Väth V63RS latest tuning option for AMG fans

There's no shortage of Mercedes-Benz tuners, and we're used to having news tips in our email box regarding BRABUS, Kleemann, Lorinser, Carlsson, etc. That's why we were curious when we received a tip about a company taht we'd never heard of called Vath. The German aftermarket company has products for the entire Mercedes-Benz lineup, the latest of which is the V63RS Clubsport based on the C63 AMG that you see here. Vath essentially leaves the exterior untouched and focuses on the performance including an upgrade of the V8 to 585 bhp and 509 lb-ft torque that will power the car to a top speed of 202 mph. Other upgrades available include a sport suspension, high performance brakes, 19-inch wheels, and sport seats. Complete cars are available at a hefty 125,000 Euros, although components can be purchased individually, as well. Just like the BRABUS Bullit Black Arrow we showed yesterday, black seems to be the color of choice.

[Via: eMercedesBenz.com ] [Tag: AMG,C63,C63 AMG,C63Amg,Mercedes-Benz,Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG,Mercedes-benzC63Amg,Vath,Vath V63RS,VathV63rs ]

New York '08 Preview: World Car of the Year finalists announced

With the New York Auto Show just around the corner in late March, the organization behind the "World Car of the Year" Awards has revealed its top three finalists. The top vehicles in each of four categories were chosen by an international panel of 47 automotive journalists reportedly committed to carrying out the process with the "...utmost objectivity, credibility, and integrity." Regardless of how spotless the chosen journalist's driving record is, it's still a subjective vote, so don't be dismayed if your favorite chunk of steel didn't make the list this year. Instead, be pleased that the majority of the vehicles are actually available in the States.Last month, the list included ten vehicles in each category. This week, the distinguished panel whittled it down to three finalists in each category. Check out the finalists in Design, Performance Car and Green Car after the jump.
2008 World Car of the Year Finalists
Ford Mondeo
Mazda2 / Mazda Demio
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2008 World Design of the YearAudi R8
Mazda2 / Mazda Demio
Volvo C302008 World Performance CarVolkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI
Past winners include the 2005 Audi A6, the 2006 BMW 3 Series, and the 2007 Lexus LS460. We'll be on the floor at the New York Auto Show on March 20 to bring you the winner for 2008. Anybody care to place any bets?

[Via: World Car of the Year ]
[Tag: Finalists, WCOTY, World Car of the Year, WorldCarOfTheYear ]

BRABUS tunes new Mercedes-Benz SL to reliably insane levels

Click above for a high-res gallery of the BRABUS SL

"BRABUS" might as well be German for, "Hey, why not?" This would seem to be the question its engineers ask themselves before they stuff ludicrous amounts of power under the hoods of Mercedes-Benz cars and trucks. This behavior is well-documented, and it continues unabated with the arrival of MB's new SL. Full wheel/tire, interior, and styling packages are a given. Backing up those enhanced looks is an assortment of tuning packages capable of providing more power than even Montgomery Scott could ever plead for.

The SV12 S Biturbo engine swap appears to have been created by someone with a severe, pathological hatred for tires. This is the same engine used in the Brabus Bullit, and it dishes out a predictably ridiculous 720 horsepower and 973 lb-ft of torque. The latter number is electronically restrained to a mere 811 lb-ft., and a top speed of well over 200 mph comes with the territory. Not interested in the full swap? No worries, BRABUS has your back. SL 65 AMG drivers can opt for the T 65 S package, which bumps the stock V12 Biturbo to 705 hp/811 lb-ft. There's a solution for the all-motor SL 63 AMG as well that packs on an additional 40 horses over stock. This pattern continues right on down the line -- even the "lowly" V6-powered cars can be tuned to deliver 327 hp/ 310 lb-ft. Bonkers. Er, BRABUS, rather.