BMW X3 xDrive20d 2011

The four-cylinder diesel in the new BMW X3 xDrive20d has a maximum output of 135 kW/184 bhp. Power output has been increased by 5 kW compared to its predecessor. At the same time, average consumption in the EU test cycle has been reduced by 14 percent to a mere 5.6 litres/100 km.

The new BMW X3 xDrive20d now offers better performance and higher efficiency than any of its comparable rivals. It is powered by a 2-litre fourcylinder turbo diesel engine with aluminium crankcase and Common Rail direct injection, delivering a maximum power output of 135 kW/184 at 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 380 Nm between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm. The engine develops sufficient power to allow the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, reaching top speed at 210 km/h.

With an average fuel consumption of 5.6 litres/100 km, the BMW X3 xDrive20d establishes a new benchmark for efficiency in this vehicle segment (CO2 emission level: 149 g/km in conjunction with manual gearbox, 147 g/km in conjunction with automatic gearbox).

The Auto Start Stop function is also a standard feature in the X3 xDrive20d with manual gearbox. The car is additionally equipped with a gear shift indicator. Furthermore, the equipment featured in all model variants, which include brake energy regeneration, EPS Electric Power Steering, demand-controlled ancillary components, intelligent lightweight construction and tyres with reduced rolling resistance contribute towards lowering fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels.

BMW X5 Mansory 2011

The striking appearance of the Mansory BMW X5 is assisted by a wide range of performance kits for the standard engines. The highlight is a vigorous upgrade for the BMW X5 M aggregate. Approximately 670 hp /493kW and a torque of 950 Nm at a rate of 5900 Umin (series: 555 hp / 408 kW and 680 Nm at a rate of 1500 – 5650 Umin) results from the use of a completely new exhaust system along with headers as well as optimised engine electrics. Thanks to these changes, the 4×4 accelerates in only 4.2 seconds to a speed of 100 km/h and achieves a maximum speed of 300 km/h.


MANSORY provides an alloy rim especially made to meet the requirements of the BMW X5, which is significantly better for handling and additionally sharpens the vehicle’s optics. The silver monoblock cast wheels with the description M10 are fitted with tyres of the dimension 315/25R23, which guarantee proper grip. In connection with lowering the vehicle’s centre of gravity by 40mm with sport springs on the front axle as well by 40 mm on the back axle with adjusted vehicle height, the masculine appearance of the MANSORY BMW X5 M is glamorously rounded off. In addition, the sports suspension improves handling. A sports break system with larger discs and multi-piston brake callipers is already being tested.

Further information about the exclusive refinement programme for BMW Automobile can be found on the website www.mansory.ch

Brabus Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Widestar 2011

The new Brabus Widestar wide version represents a custom-tailored designer suit for the Mercedes-Benz 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 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. 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 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.

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.