Brabus Mercedes SLS AMG Widestar Wallpaper

Brabus Mercedes SLS AMG Widestar Wallpaper

For most people, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG 'Gullwing' looks just fine in factory tune. But not for Brabus. The German tuning house chose this week's Essen Motor Show to present its "wide-body" take on the Gullwing model.

The aero package is called Widestar and it encompasses a front spoiler, a rear apron with a new diffuser, blistered rear wheel arches with air inlets and outlets, and a boot lid spoiler. Engineers also sculpted the rocker panels, optimizing airflow between axles, and added bigger air outlets for the front fenders.

All components are made from carbon fiber and have been tested in the firm's wind tunnel. Clients can choose between a matte or glossy clear-coated finish for the body parts. If that's not their thing, optionally, the company can paint them in the body's color or in a contrasting tone.

Brabus Mercedes SLS AMG Widestar Wallpaper

Brabus Mercedes SLS AMG Widestar Wallpaper

To complement the SLS' new look, the ride height was lowered by 30 mm and a new, height-adjustable suspension was developed in collaboration with Bilstein. The driver can adjust the suspension's height with the touch of a button to make the car sportier or more comfortable than the stock SLS. Stiffer sway bars are also on the [optional] menu.

There's no Brabus without a proper set of wheels and the Widestar SLS is no exception. The Germans offer custom tailored ultra-light 20- and 21-inch front and rear Monoblock F Platinum Edition forged wheels, wrapped around in 275/30 ZR20 and 295/25 ZR21 Yokohama rubber. The new rims are bigger and lighter reducing unsprung weight and, thus, improving handling, the tuner claims.

Under the bonnet you'll find the same 6.2-liter V8 engine, albeit fitted with a high-performance and lighter (-12 kg or -26 lbs.) titanium exhaust system with sound management, which increases power by 10 hp.

As for the interior, Brabus offers a plethora of custom options, ranging from carbon fiber inlays in any desired color to an ergonomically shaped steering wheel. Premium upholstery is also offered, made from the fine leather and Alcantara.

Brabus Mercedes SLS AMG Widestar Wallpaper

Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4 Wallpaper

Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4 Wallpaper

Two years after it made its introduction, Aston Martin Racing has given its Vantage GT4 racecar an update. The firm has reworked the car by enhancing the aerodynamics and increasing the car’s downforce. The 4.7 litre V8 has also been remapped to offer increased levels of power and torque.

The car now features a new front splitter, which increases downforce at the front of the car and improves channelling of cool air to the brakes and radiator. At the rear, the GT4 gains the V12 Vantage’s larger boot ‘flip’. This works together with a new carbon fibre diffuser and rear underfloor, which creates an area of low pressure under the rear of the car, to increase downforce.

Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4 Wallpaper

Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4 Wallpaper

The redesigned underfloor also channels more air through a new rear-mounted high capacity transmission oil cooler. In addition to the engine and aero upgrades, competitors can now choose to include a race-developed Bosch ABS and traction control system from Bosch Motorsport to enhance performance in both wet and dry conditions.

More than 80 Vantage GT4s have been built and sold globally since 2009, and the car has certainly been successful plying its trade in its GT4 competition class – it won the European GT4 Cup this year, as well as the GT4 class at the Dubai 24 Hours, the Nürburgring 24 Hours and the Spa 24 hours.

Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4 Wallpaper