By Bonnie James/Deputy News Editor

Marking the first world premiere of Qatar Motor Show 2013, the QR1.9mn Brabus 800 Widestar G 65 AMG 12-cylinder off-roader from Mercedes-Benz was unveiled yesterday. “Most of our creations are as per order, but this is the first of a new series, and up for sale,” Brabus president and CEO Prof Bodo Buschmann told Gulf Times yesterday.
The Brabus 800 engine conversion has resulted in an output boost to 588 kW / 800 hp and 1,420 Nm instead of the standard-spec 450 kW / 612 hp and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.2 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.
The optional Brabus Widestar wide-body version, complete with 23-inch Brabus forged wheels available in various versions set the tuned off-roader far apart from the rest.
The electrically adjustable Brabus Ride Control suspension offers a perfect symbiosis of excellent ride comfort and safe, agile handling.
Sheikh Nawaf Nasser bin Khaled al-Thani, chairman and CEO of Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, described the Brabus 800 Widestar as “a true super star of the motor show” this year.
“It is a fantastic vehicle featuring some of the world’s most advanced automotive technologies. We’re extremely proud that NBK Automobiles has the privilege to showcase this superb machine for the very first time across the globe right here in Doha. This is a strong testament to our commitment to our brands and our mission to bring to market the best and the most unique models.”
Brabus engine specialists developed a high-tech Biturbo system to augment the power reserves inherent in the 6.0-litre V12 Biturbo engine. Four water-to-air intercoolers arranged under the Brabus carbon-fibre hood scoop ensure lower charge-air temperatures. This benefits power yield and durability even under extreme conditions such as in the desert. The V12 can purr discreetly in “coming home” mode or shout out its exhilarating power in the sport position.
The designers lend the classic G-Class body updated for 2013 an even more striking and dynamic profile with the Widestar wide-body version.
There are three Brabus ‘Platinum Edition’ 11Jx23 wheels to choose from: In addition to the popular Monoblock E evo and Monoblock F ‘Platinum Edition’ designs, there is now also the Brabus Monoblock R ‘Platinum Edition’ forged wheel.
The Ride Control suspension, developed in co-operation with technology partner Bilstein, offers manual selection between two setups (comfort and sports) for the two-way electrically adjustable shock absorbers.
The automatic damper adjustment switches to the firmer sports setting if the vehicle sensors detect that certain parameters such as speed, lateral acceleration and steering angle might lead to a critical handling situation and returns to the comfort mode when the driver reverts to a more moderate driving style. The interior of the G 65 AMG can also be custom-tailored to the owner’s personal preferences in the Brabus upholstery shop.