous man.
These drivers are absolutely frickin’ ridiculous. Stupid.
Q: Why are you such a magnet for stewards? You obviously feel you’re being targeted?
A: Maybe it’s because I’m black. [laughs] That’s what Ali G says. I dunno…

By Tom Cary, F1 Correspondent, in Monaco 6:54PM BST 29 May 2011