skip to main |
skip to sidebar
The Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9, which was launch in 1975, was based on the W116 model series and embodied fame, luxury, as well as power. The car borrowed the 6.9-litre V8 engine from the powerful State limousine 600, which was equal to a Rolls-Royce in fame and luxury. The result was a maximum torque rated at 550Nm, which was an absolute record for a car at its time and also quite massive even by today's standards, and its peak power was 286hp (210kW).
Now thanks to the package from Lorinser, the 1975 Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9 jumps to the modern era. The styling is changed quite significantly. Wide square plastic aprons up front are installed in the place of the original slim chrome bumpers. It’s the same for the rear which then featured more a copious shape with Lorinser double exhaust pipes.
The tuner says that although the car rides on a hydro-pneumatic suspension system and keeps the ride soothing, it still handles well for its age. Cornering is apparently quite safe and road grip is firm. The steering wheel is nimble as it gives the driver incentive to keep pushing.
Performance figures suggest this golden oldie can still hang out with some of the best from today. It goes from 0 - 100km/h in 7.4 seconds using its 205/55 VR 16 wheels and the 3-speed automatic gearbox. BBS furnished the multi-spoke wheels because at that point Lorinser did not produce its own. The engineers reckon wider tyres would probably help bring the sprint time down. Top speed is 225km/h.
There is no price provided but anyone who has now acquired a taste can contact Lorinser directly to purchase it.
German tuner Lorinser is best known for modifying Mercedes-Benz cars for the past few decades. Now the company has tried their first ever Asian adaptation. Meet the Lorinser Lexus LS 460, which is an excellent result and the first Lexus Lorinser has tuned.
The Lorinser kit for the LS sedan is indeed an attractive appearance package consisting of a body kit with new front and rear bumpers, new alloy wheels, side skirts and new exhaust tips.
No power work was done under the hood of the German-tuned Japanese luxury sedan, since the 380hp (280kW) V8 engine and its 5.7 second 0-62mph (100km/h) time were deemed good enough.
Engineers first subtly attacked the front fascia with a new spoiler that incorporates new, round foglights. The front bumper also appears to be a bit more squared off, giving the car a more stately appearance. Side sill changes are substantial, but not aggressive, and warn onlookers that the car has some power under its hood.
Modifications at the back are a bit more noticeable, although Lorinser kept the 460's rear light cluster intact. A rear wing has been added on to the boot, and a new apron has been installed. These show more sporty characteristics, as the apron incorporates an air inlet, race-inspired grill, and quad-tipped dual exhaust. The package is rounded off with custom made light-alloys.
Lorinser hasn't let out the pricing or availability of its Lexus LS460 upgrade kit or revealed if any further upgrades are in the works.
