New Model News

Invicto Mission is the badass Brabus answer to the common G-Wagon

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Mar 11, 2020, 8:39 pm

This new take on the G-Wagon retains much of the sophistication of the SUV and adds ballistic protection, among other things.

Photo courtesy of Brabus Automotive

It's the definition of luxury; just a different looking definition than is usually talked about. The Barbus Automotive Invicto Mission is a unique, well-equipped, and priced higher than many houses in the U.S.

The model is based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Glass. Its shelter cell exterior meets original equipment manufacturer (OEM) factoring armoring standards. Its hot formed steel plates combine with 3D-printed protection parts to give the SUV a VR6 ballistic protection level. It has additionally fortified side blast protection, which Brabus says is, "at the level of a luxury state limousine."

2020 Mercedes-Benz G Wagonn Brabus Invicto Mission The SUV is designed for use by special forces.Photo courtesy of Brabus Automotive

Brabus has used new technology to advance the worthiness of the model. In their own words:

"One of the structural features of the shelter cell is the zero-joints design which means that there is absolutely no entry narrowing – similar to a vehicle armour plated in an OEM factory. The armour components are mounted to the shelter cell without any gaps. Unavoidable weld seams, on the doors for example, are achieved with material overlapping and so-called labyrinths. The design of the upper windscreen frame is also innovative."

"For the first time anywhere in the world, we're using protective elements here, which are produced in an additive manufacturing process in a 3D printer. We're definitely the first to do it," said Christian Draser, CEO, Brabus Automotive.

The Invicto Mission is built for, you guessed it, missions. It has been designed to take on the challenge of travel in challenging situations. Despite its rugged exterior, the car has a sophisticated interior that has been upgraded to accommodate the personnel that ride in the SUV and outfits they typically wear. For instance, the seats are compatible with protection vests thanks to variable foam geometry.

Brabus has equipped the SUV with a "MOLLE"-system door panels and seat backs, a roof rail system, a digital rear display mirror, the Acetech system with two touch control panels, an intercom system, and 20-inch rough profile off-road tires.

2020 Mercedes-Benz G Wagonn Brabus Invicto Mission Brabus is offering add-ons for more traditional customers that want to uplift their model.Photo courtesy of Brabus Automotive

While made for special forces, the average consumer (with a large sum in their bank account) can opt for one of three different lines of options and accessories for when they use the Invicto as a daily driver. Options include lightning and signal systems, auxiliary roof lights, a fire extinguishing system, an IR package including a night vision device, a fresh air system with ABC filter, and an escape hatch

The armoring adds about 1,000 kg to the weight of the vehicle. Brabus modified the SUV's chassis to meet the driving dynamics and life span the up fitter expects from its vehicles. Additional underpinnings have been upgraded to increase strength.

Click here to see the full specs list.

2020 Mercedes-Benz G Wagonn Brabus Invicto Mission The SUV retains much of its original capability.Photo courtesy of Brabus Automotive

Pricing? If you have to ask, you're probably not their target market. A regular G-Wagon starts at $130,900 and the 2020 AMG G 63 starts at $156,450. It's likely that the uplifting will nearly double that price tag.

From Your Site Articles
Related Articles Around the Web

 
 

VIRTUAL CAR SHOW

WHM x AutomotiveMap Virtual Car Show: April 4, 2020

Owner Chris Pulley regularly shows off this slammed Ford Short Bus at auto shows in Texas.

Photo courtesy of Chris Pulley

We're just getting started with this whole quarantine situation and if you're like the AutomotiveMap team, you're really starting to miss heading to your local car show.

The WHM x AutomotiveMap Virtual Car Show brings the best parts of the car show to your phone, tablet, and computer during this trying time. We have shared pictures of a wide variety of vehicles, submitted by car show fans across the country, below and told you the stories of the cars and their owners.

We limited this week's round to 10 entries. Click here to see last week's show.

