OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Geneva, Switzerland, Mar 01, 2011
BRABUS transforms the new Mercedes Viano into an exclusive 3D multimedia lounge on wheels: In the BRABUS “iBusiness 3D” the BRABUS interior designers and electronics specialists combine state-of-the-art 3D entertainment technology from Sony with Apple components such as iPad, MacMini, iPhone and iPod Touch that control the entire on-board multimedia equipment. The luxurious van celebrates its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2011. In addition to the multimedia package the vehicle is also equipped with the exclusive BRABUS customization program for the new Viano.
The BRABUS “iBusiness 3D” is the 2011 evolution of the lounge concept for the first generation of the Mercedes van, which BRABUS first presented to the public at the IAA 2009.
Bigger is better and that is also true for the screen that can be extended from the partition wall behind the front seats at the push of a button. In this case it is a 40-inch Sony Bravia LED TV-screen with state-of-the-art 3D technology. The 3D movies are played by a PlayStation®3, which of course can also be used for playing the unique racing game Gran Turismo® 5. For TV reception the system is equipped with a DVBT receiver.
The 40-inch large Sony screen with LED backlighting is also the main monitor for the integrated state-of-the-art computer system, which is centered on a Mac mini computer from Apple. The powerful computer is connected to the internet via UMTS and HSDPA and features a wireless WIFI network for integrating the other computers on board the vehicle.
High-speed interfaces for connecting a webcam for videoconferencing or a digital camera to the “iBusiness 3D” system are stylishly integrated throughout the vehicle within easy reach.
Maximum comfort in an exclusive ambiance is one of the decisive characteristics of the BRABUS lounge concept for the new Viano. The BRABUS interior designers equipped the rear compartment with two power comfort chairs with power footrests. Just like in business class on long-haul flights these seats, upholstered with especially soft and breathable Bordeaux-red and grey leather, can be reclined all the way to a sleeping position.
Both special seats are separated by a center console covered by a tasteful combination of fine leather and especially fine wood in yachting design that is prevalent in the entire van interior. These applications of grey, highly polished wood with black separation layers is elaborately made by hand. The console houses the control unit for the rear air conditioning system and a docking station for the two iPads of the “iBusiness 3D” system. The iPads can be stored or charged in the console safely hidden from sight. There is also a special BRABUS App for iPad and iPhone.
The tablet computers also control the entire BRABUS multimedia system and all functions of the on-board COMAND system from the Mercedes S-Class, such as radio, navigation and telephone. While driving, they and the corresponding Bluetooth keyboards can be securely fastened in the precisely fitting recesses of the fine BRABUS tables in the rear. The tabletops are surrounded by an elegant high-gloss aluminum frame and covered with the same supple leather as the entire interior. They are infinitely adjustable to any angle and can be extended from the side trim at the push of a button.
An Apple iPod touch with 64 GB of memory can store more than 14,000 songs. The sound of the various program sources is reproduced in perfect Dolby Surround quality by a HiFi system custom-tailored to the Viano interior.
BRABUS also provides on-board refreshments: A generously dimensioned refrigerator and an illuminated bar compartment between the seats is part of the fancy BRABUS “iBusiness 3D” equipment as is a latest-generation Nespresso coffee maker.
The electrically retractable glass partition behind the driver compartment, which by the way is also luxuriously appointed, provides the desired privacy at the push of a button. The wellness atmosphere in the rear is further enhanced by an innovative color-changing ambiance lighting system. Numerous integrated compartments provide secure and easily accessible storage space for the rear passengers’ carry-on items.
The BRABUS “iBusiness 3D” also sports an extravagant exterior. The front spoiler lends the new face of the new Mercedes Viano a more dynamic profile and also reduces lift on the front axle for further increased directional stability at high speeds.
The exclusive look also includes appealing BRABUS Monoblock wheels with diameters of 18 or 19 inches. The most exclusive version features size 8.5Jx19 wheels mounted with size 255/40 R 19 tires. BRABUS offers a choice of the fully polished Monoblock S design or the Monoblock Q wheel with a striking two-tone combination of titanium-colored paint and polished surfaces.
The BRABUS sill skirts with integrated LED lights for safe entering and exiting of the vehicle in the dark give the van a lower and longer appearance.
To further improve the active safety of the multipurpose vehicle without sacrificing ride comfort the BRABUS suspension engineers have developed special sport springs calibrated to the production shocks. They lower the ride height of the Viano with steel suspension or rear air suspension by some 25 millimeters (1.0 in.) in the front and by some 20 millimeters (0.8 in.) in the rear.
BRABUS also offers the Viano in “iBusiness 3D” configuration with powerful engines, which like all BRABUS components are backed by the one-of-a-kind BRABUS Tuning Warranty® of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers/62,000 miles (see BRABUS warranty conditions, updated November 2006).
The V6 common-rail turbodiesel engine of the Viano 3.0 CDI gains 38 hp (38 bhp) / 28 kW and 60 Nm (44 lb-ft) with BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D6 (III) performance kit, and meet strict EURO V emission standards. Driving performance benefits accordingly: 8.7 seconds for 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) guarantee swift conveyance as does the top speed of 208 km/h (130 mph).
For the top-of-the-line model Viano 3.5 there is the BRABUS 4.0 high-capacity engine with 318 hp (314 bhp) / 234 kW and a peak torque of 410 Nm (302 lb-ft) at 4,200 rpm.
Sporty sound and a more appealing rear appearance are the strengths of the BRABUS stainless-steel rear muffler, which is available for all engine variants of the Viano.
BRABUS offers high-performance par excellence with the special model Viano V8, built to order. A BRABUS 6.1 eight-cylinder high-capacity engine with 426 hp (419 bhp) / 313 kW at 5,400 rpm and a peak torque of 621 Nm (458 lb-ft) at 4,100 rpm provides loads of driving fun. 5.9 seconds for o – 100 km/h (62 mph) and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) make the BRABUS Viano V8 one of the fastest vans in the world.
* Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS *
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