MERCEDES GL-CLASS BY BRABUS

Brabus has introduced their new tuning program for the Mercedes GL-Class at the Essen Motor Show. Starting with the exterior, the model can be equipped with an air suspension module (which lowers the ride height by up to 30mm) and variety of wheels ranging in sizes from 18- to 23-inches. Customers can also order a stainless-steel sports exhaust system and high-performance brakes. While the exterior accessories are limited at the moment, Brabus offers a multitude of interior options. Choices include Mastik leather and Alcantara upholstery as well as exotic wood and carbon fiber trim. There's also illuminated door sill plates and a speedometer that tops out at 320 km/h (200 mph). Under the hood, the GL 350 BlueTEC can be equipped with the ECO PowerXtra D6S performance kit which enables the engine to develop 310 HP (228 kW) and 690 Nm (509 lb-ft) of torque. Thanks to the extra oomph, the crossover runs from 0–100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and can hit a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph). Likewise, the GL 500 can be outfitted with the B50-520 performance kit that allows the 4.7-liter V8 to churn out 521 HP (383 kW) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the luxury barge to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and hit a top speed of 275 km/h (171 mph) with the optional Vmax unit.

CHEVROLET CAMARO GETS TUNED BY WIMMER RS AND AUDIOVOX

Audiovox has enlisted Wimmer RS to create a bespoke Chevrolet Camaro to promote the company's Magnat audio systems. Looking bold and aggressive, the one-off model has a two-tone exterior with a ground effects package and 22-inch Oxigin wheels wrapped in Yokohama Advan Sport tires. The Camaro's cabin has always been a bit of a disappointment, so Wimmer added leather / Alcantara seats and an Audiovox infotainment system. The coupe has also been equipped with a 4400 watt Magnat audio system that has digital amplifiers and two 30cm subwoofers. For added performance, the 6.2-liter V8 engine was outfitted with a revised ECU, an optimized air intake and a stainless steel sports exhaust system. Thanks to these tweaks, the engine produces 451 HP (332 kW) and 596 Nm (439 lb-ft) of torque which enables the car to hit a top speed of 274 km/h (170 mph).

PORSCHE 911 (991) GETS AERO KIT FROM VORSTEINER

Vorsteiner has released more details about its tuning program for the Porsche 911 (991). The subtle changes can be seen in the front spoiler that has dual integrated brake duct cooling ducts and a carbon fiber center splitter. New side skirts blend in perfectly with the rest of the car and feature an optionally integrated carbon fiber sill extension that improves downforce. At the back it gets a carbon fiber diffuser with a built-in fin design that extends to the underbody of the car. As a finishing touch, Vorsteiner has installed a rear deck lid spoiler made from the same lightweight material that fits onto the stock mechanical wing riser and also helps with downforce. Different forged alloys are available in sizes ranging from 19 to 21 inches, along with custom embroidered floor and trunk mats with piping color options.

2012 MERCEDES-BENZ ML 63 AMG BY BRABUS

Brabus is bringing its latest tuning program for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG to Essen Motor Show. The standard bi-turbo V8 5.5-liter engine of the high performance SUV produces 518 hp (386 kW) and a peak torque of 516 lb-ft (699 Nm). With the Brabus treatment, the power unit generates 611 hp (456 kW) and 604 lb-ft (820 Nm) of torque, enough for a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint in 4.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h). Brabus is also offering a power upgrade for the version with the optional AMG Performance Package that in its stock configuration delivers 550 hp (410 kW) and 560 lb-ft (758 Nm). Power is increased to the same 611 hp and 604 lb-ft. This additional horsepower was made possible by installing a custom stainless steel sport exhaust system and integrating the Brabus PowerXtra module into the engine electronics. They also created front and rear carbon fiber spoilers for reducing lift on both axles. A custom control module for the AIRMATIC suspension is available that lowers the SUV's center of gravity and improves handling. Five wheel designs are offered in sizes of up to 23 inches with high-performance tires.

BMW M 135I BY AC SCHNITZER

AC Schnitzer will be launching an upgrade program for the BMW M 135i this week at the Essen Motor Show. In its standard configuration, the six-cylinder 3.0-liter engine produces 320 HP (235 kW) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque, but after AC Schnitzer works its magic power is increased to 360 HP (265 kW) without increasing CO2 emissions. They also have a custom suspension spring kit and various types of wheels in sizes up to 20 inches. A chromed "Racing" exhaust tailpipe is also available and a two-piece front spoiler. On the outside the M 135i can get a loading lip protection film, color-matched design stripes and a rear roof spoiler. Moving inside there's an aluminum Black Line gear knob or you can choose the illuminated leather-wrapped gear knob. AC Schnitzer is also offering the Black Line aluminum cover for the i-Drive, another gear knob with a digital gear display, aluminum handbrake handle with chrome accents, custom velour floor mats and an aluminum foot rest. 

AUDI S5 WITH RESTYLED INTERIOR BY VILNER

Bulgarian interior specialist Vilner has revealed its latest program for the Audi S5. For the exterior they have fitted a matte grey body wrap and a gloss black finish for the front grille, diffuser, trunk spoiler and alloys. The most dramatic changes can be found inside the cabin where they have really outdone themselves this time. All surfaces have been reupholstered in black and brown leather with Alcantara, with the seats wrapped in leather with elegant diamond stitching on the shoulders and base. We also find the micro-suede material adorning the pillars, roof headliner, dashboard and rear view mirror. Into the front headrests Vilner has stitched the customer's initials, while running along the roof lining's length is contrasting black leather.

MERCEDES CL 63 AMG BY UNICATE

Unicate has introduced a new tuning program for the facelifted Mercedes CL63 AMG. Looking timeless and elegant, the model has restrained exterior with a carbon fiber rear spoiler and 21-inch AMG wheels with spacers. There's also a suspension lowering module and a sports exhaust system which promises to make the engine sound like the "Apocalypse." Speaking of the engine, the twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 has been equipped with an optimized ECU which enables it to produce 616 HP (453 kW) - an increase of 72 HP (53 kW). This should enable the coupe to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than 4.5 seconds, before hitting an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).