Geneva Preshow: Brabus Unleashes its Tune for the New Mercedes-Benz CLS

The arrival of the second generation Mercedes-Benz CLS has Brabus getting ready to present its tuning program for the sports sedan at next week's Geneva Motor Show. For the 2012 CLS, the German tuning house prepared a variety of aero-enhancements, interior goods and performance upgrades.

Aesthetically, the Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist offers a new front bumper add-on that can be further upgraded with LED daytime running lights with either dark or chrome surrounds, fender gills, side skirts, a discrete boot lid spoiler and a rear apron with custom cutouts for the for the four tailpipes of the available sport exhaust system.
There are plenty of choices for the alloy wheels as Brabus offers six different designs in sizes ranging from 8.5Jx17" to 10.5Jx20". The largest tires supplied by the company's partners Pirelli and YOKOHAMA for these wheels come in size 255/30 ZR 20 in front and in size 305/25 ZR 20 for the rear axle.
Inside, the options range from a new sports steering wheel in a variety of leather and wood designs, to custom leather or Alcantara upholsteries and aluminum and carbon fiber trim components.
For the time being, the German tuning firm's engine kits are limited to the diesel models.
The CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY's 2.1-liter turbo diesel engine equipped with the performance kit delivers an additional 31 hp for a total of 235HP and a peak torque of 560 Nm (413 lb-ft).
The Brabus-tuned CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY gets a new kit which offers two different modes. In the ‘Eco’ setting, only peak torque is increased from 620 Nm to 690 Nm (457 to 509 lb-ft) between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm, with the maximum output remaining unchanged. If the driver selects the ‘Sport’ mode, both peak torque and output are increased, with power jumping from 265HP to 313HP. Using this setting, the tuned CLS sprints from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds, while top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h (155 mph).
A sports exhaust system that promises to optimize power yield and produce a throaty exhaust note is available for all CLS engine variants.
Finally, to improve handling, the tuner offers a number of solutions ranging from new sport springs for a 30mm (1.2-in.) lower ride-height to a complete sports suspension.

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2012 Saab 9-3 Griffin: Facelift Model Receives Subtle Styling and Engine Upgrades

Aside from the limited-run 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition, Saab also announced today a mild facelift across the 9-3 range, which gets refreshed exterior and interior styling plus the introduction of gasoline direct injection on the 2.0-liter engines. The updated range will carry the 9-3 Griffin moniker and it is basically a last edition before a new generation takes over in 2012.

Changes apply to all models (Sport Sedan, SportCombi, Convertible and 9-3X) and include new front bumpers, a new "ice block" finish for the headlights and the Griffin badge added to the front fenders. On the inside, the dashboard, seat upholstery and decor have received a fresh look. The 9-3 Griffin models will be offered in two specs, standard and Aero.
Technical updates involve the addition of new 2.0-liter gasoline engines with direct injection technology, variable valve timing and twin scroll turbocharging. The 2.0-liter engine is available with 163 or 220 horsepower, and can be combined with Saab’s XWD all-wheel-drive system.
The petrol units join the 1.9-liter turbo diesel engines that produce 130, 160 or 180 horsepower. Six-speed transmissions become standard across the 9-3 Griffin range.
Saab claims that combined fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have dropped by 4 percent across the entire range. For example, the 9-3 SportCombi fitted with the 1.9-liter TTid engine has an average fuel consumption of 4,5 liters/100 km (52.2 mpg) with 119 g/km of CO2 emissions.

By Dan Mihalascu

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