Premium Cars: New Brabus 800 iBusiness 2.0

Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist Brabus is the first company to develop a multimedia system based on the new Apple iPad 2. The tuning house integrated the new tablet computer in the rear compartment of the Brabus 800, which is a heavily modified V12-powered S-Class sporting 800 ponies and supercar-humiliating performance numbers. The iPad2 controls the on-board entertainment system and allows the rear passengers to access all functions of the S-Class' Comand system, with the iBusiness 2.0 also being capable of video conferences, thanks to the integrated cameras. Brabus engineers devised a way to integrate one or two tablet computers by creating a custom-tailored table that can be folded into the backrest of the front seat. The iPad 2 is connected via a WiFi network to a Mini Mac located in the car's trunk that serves as the central computer.

Tablet computers aside, the Brabus iBusiness 2.0 is fitted with a 15.2-inch TFT display, fixed on the ceiling between the front seats, as well as with two screens mounted in the back of the front seats. The screens can be used for watching TV or other program sources. The car also gets a 64GB Apple iPod touch that can store more than 14,000 songs. The interior is decorated with Brabus Yachting wood-trim and two-tone leather all around for a luxurious atmosphere. The iBusiness 2.0 multimedia package can be installed in any S-Class model, from the S 350 to the S 65 AMG. The latter and the S 600 can also be upgraded to Brabus 800 V12 Biturbo spec, with the engine developing 800 horsepower and 1,420 Nm of torque (1,047 lb-ft). These figures allow for a 350 km/h (217 mph) top speed and a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of just 3.9 seconds.

City Cars: Ford KA Grand Prix Editions

The city car's paintwork features contrasting vivid colors and a stripe that Ford refers to as “pretty”. A large rear spoiler and 16-inch alloy wheels complete the special edition Ka's sportier look. The stripe, grille and the side mirrors are painted in a different color from the rest of the bodywork, while the interior features seats colored in red and white, plus red leather on the steering wheel, handbrake lever and gear knob. In addition, white trim can be found on the dashboard, steering wheel and door panels. 1.2-liter 69HP engine, fitted with Ford's Auto Start-Stop system, standard equipment includes ABS, four airbags, air conditioning, remote central locking, electric windows, audio system with CD player, heated door mirrors and height-adjustable steering wheel and driver's seat. The starting price in Holland for the Ka Grand Prix is €10,995 ($15,580), with the car being available in two liveries: Sunrise with Chrystal White accents or Chrystal White with Sunrise accents (the latter costing an extra €200).

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 Driving Academy

The Experience stage is open to everyone, but in order to be allowed in the following stages, entrants must complete race track training sessions. The Warm-up and Training are more complex and intended to gradually familiarize participants with the controls of the race car and to teach them how to drive on slick racing tyres. The Competition part is where AMG fans will get all the action. Expected to start at the end of 2012, this stage will consist of individual and team races, in which contestants will drive either the SLS AMG GT3 (booking prices per event start at €1,500/$2070), or their own cars. First deliveries of the customer racing oriented SLS AMG GT3 are due in March 2011, with the net starting price being €334,000 ($461,500), or €397,460 ($550,500) with German added value tax included.