Range Rover

In their first ever cooperation Mercedes Benz and LEGO created this awesome Unimog, celebrating its 60th anniversary.

Lego's Unimog mimics the real thing with electric drives and pneumatics to power a rear-mounted grab. There are extendable stabilisers at the back to keep the Unimog level while you lift scale loads into the pick-up bed.

So far, Mercedes-Benz and Lego have yet to announce whether the Lego Technic Unimog U400 will be available in North America.






Press Release

Mercedes-Benz Unimog celebrates 60th Jubilee - Mercedes-Benz and LEGO® - first time cooperation: Unimog the biggest Technic model of all time

Wörth/München, Jun 01, 2011

• Design true to the original and just like the real thing

• real functions reproduced in LEGO format

• 2048 modules thrill adult LEGO fans

Wörth/München - Anyone who always dreamed of owning his own Unimog now has the chance to put one in his garage: The first do-it-yourself Unimog U 400 (1:12,5) will be on offer from August on: The LEGO Group, the world's third largest toy manufacturer, has created a model with 2048 elements - up to now the largest LEGO Technic model in the company's history. The impressive vehicle which links a combination of electric drive and pneumatics has been produced in exlusive cooperation with Mercedes-Benz as a true adaptation of the original down to the smallest details. As the world ' s most versatile workhorse, the Unimog pushes snow away in winter, mows motorway embankments in summer or helps to construct new roads. The so-called " Power Functions " run the pump of a pneumatically operated crane with a gripper arm that can rotate almost 360 degrees. With its gripper and the front winch, the Unimog can move any load out of the way. In addition it also has a serviceable control system and an engine which is accurate in every detail right down to the pistons. The gear unit provides good ground clearance just like the portal axles in the orginal, an individual suspension deadens jolts and the four-wheel drive guarantees mobility off-road as well. For winter use, the crane and winch can be converted into a huge snow plough. The LEGO Technic Unimog U 400 will be available from toy retailers from August on as well as from Mercedes- Benz and it costs about 190 Euros.
Mercedes-Benz Unimog celebrates 60th Jubilee
This top LEGO model comes just at the right time for the two big jubilees that the Unimog is celebrating at the moment: 60 years ago, on 3 June 1951 to be exact, the first Mercedes-Benz Unimog was created in Gaggenau and in December 2010 the 10,000th Unimog from product range U 300/U 400/U 500 rolled off the band at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth. A unique vehicle concept had been created with its outstanding off-road mobility due to its four-wheel drive and fast driving features on the road. Since then the Unimog has proved its worth not only for winter services, caring for green areas or for various work in horticulture and landscape gardening - they are also used for fighting forest fires and planting trees, digging ditches and drilling holes in the ground, as well as shunting on railway lines and disaster intervention over impassable country.
Altogether more than 380,000 units of the "Universal-Motor-Geräts (tool)" have rolled off the line. In the early days, the Unimog was produced in Gaggenau, but since 2002 it has been produced in Wörth. Daimler AG is celebrating this jubilee in 2011 with a whole variety of events.

With the introduction of Apple iPad 2, Brabus kinda felt that their iBusiness S-Class that had a couple of first-gen iPads is now obsolete. So they launched new version iBusiness 2.0 which is more powerful, more luxurious, and features iPad 2!

It features much the same ‘modern-office’ setting as the iBusiness 3D Viano and its array of iPad and iPod screens, but this time the in-car multimedia interface has been setup to incorporate the Apple iPad 2 – a first for a car, as far as we know.

The conversion of the rather staid Mercedes-Benz S-Class into the Brabus "iBusiness 2.0" begins in the boot, with a Mac Mini mounted in a leather-lined tray inside the trunk. The Mac connects up with a 15.2-inch TFT, 16:9 aspect ratio display that mechanically unfolds from the alcantara-coated headliner and can also be used as an auxiliary display for the – not one, but two – iPad 2s mounted in the electronically deployed and adjustable custom tables mounted behind the two front seats. The tables secure both the tablets and a Apple Bluetooth keyboard, and allow the Russian mobster in back to chat with his Swedish princess over Apple's Facetime video conferencing system.

Power-operated curtains provide additional privacy for rear seat passengers, who can enjoy the optional Brabus Yachting wood-trim package. The hand-created wood-trim pieces have the look and feel of a miniature ship veneer, Brabus says. Lots of leather and Alcantara fill the interior, and we’re sure the company would be happy to build a vehicle to your specifications including a choice of 19- to 21-inch wheels. While Brabus would probably prefer that its customers order an 800 iBusiness 2.0 model, the iBusiness 2.0 can be fitted into any S-Class.




