SEMA 2008: BRABUS Mercedes GLK WIDESTAR
The presidential elections in the US will take place on November 4, 2008. At the same time voting starts for the best customized version of the new Mercedes GLK-Class at the SEMA Show 2008 in Las Vegas. BRABUS is the only German company to participate in this competition sponsored by Mercedes-Benz USA. There are two ways to vote: Visitors to the show can inspect the BRABUS-tuned Mercedes GLK WIDESTAR as part of the BRABUS exhibit and can cast their vote right there. Tuning fans from around the world can vote online at the Mercedes-Benz USA website (http://microsites.mbusa.com/microsite/g … sema/index) where all four competitors will be featured in detailed videos.
The BRABUS entry for this competition is a brilliant example the entire know-how of the world’s largest independent automobile tuner, not in the least because of its three clear coats that cover the piano-lacquer-black exterior paint. But that’s not all: The SUV also sets itself apart with sporty yet elegant BRABUS WIDESTAR fender flares, rocker panels and completely new aprons for front and rear as well as a roof spoiler.
BRABUS chose a Mercedes GLK320 BlueTEC as the basis for the competition car. The BRABUS engine specialists have developed the BRABUS PowerXtra D6 BLUE power kit for the eco-friendly diesel version of the GLK. The kit increases power output the cleanest diesel on the market by 47 hp (47 bhp) / 35 kW and peak torque by 70 Nm (52 lb-ft). With a maximum power output of 258 hp (255 bhp) / 190 kW at 3,700 rpm and a peak torque of 610 Nm (450 lb-ft) between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm, the tuned diesel SUV sprints from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 240 km/h (150 mph). The BRABUS stainless-steel sport exhaust lends the common-rail engine a more sonorous exhaust note and its four chrome-plated tailpipes play a major part in the striking rear appearance of the five-door.
To further optimize the handling of the 4x4 and to give it even more spectacular looks the ride height of the GLK was lowered by some 30 millimeters and the SUV was fitted with forged three-piece BRABUS Monoblock VI wheels in size 10.5Jx21. These king-size light-alloy wheels offer space for a BRABUS high-performance brake system with 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 400 x 36 millimeter (15.8 x 1.4 inches) discs on the front axle and six-piston aluminum fixed calipers and discs in size 380 x 28 millimeters (15.0 x 1.1 inches).
The BRABUS interior designers also made a generous contribution to this unique GLK jewel. The company-own upholstery shop created a two-tone black and cognac fully leather interior perfect down to the last detail. The upholstery design itself is as striking as it is elaborate. The center parts of the seats and the door panels are sewn in a diamond-shaped pattern as is the entire vehicle flooring. The seams for this pattern alone used 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) of the finest thread, every inch sewn with utmost precision.
Additional exclusive highlights include piano-lacquer black wood trim that precisely matches the exterior color, and custom-tailored seatback consoles for the front seats that each house a seven-inch color LCD monitor and a DVD player.