Brabus Widestar Enhances Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG’s Brawn and Badonkadonk

By Tom Anderson on Sat, 12/04/2010 - 18:38

Auto News Aftermarket Tuners Brabus Exotics|Supercars German Mercedes AMG

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is already a more-than-respectable performer right out of the wrapper. However, as appears to be the case with just about every supercar these days, that just isn’t enough for some folks. They want their cars to go faster than and/or look different from the standard production version.

One company that knows this quite well is Brabus. The longtime tuner of products wearing the Three-Pointed Star (as well as some other marques, including Tesla) has become known well beyond the borders of the Essen, Germany suburb of Bottrop in which it is based for endowing vehicles with an extra spoonful of attitude. And even though Brabus has already tinkered with the SLS AMG, they’ve decided to take things one step further with the campishly-named Widestar package.

Just looking at the name, you know something has been made broader. Specifically, the rear fenders and bumper have been replaced by wider carbon fiber pieces that allow the fitment of larger wheels and tires. All told the rear track is about ¾ of an inch fatter than a stock SLS AMG. However, thanks to the aforementioned carbon fiber body bits and forged 21” wheels (complemented by matching 20” rims up front) that are up to 12% lighter than the stock units mean the bigger hips and footprint don’t come at the expense of way more heft. What’s more, the lighter wheels serve to enhance handling by trimming unsprung weight from all four corners.

Of course, it would be most un-Brabus to simply change the rear quarter panels, upgrade the rolling stock and call the thing fertig. Thus, the Widestar package also adds a front splitter, rear diffuser, rear lip spoiler, deeper side skirts and more aggressive vents to the cosmetic roster, as well as an adjustable suspension co-developed with Bilstein that can lower ride height as much as 1.2” below stock while supposedly providing an even smoother-than-stock ride. Less visible to folks outside are a titanium exhaust system that cuts weight by 26 lb., adds 10hp (for a total of 573hp), and adds a driver-selectable “coming home” mode that’s quieter than the factory setup; great for not waking up the missus when returning home late after a, er, “brainstorming session” with your assistant Tiffani.

There’s also an extensive list of interior upgrades, from a sport steering wheel and anodized aluminum pedals and dead pedal to a renumbered speedometer and new trim in leather and Alcantara in any color your wealthy little heart desires. And speaking of wealth, Brabus doesn’t list a price for the Widestar, but as always, if you have to ask…

Press Release

World Debut at the ESSEN MOTOR SHOW 2010
Custom-Tailored Designer Suit: The BRABUS WIDESTAR Wide Version for the Mercedes SLS

Lending an exclusive automobile an even more dominant presence is the domain of BRABUS. The new BRABUS WIDESTAR wide version represents a custom-tailored designer suit for the Mercedes SLS AMG. In addition to the extravagant high-tech carbon-fiber body program for the gullwing the tuner also offers ultralight forged wheels, an electronically adjustable Ride Control smooth-ride suspension, a titanium high-performance exhaust system with electronically controlled sound management and custom BRABUS interiors.

To give the SLS an even more muscular appearance the BRABUS designers have developed custom-tailored BRABUS WIDESTAR components for the rear axle. Like all other body components they are made from extremely light yet very strong carbon fibers identical to the ones used in Formula 1 racing. The add-on parts for the rear fenders and the rear fascia create an even more spectacular look and make room for special wheels that widen the rear track by 20 millimeters for even further improved driving dynamics.

The suspension engineers developed custom-tailored versions of the ultralight BRABUS Monoblock F PLATINUM EDITION forged wheels in sizes 9.5Jx20 in front and 11Jx21 on the rear axle for the wide version of the SLS. These wheels are available with a brushed-design or ceramics-polished surface and can also be painted in any desired color. The staggered wheels with 20- and 21-inch diameters on front and rear axles further emphasize the wedge-shaped look of the sports car.

Despite the wheels' bigger size they deliver a weight reduction of up to 12 percent compared to the SLS production wheels. The reduced unsprung weight further results in even more agile handling. BRABUS technology partners Pirelli and YOKOHAMA supply the optimal high-performance tires in sizes 275/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 21.

The wide version is rounded out by aerodynamic-enhancement components developed in the wind tunnel. All BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement components are made from carbon fibers and are available with a matte or glossy clear-coated finish for a true racing look. Optionally these components can be painted in body or contrasting color.

To further reduce lift on front and rear axle BRABUS equips the SLS with a front spoiler for the production front fascia, a rear spoiler and a rear diffuser. Together these components create an even better aerodynamic balance. Two BRABUS covers for the upper air dams of the bumper and side air outlets for the rear fascia are further visual details of the BRABUS WIDESTAR version.

The work of the BRABUS designers also gives the sides of the gullwing more profile and further improved aerodynamic efficiency. The rocker panels were sculpted to optimize the airflow between front and rear axle and to create a perfect transition to the WIDESTAR components on the rear axle. Integrated entrance lights ensure safe entering and exiting of the vehicle in the dark.

The BRABUS air outlets for the front fenders add more of sporty touches. At night they draw attention with their integrated blue-illuminated BRABUS logos that are activated via the keyless fob or by pulling on a door handle.

The ride-height lowering by up to 30 millimeters (1.2 inches) also plays an important role in the striking appearance of the BRABUS-modified SLS. The BRABUS suspension is height-adjustable and was developed in cooperation with technology partner BILSTEIN. At the push of a button its integrated Ride Control function also offers a smoother ride than the production car. From the cockpit the driver can at any time - even while driving - switch between damper settings that offer a more comfortable or a sportier ride than the production car.
For sporty-minded SLS owners BRABUS offers stiffer sway bars for front and rear axle that reduce body roll for even more precise handling.

The BRABUS high-performance exhaust system with four slanted exhaust tips with diameters of 84 millimeters (3.3 inches) is somewhat atypical for traditional tuning. Its sound management, controlled by the driver and activated by a pneumatic flap, includes a 'coming home' setting that is quieter than the production exhaust. In 'sport' mode the 6.3-liter eight-cylinder engine produces an even more powerful exhaust note than with the production exhaust. The BRABUS exhaust system is manufactured from extremely lightweight titanium and weighs 12 kilograms (26 lbs.) or 40 percent less than the production exhaust. Another welcome by-product of this exhaust is an increase in power output by 10 hp / 7.4 kW.

BRABUS offers a multitude of exclusive custom interior options for the two-seater car as well. Carbon-fiber inlays in any desired color and matte anodized aluminum pedals and foot rest add sporty highlights.

The ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel is made from a combination of leather and Alcantara and provides especially good grip for further improved road feedback. The speedometer with 400-km/h scale (250 mph) already hints at the car's future performance with BRABUS engine tuning.

The BRABUS upholstery shop offers a sheer endless multitude of colors and designs for the masterfully crafted SLS interiors made from the finest leathers and Alcantara. These interiors can be custom-tailored to suit each SLS owner's personal taste down to the last detail.

Source: Brabus