1970s Mercedes C111 show car Damaged During Attempted Theft

A rare 1970s-era Mercedes-Benz C111 was the target for some thieves as the car waited on a transport trailer for a Channel crossing on its way to the Mercedes-Benz World Brooklands. They tried to nick it off a lorry bringing it to England. Of course, they didn't make it as the car the car is a mock-up and has no engine.

According to reports from across The Pond, the truck transporting the vintage concept car from Germany to the UK was hijacked by criminals looking to make off with the C111. The attempt was thwarted, but though now repaired, significant damage was reportedly incurred to one of the showcar's gullwing doors and to the front fender.

The C111 was a concept car by Mercedes-Benz which came in various alternative power train iterations, for which it was intended, throughout the 60s and 70s. Besides being fitted with turbocharged petrol/gasoline engines, Mercedes tried diesel and rotary engine power plants on it too. A C112 version also followed, fitted with a 6.0 liter V12. No version ever made it to production.

via: WCF

BRABUS T65 RS Tuning for Mercedes SL 65 AMG Black Series

Brabus has released today an upgrade kit for the Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series that features several styling and performance upgrades and was dubbed T65 RS. The BRABUS T65 RS Mercedes SL65 AMG Black is powered by the tuner's new T65 RS engine that develops 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW at 5,500 rpm and a sun starting 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft) of torque available from 2,100 rpm. However, for various reasons, the torque output of the BRABUS T65 RS Mercedes SL65 AMG Black has been electronically limited to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

The increased performance for the SL 65 AMG Black Series comes from the company’s T65 RS package. Brabus added a ECU modification, two special exhaust manifolds with integrated turbine housings, two turbochargers, four intercoolers under the carbon fiber scoop and a special Brabus stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system.

The custom interior boasts a special soft, breathable black leather and Alcantara combination, power comfort seats, precision-sewn red seams on some elements and stainless steel scuff plates with an illuminated logo.

Brabus claims that their version of the SL65 AMG Black Series is able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and it could reach 200 km/h from standstill in just 9.8 seconds. The car’s top speed is 330 km/h but Brabus decided 320 km/h is just enough and they limited it electronically to this number.





Press release

Is it possible to make the most powerful production Mercedes of all time, the SL 65 AMG Black Series, even more powerful, faster, more spectacular and exclusive? BRABUS can! Equipped with T65 RS tuning the high-performance model delivers even more power and becomes even more elite. T65 RS tuning bumps power output to 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW. With it the two-seater accelerates from rest to 200 km/h (124 mph) in just 9.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of more than 330 km/h (206 mph). In the upholstery shop at BRABUS the interior can be clad in a sporty yet elegant combination of the finest leather and Alcantara, giving it an even more striking ambiance. Further BRABUS options are special paintjobs such as the matte black shown here or the customization to customers‘ individual specifications that’ll make it a true BRABUS one-off with custom-designed personalized logos on the illuminated scuff plates and the speedometer.

BRABUS T65 RS tuning unleashes the inherent power reserves of the Black Series engine. It includes the BRABUS high-tech twin turbo system that includes two special exhaust manifolds with integrated turbine housings and high-performance turbochargers. Four generously dimensioned intercoolers are placed beneath the space created by the BRABUS carbon-fiber hood scoop. The special BRABUS stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts was specifically designed for the Black Series power upgrade.

Newly programmed engine electronics with special mapping for injection and ignition coordinate the perfect interaction of all high-performance components and at the same time ensure that the engine meets strict EURO IV emission limits. The high-tech lubricants for the entire powertrain are supplied by technology partner ARAL.

The T65 RS engine delivers 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW at 5,500 rpm and an even more impressive peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), available already at a low 2,100 rpm. Peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

Powered by this engine, the Black Series coupe delivers truly superlative performance: From rest the sports car, weighing in at a mere 1,795 kilograms (3,957 lbs.) sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.6 seconds, and reaches 200 km/h (124 mph) after just 9.8 seconds. The car could reach a top speed of more than 330 km/h (206 mph) but for tire safety reasons top speed is limited electronically to 320 km/h (200 mph).

The BRABUS upholstery shop creates a special sporty and luxurious interior to customers’ exact specifications, down to the last detail. The power comfort seats offer excellent lateral support without constricting the occupants. In this true BRABUS one-off car, made to the specifications of a longtime customer, they are upholstered in an exclusive combination of especially soft and breathable black leather and Alcantara. The same materials are found on door panels, headliner and dashboard. Precision-sewn red seams add striking highlights to all interior elements.

Stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated logo and the speedometer that sports the car’s name were also custom-made for this car’s owner.

All components are available for any Mercedes SL 65 AMG Black Series.

Official:2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Details [Videos]

Porsche has just released official details on the 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS, These photos are from the VIP event in Leipzig, revealing us a carbon fiber bonnet, side intakes and also Alcantara covered interior. The 911 GT2 RS reportedly weighs about 90 kg (200 lbs) less than the standard GT2 and comes with 620 horsepower. 0-100 km/h comes in 3.5 seconds and only 500 units will be built.



