Brabus Builds an 838-hp S-class (The New One): It’s iBusiness Time [2013 Frankfurt Auto Show]

We have no idea whether the power-crazy folks at Brabus follow the New Zealand power duo Flight of the Concordes, but their name for the latest juiced-up Mercedes-Benz certainly suggests they're fans. That's because the tuner has christened their first modified 2014 S-class the 850 6.0 Biturbo iBusiness. Cue a YouTube shout-out to those zany New Zealanders' classic, Business Time. Okay, so the name actually is a reference to the special Apple-tastic technology suite this S-class comes packing, but given how much power the bored-out twin-turbocharged V-8 engine makes, the big sedan doesn't just mean business, it is the business. Instead of stripping down to just a pair of business socks, the Brabus 850 6.0 Biturbo iBusiness's beastly engine signals it's time to get down. The 6.0 in its name refers to the displacement of the enlarged 5.5-liter V-8 borrowed from the latest S63 AMG, the Biturbo references the dual turbochargers, and 850 is the same as the horsepower figure—as calculated in Europe. In non-funny numbers, the 6.0-liter V-8's output stands at a still-prodigious 838 horsepower. Peak torque is a staggering 1069 lb-ft, but Brabus electronically limits the elephantine twist to a mere 848 lb-ft in an effort to spare the driveline a swift death. Along a similar vein, the transmission is AMG's presumably durable 7-speed Speedshift automatic. If the Brabus's attractive forged 21-inch wheels, subtle body kit, and fender badges don't capture passersby's attention, then its butterfly valve–equipped sports exhaust system surely will. The dual-mode pipes feature a loud "sport" setting, as well as a quieter "coming home" mode. Both modes are accessible by a steering-wheel-mounted button, and we'd suggest the less-loud setting never, ever be set. Seriously—why muffle that glorious, German V-8 noise? A full complement of go-fast gear accompanies the steroidal engine, including a computer reflash, carbon-ceramic disc brakes, a 0.6-inch lower ride height, a limited-slip rear differential, a special intake, and a new exhaust manifold and downpipe. The result is a claimed 0–60 mph time of 3.5 seconds and a maniacal 217-mph top speed. Take that, Bentley Flying Spur! First Drive: 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-class / S550 Instrumented Test: 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC Sedan First Drive: 2014 Bentley Flying Spur As for the "iBusiness" part of Brabus's monster creation, well, that includes a full complement of Apple devices throughout the posh cabin. A custom Brabus-designed center console is fitted between the two rear seats, and is equipped with a docking station and a corresponding iPad Mini to control the Benz's COMAND infotainment system. The heart of the iBusiness concept, however, is a Mac Mini housed in the trunk; it powers Brabus's Remote App, which facilitates communication between mobile devices and the car. A 15.2-inch TFT display deploys from the ceiling to augment the pair of seatback-mounted Mercedes displays. Finally, as if the standard Mercedes-Benz leathers and such aren't good enough, Brabus replaces most of them with its own hides and Alacantara, and offers up a host of wood and carbon-fiber inlays to choose from. Brabus has yet to reveal just how much the 850 6.0 Biturbo iBusiness costs, but you can bet it's a lot of money. While we're slightly curious about what it's like to drive what effectively is an 838-hp limo, we, uh, okay we couldn't think of any potential drawbacks. And better still, we bet this Brabus is down for business time every day—not just on Wednesdays. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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