The only thing missing is the comroaderie. Hop on over to the AutomotiveMap or WHM Facebook page and tell us what cars you loved, tag someone who would enjoy seeing the cars, and tell your friends to submit their own cars.

Click here to register your car for next week's Virtual Car Show.

1972 Chevrolet El Camino SS

1972 Chevrolet El Camino SS

Photo courtesy of Jim Meader

Jim Meader spend $6,500 for his El Camino in 2008 because, "[I] got too old to ride fast motorcycles and wanted a El Camino like I bought when I got out of the Army." That was 1972. Today, El Caminos are far less common than they were then.

Since he's owned it, he's done two frame off restorations that include powder coating the frame; adding C6 Corvette brakes, an aftermarket powder-coated suspension, 600-horsepower ZZ502 engine, 400 Turbo transmission, and a 12- bolt differential. The model has all ARP stainless hardware and wears a 1969 Hugger Orange paint job.

This car has won over 90 awards including twice winning its class at the Houston Autorama.

1962 Chevy C10

1962 Chevy C10

Photo courtesy of Tim Esterdahl

Tim Esterdahl, the personality behind the Pickup Truck + SUV Talk YouTube channel, was sold his 1962 Chevy C10 in 2017 for the high price of $1.00. The truck was in rough condition when he bought it, having served many years as a farm truck for Esterdahl's extended family. Since then, he's installed a new engine, brakes, and seat cover.

2017 Jeep Wrangler Big Bear

2017 Jeep Wrangler Big Bear

Photo courtesy of Isaac Gutierrez

Isaac Gutierrrz bought his Wrangler in 2019 and immediately set about upgrading it. He gave the car a Dv8 hood front and back bumper, 2.5-inch lift, Dv8 fender liners and fenders, Fuel Wheels wheels, KC HiLiTES off-road lights, Xkglow rock lights, a Rockford Fosgate sound system, and a TrailFX Winches winch. The Jeep has earned the nickname "Black Widow".

1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1

1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1

Photo courtesy of Ted Fontenot

Ted Fontenot purchased this Mustang from a restoration shop in 2017. Like much of America, he's a big fan of the model. "The '69 Mach 1 is one of the coolest cars [it] looks fast standing still," he said.

Though it may be hard to believe, the Mustang is all original, except its paint job. It was repainted over 10 years ago its original Wimbledon White hue.

The car was practically destined to find a home at the Fontenot household in Houston, Texas, but it almost passed them by. Fontenot's neighbor when he was growing up had a red '70 Mach 1and when his wife was a child, her mom had a '69 Mach 1. He saw this car for sale twice before he finally purchased it. The first time, he missed it by two days. The second time, he was out of work due to the Obama-era recession and couldn't justify the purchase. The third time was the charm and Fontenot jumped on it.

1968 Dodge Dart GTS

1968 Dodge Dart GTS

Photo courtesy of Larry McGee

Larry McGee of Katy, Texas plunked down $30,000 for the Dart, which he calls a "Mr. Norm Tribute". He bought the car as a daily driver rather than a show car and hasn't modified it yet, but has the intention of adding new cooling, air conditioning, and a larger carburetor.

McGee's first car was '68 Charger. He claims to always having been a "Mopar guy". He had a '67 Barracuda that he wanted to restore when he retired but it ended up having too much rust for his budget.

1957 Ford B500 Short Bus

1957 Ford B500 Short Bus

Photo courtesy of Chris Pulley

In 2015, Chris Pulley acquired this relic of the past. The Richmond, Texas resident bought the bus, "to be a marketing tool for non-profits around getting people with disabilities out doing activities." Pulled continued, "I am in a wheelchair and I thought what is cooler than a guy in a wheelchair owning a short bus."

The overall aesthetic gives the bus a hotrod feel, while maintaining the functionality of a short bus. It's a fully handicap accessible bus has an air ride suspension, 7.3-liter Diesel engine, 24-inch dually wheels, a custom interior, and unique paint job.

