Photography By Patrick C. Paternie
Brabus 6.1
April 1, 2006
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Indicate the presence of a larger displacement Brabus engine. (Click
image to enlarge)
Stivi, who was born in France, grew up in Israel, where he served in that
country’s Special Forces. “But I was nuts then,” he says with a grin. He moved
to the United States 20 years ago and founded a company called Direct Measures
International, which provides security services and training to government
officials, business leaders, and other high-profile individuals around the
world. Among his clients–the only ones he will name–are Larry King, Arnold
Schwarzenegger, Warren Beatty, and Warren Buffett. Stivi also trains law
enforcement and military units, such as the Navy SEALs, in survival techniques
and tactical threat control. Stivi coordinated the selection and installation of
the security and survival systems for the UTV, while Brabus handled the
performance, luxury, and appearance modifications.
To outrun trouble before it begins, the UTV had its original 302 hp V-8
replaced with a larger 6.1-liter V-8 from the Brabus catalog. The new engine
produces 426 hp. It also has plenty of torque (458 ft lbs at 4,100 rpm) to
easily haul the added weight of extra electronics gear, ballistic protection,
survival systems, and a tank full of the oil slick in the trunk. The engine has
been treated with NRG 24/7 advanced engine oil and fuel concentrate to protect
against a sudden loss of engine oil or contamination of the fuel system.
To cope with the added power and weight, Brabus added sport suspension and
high-performance brake packages. The UTV rides on Brabus-designed 18-inch
modular wheels with run-flat tires measuring 245/45 in front and 275/40 at the
rear.
Exterior changes include an aerodynamic body kit featuring a more aggressive
front apron that incorporates quad high-intensity driving lights, side skirts,
and a lower rear valance. Interior enhancements–aside from those special red
switches–include a sport steering wheel, gearshift lever, aluminum pedal covers,
illuminated stainless steel doorsill plates, and custom leather trim.
Safeguard Security & Sound installed the 500-watt Nakamichi sound system
with a TV, DVD player, satellite radio, and the rear-view camera.
Now let us examine what sets the fast, responsive, well-equipped luxury UTV
apart from the crowd–especially the bad element in that crowd.; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Red trim accents the interior. (Click image to enlarge)
Up front, high-power halogen headlamps are paired with flashing
emergency-style red, blue, and clear strobe lights. The taillights include
flashing red strobes. The UTV can also operate in a lights-off stealth mode
thanks to an infrared night-vision camera behind the front grille and a device
that preempts traffic signals, similar to those used by fire trucks and other
emergency vehicles.
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