Surprise with bite for Brabus' 30th

Mercedes-Benz aftermarket hot house Brabus is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, the German tuning outfit will unveil what it calls a "true automotive wolf in sheep's clothing" at next month's Frankfurt motor show.

The toned-down Brabus is a deviation from the company's usual method of matching standout styling with the models' respectable substance.

Brabus says its latest reworked Merc will have almost indiscernible exterior modifications but we can expect a supremely spirited powerhouse under the bonnet. Pictured here poking through wraps, that bonnet appears to belong to the more sheepish among Mercedes' line-up, the C-Class.

If that's the case, it will be interesting to see how Brabus ups the ante on AMG's V8-powered C 63 (more here) with its 336kW of power and 600Nm of torque, and sub-5sec standing start to 100km/h. Brabus won't release any specifications until the show, but the Carsales Network will be in Frankfurt to bring you details as soon as the "sheep" is unveiled.

Now considered the world's largest independent auto tuner, Brabus was founded in 1977 by Bodo Buschmann. In 1996 the Brabus E V12 set a new world record for fastest street-legal sedan in the Guinness Book of World Records, with a top speed of 330km/h. The CLS-based Brabus Rocket now holds the record, with a top speed of 365.7km/h.

Brabus has also redesigned its website for the 30th anniversary celebration. Visitors can download catalogues, watch videos and take an online tour of Brabus' factory in Bottrop. Go to brabus.com

The 62nd Frankfurt International Motor Show runs from September 13-23, 2007. Remember to visit the Carsales Network for all our news from this year's Frankfurt show.

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