Photo courtesy of Brabus

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG E 63 S is one of the best driving cars you can purchase. Brabus has modified the model adding more performance and fancy appearance accents to make Ito the new Brabus 800.

Brabus has kept the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that comes standard in the model giving it a tune that has it now producing 800 horsepower. Injection and ignition mapping are new but the car retains its original nine-speed automatic transmission. Drivers can shift the car using the traditional shifter or Brabus Race aluminum shift paddles on the steering wheel. The car can go from zero to 62 mph in 3.0 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 186 mph.

Its exterior is highlighted with carbon fiber accents, which are part of a purpose-built aerodynamics enhancement package. The custom front spoiler lip and air intakes on each side above it reduce lift while the Brabus rear spoiler and diffuser do the same job out back. The car's badges have been blacked out.

Brabus 800

Photo courtesy of Brabus

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There's a valve-controlled sports exhaust system with carbon tailpipes, which allows the full baritone of the power plant shine. A variety of different exhaust modes and volume levels are available for use ranging from discreet "coming home" mode to full-on "race" mode. An adaptive suspension moves the car by as much as 20 millimeters depending on the drive mode selected.

It rolls on 21-inch forged Platinum Edition Z wheels with a 10-spoke design that have been tailor made for the car. They feature red pin striping that matches the red Brabus stripes on the car's grille. Continental, Pirelli, and Yokohama tires are available on the model.

The Brabus 800 isn't just sleek on the outside. Inside, the car has been refined as well with leather upholstery matched with stainless steel doorsills that feature an illuminated Brabus logo, which changes color to match the ambient lighting scheme chosen by the driver that is displayed throughout the interior of the model. There's also Brabus door pins and aluminum pedals.

Want more customization? Brabus's in-house saddlery is able to spec out the car based on buyer preferences as well.

Pricing for the model has not yet been disclosed. The original Mercedes product starts at over $107,000.

Photo courtesy of Heritage Customs

Paint, jewelry, and handcrafted interiors transform vintage Land Rovers into custom 4x4s

Bespoke

The Land Rover Defender's body style is iconic. The most desirable boxy, utilitarian Defenders are two generations old, right before the Defender mutated into a model that looked like an old version bred with a London's black cab. It's these models that create the basis for the new Heritage Customs handcrafted luxury take on the Defender, called the Vintage.

Heritage Customs was co-founded by car designer Niels van Roij, who recently described the customization process:

"This likeable Dutch Vintage commission features a rich, soft green metallic paint. It feels right at home next to the Heather flowers in the forest as well as on the pebble stones next to the patron's striking monumental villa. For this Heritage Customs Vintage we selected our bespoke milled aluminium side- and bonnet vents whilst non-automotive tan Nubuck leather was applied to trim the seats, dashboard as well as rear benches."

Heritage Customs Vintage: Exterior

Photo courtesy of of Heritage Customs

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Each auto has a teak wooden cargo floor with white rubber inlays, There's a Marshall speaker integrated into the cubby box. A hand-stitched tan canvas hood complements the interior color scheme while a wooden steering wheel replaces the traditional standard plastic unit. The SUV's center stack has been color-coded to the body and has metal switchgear on its fascia.

Distinctive aluminum details and color-coded extra wide steel wheels create a hardier looking luxury SUV in the example shown. A section of Heritage Customs-specific wheels are available.

Heritage Customs Vintage: Interior

Photo courtesy of of Heritage Customs

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Customers are also able to select the bumper design of their choosing, whether it's a simple, clean unit or one of the custom made bumpers and side steps that Heritage Customs Vintage offers.

LED lights on all four corners complete the package.

The price of a Heritage Customs Vintage SUV start at €40,000, excluding taxes, depending on the preferred base vehicle and individual customer requirements. All Heritage Customs projects are 100-percent tailor-made and start out with sketches, based on conversations with the future owners.

The design and construction process takes about 1.5 months. Watch the video below to see how the undertaking occurs.

Photo courtesy of Brabus Automotive

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

New Model News

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 MissionThe 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 MissionBrabus 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 MissionThe 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.

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Automotive Map is moving to Your Test Driver

New website

Big news! Automotive Map has moved to a new site and has changed its name to Your Test Driver. You'll notice the same format, writing style, and content on the new site. That's because Your Test Driver is run by Chris Teague, the former editor of Automotive Map. We hope to see you there for continued coverage of news, reviews, and features from around the automotive industry.

2023 Nissan Leaf pricing announced

Updated EV

Nissan is nearing the release of the Ariya, its first new EV in several years. Even so, the brand hasn't forgotten about its first mass-market EV, the Leaf. It was an early entrant in the space, and has been an efficient, affordable, commuter car for over a decade. The car got a mild facelift for 2023, with updated wheels and exterior styling accents. Today, Nissan announced pricing for the Leaf, which starts at just under $29,000.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf feels lively, despite middling power numbers.Nissan

The base Leaf comes with a 40-kWh battery capable of delivering a 149-mile range. Its 110-kW electric motor produces 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The Leaf SV Plus features a 60-kWh battery for a range of 212 miles. It comes with a 160-kW motor that makes 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. Nissan backs all Leaf models with an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

ProPilot Assist comes standard for the Leaf SV Plus, and brings a full suite of advanced driver aids that include adaptive cruise control, driver alertness features, and a surround-view monitor. All Leaf models get Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf SV Plus offers up to 212 miles of range.Nissan

The new Leaf starts at $28,895, which includes a $1,095 destination charge. The Leaf SV Plus starts at $36,895. The 2023 Nissan Leaf is on sale now, and may be eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to receive a state tax credit or other incentives.

2022 Nissan Altima: Three things to know

Comfortable midsize sedan

The Nissan Altima may not get the attention or the praise that the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord get, but it's a solid entry in an ultra-competitive segment. It's also one of few options in its class with available all-wheel drive. We spent a week with the 2022 Nissan Altima SR Midnight Edition with AWD and came away from the experience impressed. Here are three things to know about the car.

The 2022 Nissan Altima is a Good Value

With a starting price in the mid-$20,000 range and available all-wheel drive, it's hard to complain about value here. The Altima is still reasonably priced at the top end, where it maxes out at around $35,000 before options and fees. That's a great value for a spacious, comfortable car like the Altima, and with all-wheel drive it's a great all-weather commuter.

2022 Nissan AltimaNissan offers the Altima in several configurations.Nissan

2022 Altima Interior Space and Comfort are Generous

It's easy to ignore Nissan's Zero Gravity seats as another marketing buzzword, but they are legitimately comfortable and supportive in a way that not many others are. Available leather upholstery and contrast stitching give the interior an upscale feel, but even lower trims' cloth upholstery feels nice and works well from a visual standpoint. Up front, there's room for both passengers to stretch out, and the driver won't feel cramped on leg or headroom. Back-seat passengers get a similar treatment, as there's plenty of space for adults and kids. Parents will find an easy time loading and unloading car seats as well.

2023 Nissan AltimaThe Altima gets an update for 2023 with fresh styling and more tech.Nissan

The 2023 Nissan Altima Gets an Update

Nissan is refreshing the Altima for 2023 with a facelift, new tech, and better safety features. The new car will go on sale in the fall of 2022 and will come in several trims, including one with Nissan's truck VC-Turbo engine. The Altima's most noticeable update will be its front fascia, which is all-new for 2023. Nissan gives the car a fresh grille design that varies depending on the trim, and LED headlights will be standard. Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, and the Altima is available with all-wheel drive, ProPilot Assist, and more.