1966 Chevrolet Nova II

1966 Chevy Nova II

Photo courtesy of Jose de Leon

Owner Jose de Leon is very clear, "My car is not a trailer queen." He traded for the car in 2011 after learning that it took two years to build. Since he purchased it, de Leon has added disc brakes, Cal-Tracs, and a carburetor. He adds that he, "drive[s] it and it still shows great. It has several trophies even though it's not a $150k restoration."

1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1

1969 Mustang Mach 1

Photo courtesy of West Houston Muscle

This is a Mustang Mach 1 with a slightly different flavor than the one we showed up top this week. Owner Bill Mehling of Richmond, Texas purchased the car used online for $27,000. He tells the story:

"I was ready for a hobby car and always thought the '69 Mach1 was the best looking car ever! It looked great in pictures, but the car was in Minnesota. I had a pro car inspector check it out for me. He supplied a report and dozens of additional pictures. Turned out that the entire undercarriage was new and as clean as the motor! He gave it a thumbs up and the deal was done."

Mehling has modified the car a bit since it arrived in Texas. It has had its interior refreshed with new seat covers, seat foam, door panels, and interior trim pieces. He had air conditioning re-installed (the car was originally equipped with it but had its parts removed).

1997 Dodge Viper GTS

1997 Dodge Viper GTS

Photo courtesy of Travis Warden

Travis Warden from Houston, Texas, bought his 1997 Viper in 2017, a decade after it rolled off an assembly line in Michigan. It's an Exchange Heads and Cams Car that Warden bought because it's his "dream car". He says that the model has a a Moton suspension, full bolt-ons, and a road racing set up.

1972 Oldsmobile Cutless Supreme

1972 Oldsmobile Cutless Supreme

Photo courtesy of Tom Tannahill

Tom Tannahill paid $20,000 for this Olds in 2017. Tannahill's cousin was the original owner of the car, buying it new from Loveless Oldsmobile in Galveston, Texas. She kept it in excellent condition over the years and it now has 184,000 actual miles on it.

Since he purchased the car, the only thing Tannahill has done to the model is install a new convertible top. Its powertrain was rebuilt in 2008.

From Your Site Articles

 
 

Virtual Car Show

WHM x AutomotiveMap Virtual Car Show: March 28, 2020

This 1956 Ford F100 is just one of the vehicles being shown this week during the WHM x AutomotiveMap Virtual Car Show.

Photo courtesy of Christopher Koehn

It's simple. You're already online. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and feast your eyes on these cars.

The WHM x AutomotiveMap Virtual Car Show brings the best parts of the car show to your phone, tablet, and computer during this trying time. We have shared pictures of a wide variety of vehicles, submitted by car show fans across the country, below and told you the stories of the cars and their owners.

We limited this week's round to 10 entries. Click here to see last week's show.

The only thing missing is the comroaderie. Hop on over to the AutomotiveMap or WHM Facebook page and tell us what cars you loved, tag someone who would enjoy seeing the cars, and tell your friends to submit their own cars.

Click here to register your car for next week's Virtual Car Show.

2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8

2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Photo courtesy of Joseph Pritchett

Joseph Pritchett isn't the first owner of this Dodge Challenger SRT8, but the Rosenberg, Texas resident is happy to have bought it from a lot and joined the "brotherhood of muscle". He paid $31,000 for the model in 2016 and has made thousands of dollars in upgrades.

Pritchett has specially modified the model, with all work done in his own driveway. Exterior enhancements include:

  • X-lume Mopar and SRT illuminated logos on the front grille
  • Oracle halo lights in the headlights and fog lights
  • Oracle wheel ring lights
  • Carbon Creations Viper hood with a floating hood kit
  • MagnaFlow exhaust with exhaust electric cutouts
  • Custom painted red spoiler with MFR wicker bill and red exhaust tips
  • GT Styling taillight covers
  • Mopar hood pins
  • KNG front splitter
  • KNG rear diffuser
  • Staggered 22" Elegante luxury wheels, custom painted red with silver face
  • Staggered tires 265 in the front 295s in the rear
  • White Spiked lug nuts and spiked valve stem
But that's not all, Prichett also added custom white leather seats with red dual diamond stitching, Tanaka racing seat belts, 3gcutsomz door props, and a custom painted dashboard to the interior.