It's lost 154 lbs or 70kg, gained 90 horsepower, and it doesn't like you. This fiend comes with a standard 6-Speed manual gearbox, Porsche's fancy ceramic brakes, "unique anti-roll bars", new tires measuring 245/35 ZR 19 at the front and 325/30 ZR 19 at the rear that were specifically developed for this car,and a whole lot of other fancy suspension doo-dads.



Porsche claims a 0-to-60-mph time of 3.4 seconds -- about a half-second quicker than the previous car -- and a top speed of 205 mph. Additionally, after all those development laps on the Nordschleife, the automaker says the 2011 911 GT2 RS is good for 7 minutes, 18 seconds -- handily beating the Corvette ZR1.



The car will be available in Europe from September 2010, in the USA from October 2010. The Euro base price is €199,500. Including VAT and national specifications/equipment the new 911 GT2 RS will retail in Germany at a price of €237,578. For the U.S. market pricing starts at $245,000 (€193,000).

















Press Release



The New Porsche 911 GT2 RS



620 Highly Efficient Turbo-Horsepower: Most Powerful Street-Legal Porsche of all Times



Stuttgart. The time: seven minutes, 18 seconds on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. The power: 620 hp. The weight: 1,370 kilograms or 3,021 lb in road trim with all fluids on board. The car: the new Porsche 911 GT2 RS. The GT2 RS is making its world debut at the Moscow Auto Show on August 25th.



The future top GT model marking the absolute climax in the 911 range is the fastest and most powerful road-going sports car ever built in the history of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart. With power up by 90 hp and weight down by 70 kilograms or 154 lb in comparison with the 911 GT2, the new 911 GT2 RS has a power-to-weight ratio of just 2.21 kilos or 4.9 lb per horsepower, by far the best power/weight ratio in its class. Obviously, these are the ideal ingredients for an ultra-high-performance sports car with supreme agility, truly blistering performance on the road, and of course exemplary Porsche Intelligent Performance. For despite this extra power and performance, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions versus the 911 GT2 are down by approximately 5 per cent to 11.9 ltr/100 km (equal to 23.7 mpg imp) and 284 g/km.



The 3.6 litre six-cylinder boxer engine boosted by two turbochargers with variable turbine geometry exclusive to Porsche in its combination with a gasoline engine drives the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Developed especially for the 911 GT2 RS, sports tyres measuring 325/30 ZR 19 convert this massive power into equally massive performance and acceleration on the road: 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h in just 9.8 seconds, and 0 to 300 km/h in 28.9 seconds. Top speed is 330 km/h.



Equally supreme stopping power on this ultra-high-performance sports car comes from PCCB composite ceramic brakes. Appropriate longitudinal and crosswise dynamics are ensured by the sporting RS set-up of the springs, PASM Porsche Adaptive Suspension Management, anti-roll bars, as well as the dynamic engine mounts and PSM Porsche Stability Management.



In its looks the new 911 GT2 RS stands out clearly from the 911 GT2 above all through the lavish use of carbon-fibre-reinforced (CFR) components in matt-black surface finish, even wider wheels and flared wheel arches at the front, new 911 GT2 light-alloy wheels with central locking, as well as "GT2 RS" model designations on the doors and rear lid. The upgraded front spoiler lip and the rear spoiler lip made of CFR and now 10 millimetres or almost 0.4 inches higher, again in surface carbon finish, ensure the right aerodynamic precision as well as extra downforce.



The interior also exudes the flair of sporting performance in virtually every detail, featuring lightweight bucket seats made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic in carbon surface finish and lightweight door panels with door opening straps. The basic interior colour is black, contrasting attractively with features such as the seat centre sections and the roof lining as well as segments on the steering wheel rim. The gearshift and handbrake lever are both finished in red alcantara.



Limited to just 500 units, the 911 GT2 RS will be available in Europe from September 2010, in the USA from October 2010. The Euro base price is 199,500.- Euro. Including VAT and national specifications/equipment the new 911 GT2 RS will retail in Germany at a price of 237,578 Euro.

Hamann BMW 5 series GT

The German tuners from Hamann have unveiled today their BMW 5 Series GT program. The 5 Series GT’s exterior has been enhanced with a front bumper add-on, a set of redesigned side skirts and a new rear apron, which incorporates four Hamann mufflers. These are made of stainless steel and feature a diameter of 90 mm.

The 530d version of Hamann’s BMW GT is also getting some reprogramming for its Motronic system in order to obtain an extra 30 horsepower and you know get 275 horsepower and an alarmingly large amount of torque numbered in at 457 lb-ft.

HAMANN adds that, “The interior of the car matches the grand feel of the exterior.” The 5-Series GT gets aluminum pedals and black floor mats with a silver Hamann inscription. The tuner also offers a high-quality, wide range of products for additional modification and individual tailoring.

The wheels immediately signal that this is not a conventional people hauler, with 22-inch designer alloys. The air suspension is lowered for a more sinister appearance.





