Brabus E V12 Cabriolet

Brabus has expanded its E V12 family to include the Cabriolet, and the result is the world’s fastest four-seat convertible.

Based on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the heart of the conversion is a biturbo 6.3 litre (384 cu. in.) V12 engine. With a reprogrammed engine control unit, four intercoolers and a stainless steel exhaust system, it produces 788 PS (588 kW / 800 PS) at 5,500 rpm.



Peak torque meanwhile is a staggering 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb/ft), which is more than even the Bugatti Veyron manages. However, Brabus has decided to electronically limit it to ‘just’ 1,100 Nm (811 lb/ft) in the E V12, as that’s probably the limit of what the specially strengthened five-speed automatic transmission could reasonably be expected to handle.



Unsurprisingly, such outputs result in brutal acceleration. The 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time is 3.7 seconds, 0-124 mph (200 km/h) is over in just 9.9 seconds, and 0-186 mph (300 km/h) takes 23.9 seconds.



Depending on the final drive ratio, the claimed top speed can be as high as 231 mph (370 km/h). Presumably attempting that kind of velocity with the roof up doesn’t result in the car’s fabric hood being ripped off by the wind blast…

To cope with the extra performance, Brabus has also upgraded the chassis. Coil-over suspension co-developed with Bilstein is fitted, and it features adjustable dampers and ride height. To improve handling and high speed stability, the 19” wheels sit on widened tracks, and the bodywork front and rear has been suitably widened to accommodate them.



Stopping is taken care of by Brabus’ own braking system, which comprises vented and grooved steel discs with aluminium calipers.



The Brabus E V12 Cabriolet is build-to-order only, with prices starting at €478,000.



That’s around £420,000 or US$669,000 at today’s exchange rates, an amount which in the UK would buy seven examples of the standard Mercedes-Benz E 500 Cabriolet.



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Bentley Mulliner Styling

Undoubtedly aware that some aftermarket firms are doing fairly hideous things to its products, Bentley has taken an ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’ approach by launching Mulliner Styling Specification upgrades for the current Continental GT.

Although the end result manages to be quite understated, it doesn’t come cheap…



For instance, buyers will have to part with £7,540 for the Classic Pack. This comprises a front bumper splitter, lower intake grille strakes, side skirts and a rear diffuser, all of which are made from carbon fibre.



But to get the full effect, Bentley is also offering a range of individual Mulliner options. There are yet more carbon fibre trinkets, in the shape of door mirror caps (at a shocking £2,241) and a rear spoiler that costs the same again.

The curved wing vents, which sit just behind the front wheels, are constructed from dark chrome mesh with carbon fibre bezels. Priced at £4,762, they’re claimed to help heat diffusion, presumably from the brakes.



Finally, the standard wheels can be swapped for 21” Elegant alloys which have a contrasting black and machined finish, and cost £5,940.



The Classic Pack can be ordered via Bentley dealers now, while the optional features will be available from this autumn. Customers who go for everything will face a hefty bill of £22,724.

Superchips Mini Cooper S

Superchips has launched an ECU remap for the post-March 2010 Mini Cooper S.



The modification lifts power from 181 bhp (135 kW / 184 PS) to 206 bhp (153 kW / 208 PS), a 14% increase that’s available from just 2,000 rpm onwards. Torque from the direct injection 1.6 litre turbo engine similarly rises from 240 Nm (177 lb/ft) to 272 Nm (200 lb/ft).



Useful improvements then, and enough to almost match the outputs of the Mini John Cooper Works which boasts 208 bhp (155 kW / 211 PS) and up to 280 Nm (206 lb/ft) of torque on overboost.

Unfortunately Superchips hasn’t released any performance claims, except to say that if driven normally owners won’t see any increase in their Mini’s fuel consumption.



The upgrade costs £455 including VAT. That works out at a very reasonable £18 per extra horsepower, and the ECU remap can be installed at eighty Superchips centres across the UK.



However, one problem with any modification like this is that the original manufacturer’s warranty is probably going to be compromised. To help get around the issue, Superchips offers a 12 month / 30,000 mile supplementary full vehicle warranty. That’s industry leading, but it still might not be long enough to tempt the owner of a brand new Cooper S.



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