The trunk got an an airforce suspension aluminum air tank, two Viair air compressors, custom aluminum hard lines, a hard wood floor with clear glass cutouts, two 12" DS18 subwoofers and amp, a custom white leather molded trunk box, and red and white lights.

In the engine bay, there's a Drake strut tower brace bar, billet aluminum caps and catch can, custom painted motor accessories, a 3gcustomz ABS cover, custom painted firewall cover, a K&N Black Hawk Performance cold air intake, Dead Bird Customs clear and lighted fuse box, painted valve covers, and a Killerglass radiator hose.

1965 Ford Mustang Fastback

1965 Ford Mustang Fastback

Photo courtesy of Rashann Fontenot

"Mustangs are an American icon and this one is uniquely recreated and has tons of personality," saiid the owner of this 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback Rashann Fontenot. She and her husband purchased the car in 2017.

The car's aggressiveness has been taken up a notch thanks to some modifications including a Mustang E2 body kit, staggered wheels and tires, TMI interior, Crites teardrop hood, gloss black paint, and a molded Monzo gas cap.

1956 Ford Thunderbird

1956 Ford Thunderbird

Photo courtesy of Steve Winner

Steve Winner purchased his 1956 Ford Thunderbird in 2004 from a friend. He's always admiried 1955-1957 T-birds so he figured he couldn't go wrong by adding the '56 to his stable.

He worked with a friend to restore the car. His friend had previously restored 18 other Thunderbirds and this one would end up being his last. Together they modified the car's brakes, suspension, dashboard wiring, and cooling system. They gave the Thunderbird radial tires as well.

1956 Ford F100

1956 Ford F100

Photo courtesy of Christopher Koehn

Collector Christopher Koehn purchased this Ford F100 from Arizona in 2018. He, and it, now reside in Rosenberg, Texas. He says it has been a lifelong dream to own a F100 - he's loved it since he was in high school.

When he purchased it, he had been looking for one for several years. After laying eyes on this one, he knew that it had to be his.

Despite being modified, the model is still 100 percent Ford truck. It has a 351 Windsor engine with Edelbrock power package bored and stroked to a 414, Heidts Superide IFS Mustang II front end with four-link rear suspension, front and rear fully adjustable coil overs, Wilwood disc brakes, a four-speed TCI StreetFighter C4 transmission, fresh wood in the bed, air conditioning, power steering, and 20-inch Ridler wheels in Blue Flame Metallic.

2016 Dodge Viper ACR-E

2016 Dodge Viper ACR-E

Photo courtesy of Andrew Threatt

Andrew Thereatt has loved the Dodge Viper since it debuted. His first experience with a Viper was when he was 16 and his dad rented one for the weekend. He bought his first once used in 2013 and fulfilled a lifelong dream. He upgraded to the red model he has today because it's more aggressive and a higher-performing on the track.

For Thereatt, it isn't just how the Viper drives that he loves. It's also sharing the car with his kids and car fanatics. He says, "I feel incredibly luck[y] to live out this dream and I know many others would love to just experience it even for a minute. Any chance I get to give rides or even just let others sit in the car is one of the best experiences I can have as an owner of this amazing machine."

Since he's had the car, he's only done minor upgrades like add an oil catch can, underdrive pulley, and heat shields.

1989 Chevrolet S-10 Tahoe

1989 Chevy S-10 Tahoe

Photo courtesy of Ed White

In 1997, Ed White paid $700 for this 1989 Chevrolet S-10 Tahoe. His only other car was a '67 GTO and he needed something that he could easily gets parts for and haul stuff with.

