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2008 Brabus GLK Widestar news, pictures, and information
Widestar ready for production
There was absolutely no doubt in the mind of Professor Bodo Buschmann, President of Mercedes customization specialist BRABUS, 'Even in the face of the extreme rework that characterizes the vehicles at SEMA, we were going to stick firmly to our principles and go for a more practical solution. Our GLK Widestar grabs attention with its stunning appearance, while at the same time, offering a high degree of everyday usability in all conditions.' Thus, it is fair to say that, among the four tuning competitors, the GLK Widestar represents the 'European' solution. The SUV was conceived by development engineers on the basis of automotive pragmatism that stands by classic Mercedes-Benz characteristics. The Widestar is an interpretation of the GLK as an on-road machine with corner-hugging agility that also pays tribute to the high levels of refinement associated with Mercedes vehicles.That doesn't mean that the BRABUS GLK is merely a 'good boy' among the SEMA stars. Far from it - one look is all it takes to capture the muscular stance of the Widestar bodyshell, which has been broadened by 2 inches, incorporating beautifully integrated flared fenders that carry through to the front of the vehicle with distinctive air intake fins. Customized front and rear bumpers, LED daytime running lights, side skirts, a roof spoiler with LED lights (position lights) and all-new LED lighting units above the front windshield complete the reworked bodyshell. A custom paint process adds an unparalleled depth of luster to the black paint finish. 'It was an interesting challenge,' comments Ulrich Gauffrés, Head of Research and Development at BRABUS, 'to bring even more fascination to the already distinctive GLK. Our Widestar underscores the characteristic edge of the original GLK-Class design.'
The flared wheel arches are home to 21-inch wheels clad in 295/30 ZR 21 rubber. Together with the BRABUS chassis kit that lowers ride height by 1.2 inches, and a high-performance brake system, the Widestar demonstrates the true on-road potential of the GLK-Class. The necessary propulsion is provided courtesy of a reworked V6 diesel engine based on the 320 BlueTEC unit with ground-breaking AdBlue technology from other models currently available in the U.S. Thanks to the ECO PowerXtra tuning kit, the Widestar engine generates 258 hp and delivers 450 lb-ft of torque. All of this comes together to provide outstanding performance figures. The dash from 0-62 mph is over in 6.9 seconds and the Widestar powers on to reach a top speed of 150 mph. Despite the increase in performance, the Widestar remains well within the most stringent emissions standards set in the U.S. (BIN 5 / ULEV) and Europe (EU5). At an average of 28 mpg, fuel consumption is also extremely modest*.
*preliminary European values
The completely reworked interior of the BRABUS GLK Widestar celebrates the very highest levels of automotive interior design. Artisans at the BRABUS workshop have clad the cabin with a total of 60 square yards of soft, semi-aniline leather. The luxurious all-leather trim also includes diagonal stitching on the seating, door panels and the entire vehicle floor – all in cognac. To avoid glare in the windshield and side windows, the upper surfaces of the dashboard and door panels are finished in black leather. The alcantara upholstery of the roof lining is also finished in black, with piano black wood trim, a sports steering wheel and aluminum sports pedals completing the overall impact of the interior. Should rear seat passengers require additional entertainment, the multimedia system mounted in the front seat backs provides relief with a DVD player and 7-inch monitors.
Interior, bodyshell and technology come together in the BRABUS GLK Widestar to create a refined overall image that is as impressive on the show stand in Las Vegas as it is in everyday operation. Bodo Buschmann is certain of this, 'Our BRABUS GLK Widestar may be a show car created specifically for SEMA in Las Vegas, but our technical solution meets legislative requirements in both Europe and the U.S. With sufficient interest from the public, the Widestar can become a reality.'Source - Mercedes-Benz
MERCEDES-BENZ REVEALS FOUR TUNED GLKS
In late April, Mercedes-Benz announced a tuning competition based on the new GLK-Class, which is set to launch in January 2009. Four companies were selected for the challenge. The companies inputted their own ideas and design into the GLK and the results will be revealed at this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show.Design concepts include:
The Urban Whip – Florida-based Boulevard Customs is sure to turn heads with this topless version of the GLK, with a wide body styling kit, massive 26-inch wheels and tires, redesigned interior and ground-pounding stereo system.
BRABUS Widestar – Developed by Mercedes-Benz tuning experts Brabus of Bottrop, Germany, this striking wide-track 'designer suit' for the GLK includes a reworked V6 diesel engine based on the 320 BlueTEC engine, flowing front and rear wheel arch flares and redesigned front and rear bumpers complemented with exclusive BRABUS wheels and an interior to match.
The Rock Crawler – Exotic and muscle car restoration specialist Legendary Motor Cars design includes an innovative winching system to propel skate and wakeboarders up to speed and actually 'grind' down the vehicle's specially integrated side rails.
RENNTech Rally Racer – Inspired by the unlimited-class rally cars at the storied Pikes Peak Hillclimb, the GLK concept represents the Mercedes-Benz performance specialist's first hybrid powertrain to enhance acceleration off the line and out of the corners.
The four GLK-Class vehicles will be displayed at this year's SEMA show, taking place November 4-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. During the exhibition, attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite design via online and mobile voting. Following the SEMA show, the four vehicles will be displayed at the Los Angeles Auto Show (November 21-30) providing showgoers with another opportunity to cast their vote. The votes from the show attendees and www.mbusa.com will be tallied and the winner will be announced on December 2, 2008.Source - Mercedes-Benz
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