Press Release

BRABUS "iBusiness 2.0" with the New Apple iPad 2
The New Generation of the Exclusive Multimedia Sedan

BRABUS "iBusiness 2.0:" Under this motto BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, Telefon + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, Telefax + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, Internet www.brabus.com) is the first company worldwide to develop a multimedia system based on the new Apple iPad 2. The tablet computer, integrated into the rear compartment of the Mercedes S-Class, controls on-board entertainment and the high-speed Internet connection: The BRABUS engineers have also developed an application that integrates the iPad2 into the on-board electronics system and enables the iPad2 to control all functions of the S-Class COMAND system from the rear seats. Thanks to the integrated cameras of the new iPad generation the "iBusiness 2.0" system is supremely suited for video conferencing. As a BRABUS 800 "iBusiness 2.0" model the high-tech luxury sedan is also the fastest office on wheels. The BRABUS 800 twelve-cylinder twin-turbo engine produces 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW and a peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft). It catapults the four-seater to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 350 km/h (219 mph).

The BRABUS "iBusiness 2.0" multimedia system perfectly integrates a choice of one or two iPad 2 tablets into the rear compartment. A custom-tailored version of the refined BRABUS table was developed for this purpose, which fits perfectly against the backrest of the front seat thanks to a custom-developed console. The electrically deployed and infinitely adjustable tabletop is covered with the same supple leather as the entire interior, and is bordered by an elegant high-gloss aluminum frame. The table features custom-tailored recesses for holding the iPad and the corresponding Bluetooth keyboard either vertically or horizontally.

The iPad2 not only controls the entire BRABUS multimedia system from the rear or the passenger seat. Due to its much higher computing power and up to nine times faster graphics compared to its predecessor it offers even more possibilities than the first "iBusiness" generation.

Via a WiFi network the iPad 2 is connected to a Mini Mac, which a serves as the central computer. The ultra-small yet powerful computer is safely housed in the S-Class trunk under the rear shelf in an electrically deployed drawer whose design mirrors the design of the computer itself.

The BRABUS electronics specialists also integrate the new tablet computer into the on-board electronics system. In this way the COMAND system and all its functions such as radio, navigation and telephone can be controlled from the rear seats.

When the iPad 2 is not in use or when the "iBusiness" is parked, it can be stored securely and hidden from sight in custom-tailored compartments in the BRABUS center console. An integrated docking station recharges its batteries.

A special BRABUS App for iPad, iPad 2 and iPhone is also part of the state-of-the-art communication concept of the luxury sedan.

A 15.2-inch TFT display with 16:9 aspect ratio serves as an auxiliary monitor for the new Apple tablet PC. The electrically deployed screen is stylishly integrated into the headliner covered with the finest Alcantara and contrasted with leather. The standard screens in the back of the front seats can be used for watching TV via DVBT or for other program sources.

High-speed USB ports integrated into the rear compartment allow connecting various peripherals to the Mac such as a digital camera. The "iBusiness 2.0" is connected to the Internet via UMTS and HDSPA.

The music comes from a 64GB Apple iPod touch that can store more than 14,000 songs. Digital television signals can be received via DVBT.

The sound is reproduced either by the sound system of the S-Class or by Sennheiser Noise Gard headphones, which filter out any unwanted ambient noise for unparalleled listening pleasure in the rear compartment.

Power-operated curtains provide privacy for the rear passengers and together with an innovative color-changing interior lighting system create a serene atmosphere.

The BRABUS all-leather interior creates an exclusive ambiance. It is crafted with utmost precision in the company upholstery shop. The two-tone combination is made from high-quality BRABUS leather, which is not only very soft and breathable but also extremely durable. Two individual power seats in the rear provide maximum seating comfort.

An unusual augmentation to the exclusive appointments is the BRABUS Yachting wood-trim package. It lends the interior of the luxury sedan a maritime feel that is reminiscent of classic Italian sport boats. All wood trim elements of the S-Class are painstakingly created by hand from hundreds of individual pieces and have the look and feel of a miniature ship veneer. The wood inlays have a high-gloss finish and meet the latest automotive quality and safety guidelines.

Scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo, an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel and anodized aluminum pedals add further individual highlights.

The BRABUS "iBusiness 2.0" multimedia system with Apple iPad 2 can be installed in any current S-Class model from the S 350 to the S 65. The twelve-cylinder models S 600 and S 65 can be upgraded by the BRABUS 800 V12 Biturbo engine and thus become BRABUS 800 "iBusiness 2.0" models, the world's fastest office on wheels.

The BRABUS high-capacity engine, lubricated exclusively with fully-synthetic Aral motor oil, produces 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW at 5,500 rpm and an even more impressive peak torque of 1,420 Nm, available from a low 2,100 rpm. In the car peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm (847 lb-ft).

These extraordinary performance figures make the BRABUS 800 "iBusiness 2.0" unique in the discipline of driving performance as well. Acceleration times from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) of 3.9 seconds and of just 10.3 seconds to 200 km/h (124 mph) are as unmatched in this vehicle category as is the electronically limited top speed of 350 km/h (219 mph).

On the outside the "iBusiness 2.0" wears a sporty yet elegant BRABUS designer suit, which was developed in the wind tunnel. The extreme driving performance is kept safely in check at all times with special solutions for tires, brakes and suspension. These solutions include BRABUS Monoblock alloy wheels with diameters ranging from 19 to 21 inches.

All-new Connectivity Solution, MINI Connected, Offers More Motoring Enjoyment.