The truck was hot rodded in '97, which included lowering the model by two inches, converting it to a five-speed, and opening up the intake and exhaust.

He started restoring the model in 2012 but it was rear-ended in 2015 then involved in a front-end collision in 2017. That was when White decided to improvise. He wanted to convert the S-10 into a Woody Roadster-like pickup.

So far, White has cut the top to be removable, added modified (shaved the step, grafted in the original Chevy wheel openings) Ford Ranger Splash pontoon fenders in place of the original bed sides, and added a '67 Camaro rear bumper. He's currently working on under-floor storage in the bed, and hooking the bed to the cab. Once that's done, the woodwork begins. His plan is to paint it Mazda's Soul red when it's all said and done.

The model is just one piece of White's woody vehicle puzzle. He already has a cruiser bicycle with wood options and a woody utility trailer. After he gets done with the S-10, he's going to work on giving a 1950s speedboat the treatment.

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special

Photo courtesy of Jason Scaturro

If his car can't go, Jason Scaturro doesn't go. He bought the car in 2016 after always wanting a 5.0-liter Mustang and it's been his daily driver ever since. He's taken it from Florida to California.

The car is equipped with a Ford Performance street pack complete suspension, Ford Performance by Borla Touring Exhaust with X pipe, slotted and dimpled rotors, a Speed Dawg shift knob, a GT350R steering wheel, a hood decal by Cruzin Graphix, JTL oil separator, and Airaid Cold Air Intake.

RPI Design gave the car a custom painted fuse box, plenum coil covers, and brake reservoir. Anything Painted did the custom painted strut tower brace, "MUSTANG GT/CS" sign, and strut tower covers.

1977 Chevrolet Scottsdale

1977 Chevrolet Scottsdale

Photo courtesy of Joey Dupree

Joey Dupree bought this truck new in 1976 for just $6,100. He had truck fever in high school and two friends that bought trucks before jealousy finally kicked in strong enough for him to purchase one from himself.

Dupree's dad always told him, "Son, you take care of your vehicle, your vehicle will take care of you." Tt's been 43 years and the truck is still going strong.

Over time, Dupree has installed a 540-ci Shafiroff engine, 4L80e overdrive transmission, a custom interior with a moved shifter and center console, cowl hood, narrowed rear end, and 31 x 18 1/2 Hoosier tires. A fuel cell has been installed in the bed by the tailgate.

1954 Chevrolet Bel Air

1954 Chevrolet Bel Air

Photo courtesy of Patrick Lindquist

This 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air spent its entire life in Bell County, Texas until new owner Patrick Lindquist purchased it in 2003 for $7,500 and drove it to Sugar Land. Now the car enjoys frequent outings to car shows all over the Houston area.

Lindquist has long held a passion for Chevys. His first car was a '53 Chevrolet. Since his purchase, the car has had its interior redone, truck detailed, and had a split manifold and dual exhaust added.

The Bel Air just turned over to 42,000 miles and it's only had four sets of tires its entire life!

2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Photo submitted by Michael Cole

This car is so "loud and rowdy" said owner Michale Cole, it's been given a fitting nickname - Tinnitus. Tinnitus is a 2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 that is the company car for High Tech Corvette in Texas.

Cole acquired the car through a trade in 2012. She's had a few modifications since then:

  • 443 big bore LSX engine
  • Brodix BR7 cylinder heads
  • Holley Hi-Ram intake
  • Yella Terra rockers
  • Manley valves
  • Custom Wiseco gas ported pistons
  • Compstar rods
  • Callies Dragonslayer crank
  • Mezierre electric water pump
  • ATI balancer,
  • Nick Williams throttle body
  • Tuned by Matt Sorian
  • Machine work done by SPS Cylinder Heads, LME, SamTech and Greg Good
From Your Site Articles
Related Articles Around the Web