IAA 2013: The new BRABUS 850 Shooting Brake 6.0 Biturbo 4MATIC

625 kW / 850 hp (838 bhp), 1,450 Nm (1,069 lb-ft) of torque, 3.1 seconds for the sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph): these are the outstanding performance data of the BRABUS 850 Shooting Brake 6.0 Biturbo 4MATIC. This makes the high-performance automobile based on the Mercedes CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake the world�s most powerful street-legal all-wheel-drive wagon. The exclusive five-door car from BRABUS features the new V8 high-capacity engine and offers high-performance in its purest form: with forged BRABUS Monoblock R "Platinum Edition" 20-inch wheels and a dynamically styled aerodynamic-enhancement kit it also sports an extravagant appearance.

Following three performance levels for the CLS 63 AMG that produced 430 kW / 584 hp (576 bhp), 456 kW / 620 hp (611 bhp) or 537 kW / 730 hp (720 bhp) with the BRABUS B63S - 730 performance kit, the BRABUS motor engineers have now opened the door to a new performance dimension for all current CLS 63 models � four-door coupe or Shooting Brake.

The BRABUS 850 6.0 Biturbo high-capacity engine is the crowning achievement in the BRABUS 2014 engine line-up. Delivering high-performance by means of increasing displacement is a long-standing and successful tradition at BRABUS. In this case, a displacement increase to just shy of 6.0 liters (361 cu. in.) joins forces with an even more efficient turbocharging system with two turbochargers.

The step up from standard 5,461 cc to 5,912 cc (333 to 361 cu. in.) requires quite a lot of technical effort. After increasing the bore of the eight cylinders in the BRABUS engine-building shop the engine is rebuilt with a precision-balanced billet crankshaft with a stroke of 96 instead of 90.5 millimeters (3.77 instead of 3.56 in). The engine is also fitted with eight forged pistons and billet piston rods. The two cylinder heads are also optimized for improved mixture flow.

The extensive redesign not only covers the inner workings of the engine, the peripherals are also upgraded to the high-performance configuration. The production turbos give room to two turbochargers with larger compressor unit and modified exhaust manifolds. To keep the charge-air temperature as cool as possible, the intake and charge-air pipes are fitted with eye-catching BRABUS "Gold Heat Reflection" sheathing.

The standard intake manifold is also not designed for this much power and is replaced by a special development from the BRABUS engine department.

The BRABUS 850 intake manifold consists of an air filter box with larger intake cross section. It is supplied with air through an air duct integrated into the hood. Its larger intake pipe is positioned in the front fascia directly exposed to the relative wind.

On the exhaust side, metal catalysts and a BRABUS sport exhaust system with controlled butterfly valve ensure optimal power yield and a thrilling exhaust note. At the push of a button drivers can choose whether to enjoy a full-blooded and earthy V8 exhaust note in �Sport� position or listen to a subtle whisper in the �Coming Home� mode. The fully stainless-steel exhaust system also has a visual effect: in conjunction with the BRABUS diffuser for the production fascia the two ceramic-coated design tailpipes marked with BRABUS logo lend the rear end of the CLS an unmistakable look.

BRABUS has a test-rig park with state-of-the-art simulation technology that is second to none in the tuning industry. The motor engineers used this hardware not only for endurance tests to ensure the proverbial durability of a BRABUS engine. Together with the electronics engineers they developed tailor-made mapping for the electronic engine management system. The objective was not only maximum performance: also part of the performance specifications were a harmonious and superior power delivery over the entire rev range and exemplary exhaust emissions.

A displacement of six liters (361 cu. in.) and two turbochargers result in the most powerful engine to date based on Mercedes-Benz: the BRABUS 850 6.0 Biturbo high-capacity engine produces 625 kW / 850 hp (838 bhp) of power at a low 5,400 rpm. And the eight-cylinder engine also sets a new benchmark for peak torque: between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm the engine produces a steady torque of 1,450 Nm (1,069 lb-ft). To protect the powertrain torque is limited electronically to 1,150 Nm (848 lb-ft). Like all BRABUS components this high-performance engine is backed by the one-of-a-kind BRABUS Tuning Warranty of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers/62,000 miles (see BRABUS Warranty Terms and Conditions, updated July 2013).

The new top-of-the-line engine, which is operated exclusively with high-performance lubricants from technology partner MOTUL, is available for all current CLS 63 AMG models, Coupe and Shooting Brake, with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Especially the 4MATIC version of the BRABUS 850 6.0 Biturbo delivers acceleration figures previously unimaginable for sedans or wagons. From rest the BRABUS supercar sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.1 seconds. The model with only two driven wheels takes six-tenths of a second longer.

The unique performance of the engine also gives the tuned CLS 63 AMG an unrivalled top speed. The BRABUS 850 high-capacity engine propels the four-door coupe to a top speed of??? km/h (??? mph).

At these speeds efficient aerodynamic properties are absolutely essential. For this reason the carbon-fiber front fascia developed specifically for the BRABUS ROCKET 800 with a top speed in excess of 370 km/h (230 mph) was adapted to both body styles of the CLS 63. The fascia was optimized in the wind tunnel and minimizes negative lift on the front axle while lowering drag at the same time. The fascia also includes the complete radiator frame. The air slots integrated above the radiator grille route additional fresh air to the new intake manifold.

The carbon-fiber design elements in the front fenders are also part of the sporty-dynamic appearance of the five-door car. The BRABUS rocker panels with clear-coated carbon-fiber inserts and integrated LED entrance lights calm the airstream along the sides of the vehicle.