Press Release

HAMANN turns BMW 5 series Gran Turismo into top-class crossover between SUV and limousine

HAMANN Motorsport has given the current BMW 5 Gran Turismo a significantly more dynamic appearance and turned the crossover between a comfortably spacious SUV and an elegant limousine into one of the most exclusive multi-purpose vehicles in the luxury class. As a renowned specialist of exquisite modifications for BMW automobiles, HAMANN is offering powerful performance improvements, noteworthy sportiness when it comes to engine components and an aerodynamics programme with exciting styling for the Gran Turismo in the 5 series.

The high sitting position of a SUV, the versatility of a van and the exclusive feeling of spaciousness of a limousine: The BMW 5 series Gran Turismo developed specifically for the US market is already an unusual top-class, multi-purpose vehicle when it leaves the plant. HAMANN has topped this and has given the BMW, internally known as the F 07 series, a much more exclusive and sporty look. Sophisticated components have been developed for the HAMANN aerodynamics programme and processed with top-quality workmanship. The result: a breathtaking overall design with optimised airflow across the entire vehicle. A lowering kit for the models 530d, 535i and 550i including air suspension provides the multi-purpose limousine with a much longer and dynamic appearance, even in a standing position. Perfectly synergised body components complete the exclusive appearance of the GT 5 series by HAMANN. The product range includes a front spoiler to be mounted on the standard front spoiler of the series, side skirts and a rear spoiler in a subtle or striking design, as required. Both provide reduced lift force at the rear axle and thus considerably improve the driving dynamics. A new rear apron makes room for the HAMANN mufflers. The four impressive stainless steel exhaust pipes feature an imposing diameter of 90 mm and create an extraordinarily robust sound.

The HAMANN motor specialists have developed a powerful performance gain from 245 PS (180 kW) to 275 PS (202 kW) for the 5 series GT 530d. The torque, an even more important factor when it comes to driving pleasure, simultaneously increases from 540 Nm to an impressive 620 Nm at 1750 RPM. Thanks to HAMANN Motorsport, the 5 series Gran Turismo 530d, whose performance is enhanced due to optimisation of the engine characteristics by means of reprogramming of the series Motronic, boasts 20 Nm more torque than the standard 535d, and that for only a fraction of the surcharge actually due.

Befitting its image, the modified Gran Turismo boasts gigantic 22-inch tyres: The elegantly styled HAMANN alloy wheel ANNIVERSARY EVO has been specially developed for the requirements of heavyweight, truly massive vehicles. In line with HAMANN's philosophy on modifications, state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and the use of special aluminium alloy ensure maximum load capacities at low weight. HAMANN ANNIVERSARY EVO designer wheels for the BMW 5 Gran Turismo are available in the sizes 9.0 x 22 for the front and 10.5 x 22 for the back. Wide-base tyres are fitted front (265/30ZR20) and back (295/25ZR20).

The HAMANN interior matches the grand feel of the exterior. Pedals and the footrest come in an aluminium design, and the black foot mats feature a silver HAMANN inscription for sporty emphasis. HAMANN Motorsport offers a high-quality, wide range of products for additional modification and individual tailoring of the interior of the BMW 5 series Gran Turismo.

New performance package for the Audi RS6

This latest power upgrade for the Audi RS6 comes from REIFEN KOCH who is offering a serious power boost to the already sporty German tourer.

Even though the standard production version of the Audi RS6 is powerful enough as is for most drivers with its 580HP V10, tuners of all sorts are jumping on the bandwagon lately. German firm Reifen Koch has just released a new performance package for the RS6 comprising of engine mods and new alloy wheels.

Consisting of a revised ECU, a sport air filter and a high-performance exhaust system, the package enables the twin-turbo 5.0-liter V10 engine to produce 700 PS (522 kW / 690 hp) and 790 Nm (583 lb-ft) of torque - an increase of 120 PS (89 kW / 118 hp) and 140 Nm (103 lb-ft). Thanks to the added power, the SR RS6 has a top speed of approximately 330 km/h (205 mph).

The tuner considers that the RS6 doesn’t need any visual improvement, so it has not developed an exterior kit for the vehicle. However, the tuning house offers a new set of Schmidt Revolution CC Line light alloy wheels for the car. These use a multispoke angular design and features a polished outer rim. The one-piece wheels come in a 22 inch size and are wrapped in high performance sport tires, which come in a 265/30 size.





Press Release

700 HP and 22 inch machine of Schmidt Revolution for the AUDI RS6

Engine performance is no problem for the current AUDI RS6. The intensified variant of the RS6 from Rodalben is hardly as close to racing-sport as any other pickup with road permission. The series achievement of the sport model was raised by means of software optimization, sport air cleaner and a sport exhaust system from 580 HP to 700 HP. Parallel the maximum torque grows to 790 Nm (series of 650 Nm) and the maximum speed is with approx. 330 km/h.

Now the AUDI RS6 starts into a new round, because after the vehicle was performance-related optimized, now also dominates the sharpened Schmidt wheel set. Because the best was also here good straight enough. A still more sporty optics obtains the 22 inch wheel/tire combination, which is available for the RS6 immediately. The one-piece Schmidt Revolution CC LINE light alloy wheels with polished external bed measures not less than 10x22 inch and fills out the wheel housings with high speed tires in size 265/30 22 all around optimally. Thus place is enough for the AUDI carbon high speed brake assembly.