OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Geneva, Switzerland, Mar 01, 2011
It’s all in the name: The BRABUS 800 WIDESTAR, the world’s most powerful off-roader, is powered by a twelve-cylinder bi-turbo high-capacity engine with a rated power output of 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW. It takes the crown from its predecessor made by the same company, the BRABUS G V12 S with 700 hp (690 bhp) / 515 kW. Visually the power off-roader sets itself apart with its WIDESTAR wide-body equipment and 23-inch BRABUS “PLATINUM EDITION” forged wheels.
BRABUS builds the five-door vehicle by hand based on the current Mercedes G-Class. Like all special models from BRABUS, recognized by the German Federal Vehicle Registration Agency as a car manufacturer, the BRABUS 800 WIDESTAR is available with an extensive luxury equipment package.
As the name indicates, the BRABUS 800 V12 Biturbo engine is implanted into the engine bay of the G-Class. The elaborate implantation of the twelve-cylinder engine is as much a masterwork as is its design, which is based on the V12 bi-turbo engine from the current Mercedes S 600 model.
The basis for the enormous increase in power is the displacement increase. Displacement of the three-valve engine is increased from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 384 cubic inches) in the state-of-the-art BRABUS engine shop with the help of a special crankshaft with longer stroke and larger pistons and corresponding cylinder bore. Additionally the cylinder heads are optimized for mixture flow and fitted with special camshafts.
The engine peripherals now include an entirely new intake system and the BRABUS 800 bi-turbo system with two special manifolds with integrated turbine housings and high-performance turbochargers, and four water-to-air intercoolers. This ensemble is joined by a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system custom-developed for the BRABUS 800. It features free-flow metal catalysts and four chrome tailpipes that exit in pairs in front of both rear wheels.
Precision mapping for engine electronics coordinate the perfect interaction of all new components and ensures exemplary smoothness, maximum power yield and low emissions.
With these modifications the engine in the BRABUS 800 WIDESTAR delivers a staggering rated power output of 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), already available from a low 2.100 rpm. In the vehicle peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft). The high-tech lubricants for the entire powertrain come from technology partner ARAL.
Driving performance speaks for itself: Combined with a reinforced five-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive the engine shoots the BRABUS 800 WIDESTAR from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.0 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 240 km/h (149 mph). Without the limiter the high-performance off-roader would be capable of reaching 270 km/h (168 mph).
In keeping with its unique performance the BRABUS supercar also sports a delectable exterior: The BRABUS WIDESTAR wide-body version lends the classic G-Class body an even more striking and dynamic profile.
The powerfully shaped fender flares add 12 centimeters (4.7 in.) to the body width. They feature integrated air outlets for optimized venting of the wheel wells. Strikingly styled door moldings give the sides of the G-Class high recognition value. Sturdy stainless-steel running boards facilitate entering and exiting of the vehicle day and night. LED lights integrated into the front and rear WIDESTAR fenders illuminate the running boards whenever a door handle is pulled or the keyless fob is operated.
The WIDESTAR fender flares create space for extremely large wheels and tires. BRABUS offers the owner of the wide-body version, which is also available for all regular five-door G-Class models, a wide range of custom-tailored tire/wheel combinations with diameters between 20 and 23 inches. The most exclusive option for the 800 WIDESTAR features size 11Jx23 wheels front and back. Customers can choose from two newly developed forged wheels, the three-piece Monoblock E evo “PLATINUM EDITION” design or the one-piece Monoblock F “PLATINUM EDITION” wheel. The high-performance tires in size 305/35 R 23 come from Pirelli or YOKOHAMA.
The BRABUS WIDESTAR version offers not just a wider track but also an even more impressive appearance. The front apron continues the shape of the flares on both sides and provides the engine and front brakes with cooling air through generously dimensioned air inlets. At the same time its sophisticated contour also reduces lift on the front axle. Six stylishly integrated auxiliary headlights optimize active safety at night. During the day the BRABUS LED daytime running lights below the main headlamps draw attention to the power-G.
The design style of the front apron with its tapered flares and stylized underride guard is continued on the rear apron. The WIDESTAR rear bumper features a centrally mounted reflector and a fog lamp and backup light on either side. The designer suite is rounded out by the BRABUS roof spoiler with integrated LED brake light.
For a perfect combination of sporty handling and excellent ride comfort the BRABUS 800 WIDESTAR comes equipped with the innovative BRABUS Ride Control smooth-ride suspension. The BRABUS high-tech suspension system was developed in cooperation with technology partner BILSTEIN, and features two-way electrically adjustable shock absorbers front and back.
At the push of an aluminum button with BRABUS logo on the center console the driver can manually choose between two setups: In comfort mode the off-roader offers exemplary ride comfort. At higher speeds or for more spirited driving selecting the firmer damper setting results in more dynamic handling and further increased safety reserves.
Additionally the BRABUS Ride Control suspension features automatic damper adjustment. When the vehicle sensors detect that certain parameters such as speed, lateral acceleration and steering angle might lead to a critical situation the system automatically switches to the firmer sport setting within milliseconds. The sportier damper setup further increases the directional stability of the 4x4. The CAN control unit also detects a return to a more moderate driving style. It then automatically switches the shock absorbers back to the comfort position.
Another active safety feature is the BRABUS high-performance brake system. The front axle is fitted with six-piston aluminum fixed calipers and vented discs with a diameter of 380 millimeters (15.0 inches). The rear stops on four-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 345-mm discs (13.6 inches).
The cockpit of the BRABUS 800 WIDESTAR is exclusive and individual. The equipment list includes an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel, a speedometer with 280-km/h (182-mph) dial and stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo.
The BRABUS interior is custom-tailored to suit the individual owner’s taste and the especially soft and breathable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara is available in a multitude of colors. Customers can also choose from various upholstery designs and the wood trim can be manufactured in any desired color. Upon request the wood elements can even be finished in the especially exclusive yachting design.
* Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS *
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