Brabus 800 iBusiness 2.0 is the World's Fastest Office on Four Wheels

Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist Brabus is the first company to develop a multimedia system based on the new Apple iPad 2. The tuning house integrated the new tablet computer in the rear compartment of the Brabus 800, which is a heavily modified V12-powered S-Class sporting 800 ponies and supercar-humiliating performance numbers.

The iPad2 controls the on-board entertainment system and allows the rear passengers to access all functions of the S-Class' Comand system, with the iBusiness 2.0 also being capable of video conferences, thanks to the integrated cameras.

Brabus engineers devised a way to integrate one or two tablet computers by creating a custom-tailored table that can be folded into the backrest of the front seat. The iPad 2 is connected via a WiFi network to a Mini Mac located in the car's trunk that serves as the central computer.

Tablet computers aside, the Brabus iBusiness 2.0 is fitted with a 15.2-inch TFT display, fixed on the ceiling between the front seats, as well as with two screens mounted in the back of the front seats. The screens can be used for watching TV or other program sources. The car also gets a 64GB Apple iPod touch that can store more than 14,000 songs. The interior is decorated with Brabus Yachting wood-trim and two-tone leather all around for a luxurious atmosphere.

The iBusiness 2.0 multimedia package can be installed in any S-Class model, from the S 350 to the S 65 AMG. The latter and the S 600 can also be upgraded to Brabus 800 V12 Biturbo spec, with the engine developing 800 horsepower and 1,420 Nm of torque (1,047 lb-ft). These figures allow for a 350 km/h (217 mph) top speed and a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of just 3.9 seconds.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Inden Design Turns 2009MY Mercedes-Benz S500 into 2011MY S65 AMG Lookalike

If you happen to own a pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz S500 W221 and want to spiff it up both cosmetically and mechanically, German tuning firm Inden Design has presented a new package for Stuttgart’s premium sedan. The styling concept is to bring the S500 in line with the refreshed S65 AMG, which was revealed in the spring of 2009.

Inden Design adds the facelifted S65 AMG’s bodykit including the front bumper assembly with the LED daytime running lights, the rear diffuser, tail lamps, mirrors, side skirts and beefier wheel arches. A matte grey wrap for the body and new 20-inch alloy wheels shod in tires size 265/30 at the front and 275/30 at the back are also part of the package.

Inside, the German tuner trimmed the S500’s cabin in a mix of Alcantara and black and white two-tone leathers while all decorative wood trims were replaced with black carbon fiber parts.

Under the skin, a performance kit bumps the 5.0-liter V8’s output to 420HP while other go-fast features include a sports exhaust system, 6-piston front calipers and 4-piston brake calipers from the S600 V12 and a lowering kit.

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Brabus Presents the World’s First Euro 6 Compliant Performance Kit for Diesel Models

Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist Brabus has presented a new ECO PowerXtra D6S performance kit for the S350 BlueTec, and by doing so, the company claims to have created the world’s first tuned diesel-powered car that meets the Euro 6 emissions standard, scheduled to go into effect in 2014. Available for both rear-while drive and 4MATIC four-wheel drive variants, the kit delivers an additional 55HP and 70 Nm (52 lb-ft) of torque, for a total of 313HP and 690 Nm (509 lb-ft).

Designed to work like a plug-and-play device, the module increases the 3.0-liter V6 diesel’s output depending on the selected shift mode of the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission. In “Eco” mode, peak torque increases, but the engine output remains unchanged (258HP), while in “Manual” or “Sport” mode maximum power is also boosted.

The modified S350 sprints from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a very respectable 6.5 seconds and can reach an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The Brabus ECO PowerXtra D6S unit can be also fitted to all Mercedes E350 CDI BlueEfficiency variants as well as the CLS 350 CDI BlueEfficiency model, delivering identical output.

All models come with a three-year or 100,000 km (62,000 miles) warranty and can be specified with a custom Brabus stainless-steel exhaust with 4 tailpipes, delivering a more distinctive exhaust note and further optimizing power yield.

By Csaba Daradics

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