Bulgaria’s Vilner Dresses Up Mercedes ML 350

In its latest tune, Bulgarian custom studio Vilner is taking a shot at the current generation of the Mercedes-Benz ML 350 with a purely cosmetic package leaving the mechanical hardware intact.

Vilner’s exterior modifications are rather subtle being limited to the new custom made headlamps housing LED lights and the replacement of all chrome plated elements with new black chrome parts, including the alloy wheels.

More attention was paid to the interior with the dashboard, the upper and lower parts of the door panels, seat bases, roof and even the rear-view mirror being dressed in Alcantara. The same material can also be found on the central parts of the seats that are trimmed in high-quality leather. Vilner also replaced the standard mahogany decorations with silver carbon and re-trimmed the steering wheel and instrument panel surround.

Moreover, the new gauge meters are handmade while Vilner finished the tune with an ambient illumination on the doors.

PHOTO GALLERY

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

PHOTO GALLERY

Mercedes wants us to think the C63 AMG Coupe is Faster than a Ducati 848 EVO

The freshly revealed Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe is featured in two promotional videos released by the company. The first footage shows the AMG coupe taking on a Ducati 848 EVO motorbike on some scenic twisty roads. The winner of the duel isn't hard to guess - after all, this is a promotional video for the C63 AMG - but one can't help but wondering if the Merc could stand a chance in front of the Italian superbike if the race hadn't been a friendly one (or at least if the two vehicles would have taken the same route).

However, the appearance of the 140HP Ducati motorbike in the video is the fruit of the marketing collaboration between AMG and the Italian brand announced last year. Scroll down to enjoy the sights and sounds of this beautiful duel, plus a short presentation of the C-Class Coupe in AMG guise in the second video.

By Dan Mihalascu

VIDEOS

Mercedes-Benz to Debut Updated 2012 C63 AMG Estate F1 Medical Car at Australian Grand Prix

At this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne (March 25-27), Mercedes-Benz will debut its revised 2012 C63 AMG Estate Official F1 Medical Car. The German station wagon has been used in Formula 1 for the past three seasons, but in 2011 it will appear in its facelifted form with a refreshed design and updated technology that includes the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed transmission.

Other new features include the aluminium bonnet with modified powerdomes, the radiator grille, the headlamps and the AMG rear apron, while there’s also a redesign front apron with larger intake apertures and side air vents.

The C63 AMG Estate Medical Car is motivated by a 6.3-litre V8 engine equipped with the AMG Performance Package delivering 487HP at 6800 rpm for a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 4.5 seconds.

Special features of the Performance Package include the variable intake manifold painted in titanium grey and the AMG high-performance braking system with internally ventilated composite brake discs at the front axle.

The car rides on 19-inch wheels shod in tires with size 235/35 R 19 (front) and 255/30 R 19 (rear).

The Medical Car stands out visually from the stock model thanks to its F1 logos, the roof light bar, the stroboscopic flashing LED lights at the front and rear, plus the number plate illuminated with LEDs and displaying the words "Medical Car". Inside it is equipped with four sports bucket seats with six-point seat belts, and comes with two monitors integrated into the centre console for monitoring the race and a radio set for communicating with Race Control.

The SLS AMG that takes the role of the Official F1 Safety Car will join the C63 AMG Estate in the Australian Grand Prix. There are no changes for the SLS AMG that has been used in Formula 1 since 2010.

PHOTO GALLERY