Brabus Boosts Output of New V8 BiTurbo in Mercedes S500 and CL500 and S63 and CL63 AMG Models

Longtime Mercedes-Benz tuner has released a performance package for the latest S500 and CL500 as well as the S63 and CL63 AMG models, which are fitted with Stuttgart’s new V8 bi-turbocharged engines. In addition to the powerplant enhancements, the German tuning firm has also developed a range of cosmetic and handling upgrades.

Starting with the S500 and CL500 models, Brabus offers two different engine tunes for the 4.7-liter twin-turbocharged V8. The first kit includes a new ECU priced at €4,900 (~US$7,160), which bumps output from 435HP and 700Nm to 482HP and 780 Nm (575 lb-ft).

In addition to the software optimization, the second kit (priced at €5,900 or about US$8,630) adds a supplementary intercooler lifting power to 520-horses and 820 Nm (604 lb-ft). When equipped with this package, both the S500 and CL500 reach a top speed of 300 km/h (188 mph) in combination with the Brabus Vmax Unit.

Moving on to the S63 and CL63 AMG models, Brabus’ tuners developed a package that includes an ECU optimization and a water-to-air intercooler powered by an electric auxiliary pump, priced at €5,900 (~ US$8,630). After the conversion, the 5.5-liter BiTurbo V8 produces 584HP (+40HP) in standard form and 620HP (+49HP) and 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft) of peak torque when equipped with the optional AMG performance package.

The most powerful variants with the 620HP tune complete the 0-100km/h (62mph) in 4.3 seconds and in combination with the Brabus V/max Unit, reach a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph).

Other available components for the S63 and CL63 AMG include a sport exhaust system with a flap control that allows the driver to adjust the sound of the exhaust, a limited-slip differential with a locking rate of up to 40 percent, and an aero kit with a front spoiler, rear diffuser and carbon trims.

Both the standard and AMG models can also be equipped with Brabus’ alloy wheels ranging in size from 19-to 21-inches, as well as numerous interior refinements.

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150 Years Old 3D Photos of the Civil War | 3D stereo photography

Although 3D appears to be a new technology, it is not quite. 3D stereo photography first became popular around the time of the Civil War in 1861. In fact, many Civil War photographs were made specifically to be viewed in 3-D.
The Library of Congress recently released thousands of stereographic photos of the Civil War to the public, offering people a fascinating glimpse into the period of Civil War in three dimension. The original images were available as two 2D images which the Library of Congress is in the process of digitally converting them into anaglyphs. Once converted, the images will require special red-blue 3D glasses to see them in its full glory.


At the Library’s own Web site you can see more than 2,000 original Civil War glass plate and vintage card stereos. According to this Flickr page, there are more than 50,000 stereographs, spanning the 1850s to the 1930s and covering an encyclopedic array of subjects.
At the Library of Congress website you can currently view some 350 stereographs pertaining to the Civil War. The Congress will be adding more stereograph images each week until the whole collection is online. That would be some treasure.

Stone church in Centreville, Va. during the Civil War.

General Ulysses S. Grant leaning over a bench to examine a map held by General George G. Meade at a council of war in 1864.

Petersburg railroad depot in Richmond, Va., during the Civil War.

A group of nine men pose in front of a tent with a surveying instrument at left. The two men seated center and right are most likely Frederick W. Door and John W. Donn. The officer seated to the left is William H. Paine who invented the steel tape reel worn by the man standing on the right. Standing second from right appears to be Allan Pinkerton. Photograph from the main eastern theater of war, the Peninsular Campaign, May-August 1862.

Photo shows ordinance in a Union artillery park near Petersburg, Va.
Sources: Flickr, Library of Congress Blog

Report: Renault Captur to Spawn two Production Models within the next two Years

It seems Renault's funky Captur concept that premiered in Geneva won't remain just another design study, as the French automaker is planning to build two production models inspired by the small crossover, according company insiders quoted by Autocar. The first version will be a small five-door crossover similar in size to the Nissan Juke, with which it will share the platform.

The other will be a three-door version with different design features – think of something in the likes of the three-door Range Rover Evoque, but on a smaller scale. The three-door version is rumored to feature a coupe-like body, which could be the first of its kind in this class and will represent Renault in the premium supermini segment, where it will compete with models like the Citroën DS3 and Mini Cooper.

According to the report, the deadline for the launch of the production versions is 2013 for the five-door model with the three-door model following shortly after.

Each Renault concept car revealed after the 2010 Paris Motor show illustrates a what the company describes as the “cycle of life”, with the Captur being inspired by the “explore” theme. The next design study will be a van inspired by the theme of “work” and hint at the next generation Kangoo. It is expected to debut at the Frankfurt auto show this autumn.

By Dan Mihalascu

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