• World-first in-car entertainment technology integrates the Apple iPhone.
• Safe, convenient, intuitive control of all functions via the MINI operating system.
• World debut of in-car web radio.
• MINI Connected brings enhanced user functionality and customization to the MINI-exclusive, Mission Control.

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey - February 22, 2010... MINI Connected, a new technology unique to MINI, opens up a new dimension of in-car entertainment. The new system will make its debut at the 2010 Geneva International Motor Show next week.

MINI Connected.
MINI Connected offers new options to further enhance the driving fun associated with the brand by intelligently connecting the driver, his MINI and the outside world. The new MINI Connected system will be launched simultaneously with the MINI Countryman, as an option on the newest member of the MINI brand lineup.

With MINI Connected, MINI is the first carmaker to offer a newly developed USB interface with functionality that enables such a high level of integration of the iPhone into the in-car audio and infotainment system. This MINI-exclusive technology provides the basis for unprecedented integration of Smartphone functions, and takes the in-car integration of modern Smartphone telecommunications, entertainment and online functions to a whole new level.

The innovative iPhone interface provides robust data exchange capabilities, allowing a range of infotainment, navigation and communication functions to be used on board the vehicle. MINI Connected also allows functions to be enhanced or personalized to the driver's individual preferences.

MINI Connected offers diversity and flexibility across a host of different functions, something new to the auto industry. The technology is future-adaptable, and will guarantee customers instant access to future innovations in the fields of entertainment, communication, navigation and information.

All of the functions integrated through MINI Connected, courtesy of the Apple iPhone, are activated and controlled using the vehicle's existing operating system. When the system is fitted with the optional MINI Visual Boost radio, the full range of MINI Connected functions can be used. The radio's high-resolution color display is integrated in the Center Speedo, and the center console-mounted MINI joystick provides convenient, simple and intuitive operation.

The existing MINI operating structure allows drivers to select and activate any function with minimal distraction from the road, so the MINI Connected information and instructions follow the MINI's familiar display logic. The system can easily be customized; applications can be selected or deselected quickly and conveniently using the vehicle controls.

World-first: the MINI Connected web radio function.
As an example of the new possibilities opened up by MINI Connected, the new web radio function will be demonstrated during the Geneva Auto Show. Once a MINI is linked to the outside world via MINI Connected, the driver has a choice of radio stations streamed to the vehicle from anywhere in the world, provided the station is available in the extensive station database. MINI is the world's first carmaker to offer this type of function as a manufacturer-installed option on a production vehicle.

Exclusive to MINI: Mission Control.
MINI Connected also incorporates the Mission Control module, which made its debut in the MINI 50 Camden anniversary model. Mission Control evaluates a vast range of vehicle information, driving situations and vehicle environment-related signals to supply the driver with relevant commentary and instructions in customary MINI style. Mission Control gives the driver an even stronger sense of interacting directly with the vehicle, reinforcing the whole concept of the MINI as a car with character and personality.

The vehicle-related signals are used to generate constantly changing, situation-dependent messages. The dialogue may take the form of safety and comfort-related advice, such as prompts to fasten a seatbelt or guidance on the air conditioning system; or it may provide information relating to the current driving situation and operating status (for example, outside temperatures or fuel tank level). The wide repertoire of messages, which marks a significant advance over previous systems, makes for a continually varied dialogue between the MINI and its driver, even in familiar and frequently recurring everyday driving situations. And thanks to MINI Connected, Mission Control now offers extensive functional enhancement and personalization options, such as a choice of language versions and driving modes.

• Audi to be the first carmaker to exhibit at the International Toy Fair in Nuremberg

• Exclusive model cars and children's toys

• Approximately 2,700 exhibitors from 59 countries - including quattro GmbH

AUDI AG will be the first carmaker ever to present a selection of its products at the 61st International Toy Fair in Nuremberg. The exhibit booth for the car brand with the four rings will present visitors with a selected range of toy models and new products from the Audi children's world. The 61st International Toy Fair takes place from February 4-9 in Nuremberg.


During its debut at the toy fair, AUDI AG subsidiary quattro GmbH will be exhibiting exclusive model cars and car-related toys, including remote-controlled cars, stuffed cars and an Audi motorsports teddy bear. Industry professionals, journalists, commercial resellers and large-volume buyers can view the world of toys offered by Audi by visiting the exhibit booth.

A special highlight for the toy fair is the Auto Union Silver Arrow Type C in a 1:2-scale version with chain drive. The stuffed TT and motorsports bear, the Audi kids' car and the Audi junior quattro will also be exhibited.


By being the first carmaker to exhibit at the Nuremberg fair, Audi is seeking to raise awareness of the diverse range of toys the company offers. "It's an exciting project," said Caroline Gerberding, who is responsible for exhibitions and events at quattro GmbH. "For the first time, the main focus of an exhibit is not to present our cars, but instead is aimed at showing off our "little" Audi world.

The International Toy Fair in Nuremberg is one of the world's leading professional exhibitions for toys and leisure products. About 2,700 exhibitors will display their wares from February 4-9.
via:world car fans