The rear of the ultimate lifestyle wagon is refined with a clear-coated carbon-fiber BRABUS diffuser with tailor-made cutouts for the dual tailpipes of the high-performance exhaust system.

High tech and design also enter into a perfect symbiosis in the wheels of the BRABUS 850 6.0 Biturbo. Thanks to state-of-the-art forging technology the BRABUS Monoblock R "Platinum Edition" wheels reduce unsprung masses to a minimum. At the same time they have a fascinating and innovative design with two sets of five double-spokes alternatingly polished and painted anthracite grey, arranged in two plains. Of course dynamic handling doesn�t come up short either: the size 9Jx20 front wheels with size 255/30 ZR 20 tires provide excellent grip as do the size 295/25 ZR 20 tires on size 10.5Jx20 wheels on the rear axle. The perfect high-performance tires are supplied by BRABUS technology partners Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA.

Exclusive BRABUS fine leather interiors that satisfy any customer request are another specialty realized in the company upholstery shop. The BRABUS 850 6.0 Biturbo can be equipped with the finest leathers and Alcantara in any desired color. Scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo and the rear tables for installation on the back of the front seats add individual highlights as do the markedly sporty aluminum components such as pedal pads, door-lock pins and shift paddles on the steering wheel. The product portfolio also includes high-quality clear-coated carbon-fiber inlays for the instrument panel and center console in any desired color as well as wood trim in any desired color and grain.

~ Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS GmbH ~

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

What if: A team of young designers creates the Mercedes-Benz SL Shooting Brake

Under the watchful guidance of Steffen K�hl, the head of the Mercedes-Benz Global Advanced Design Studio, a team of six young and daring artists working for the Italian design house Studiotorino have mastered a wonderful proposal for an SL-Class Shooting Brake. This is not the first time the SL gets transformed into a fastback coupe - the first project of this kind was released in 2008 and based on the facelifted R 230 series.

Entitled "Coupetorino 2013", the concept is basically an SL roadster which gained a dynamic coupe form and lost its retractable roof. Instead, the roofline resembles the true Mercedes style and beautifully flows towards the back end. Because the car features an integrated tail gate and two volumes, besides having two access doors, it certainly can be described as a traditional shooting brake.

This outstanding Mercedes-Benz showcar was officially presented as a 1:4 scale clay model two months ago at the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studio in Como, Italy. What is even more interesting is the heads behind this project have fully evaluated the costs of production and impact of a potential series production of the Coupetorino 2013.

The SL Shooting Brake deserves a big appraisal and has already received an important number of positive reactions. While the evaluation numbers remain classified, we could not help but ask if a future SL Shooting Brake would be worth the money not only producing it, but also buying it? In most cases, the answer would be plain simple: YES!

Below you can read the press statement from Studiotorino and see more pictures of the Coupetorino 2013 study! Enjoy! :)

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

COUPETORINO 2013 is a non-profit academic project conceived by Studiotorino and promoted by Alfredo and Maria Paola Stola. Its goal is to train six young students who attend Istituto di Arte Applicata e Design in Torino. The project began in September 2012 with six students: Bruno Arena, Michele Bavaro, Riccardo Luigi Cascone, Stefano Manini, Dario Pellegrino and Cristiano Zanot.

The objective of the "style research study" between STUDIOTORINO and Steffen Koehl of Global Advance Design MERCEDES BENZ was to transform the new iconic Mercedes SL spider into an exclusive Coupe. The COUPETORINO was envisioned by fantasy as a one-off special edition or limited series model and was for the students a realistic work-study project. In addition to the basic style aspects of transforming a spider into a true coupe, careful consideration was taken into account in terms of engineering feasibility and cost of production.

Steffen Koehl's didactic participation was generous and highly instructive. Over the months Mr. Koehl gave three in-person lectures and maintained a continuous dialogue with the students via email.

The students presented Step 2 of their work on November 5, 2012 in Sindelfingen at the MERCEDES-BENZ Design Center. The students presented and illustrated their 3 final style versions: Classic, Muscular and Shooting-Brake. The students were cordially welcomed and had the exclusive opportunity to present their work on a triple 1/1 screen, one of the most avant-guard in the world. Steffen Koehl graciously guided the group through the Design Center and commented on every one of the students' designs, making corrections when necessary.

Step 4 of the project was presented was the second meeting and took place in Torino on January 22, 2013 at IAAD. Italo Moriggi and colleagues of Skorpion, sponsor of the project's 1/4 scale stereolitography resin model attended the event. Mr. Koehl examined all of the designs, listened to and suggested modifications and alterations to the students' work.

Step 4 Plus of the project transpired via email. The students had modified their design according to suggestions and the Shooting-Brake design was selected for the scale model. The datas were performed at Skorpion in Milan. The students had the opportunity to interact with Matteo Gelpi and add another dimension to their experience. The 1/4 scale model was created using a large and monolithic stereolitography technique with an internal surface thickness that would allow manual modifications.

The final presentation of the 9-month academic project took place on May 27 at the MERCEDES-BENZ Design Center in Como. Steffen Koehl and Michele Paganetti cordially welcomed the students, Studiotorino, IAAD and Skorpion. The students: Arena, Bavaro, Cascone, Manini, Pellegrino and Zanot presented their design project as if presenting a thesis. They explained in detail every step that led their study from an idea to a model. Teamwork was an integral and deliberate part of the learning experience and the students did all of their work as one.

On this their last and most important day the students also expressed their individuality with a surprise. The students presented the Mercedes Design Center with six illustrations of the COUPETORINO finely printed on paper as a memento of their unforgettable experience.

Credits: Studiotorino

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.