Looking to lose weight? Feeling that gravity is pushing you in the wrong direction? Then you, my friend, need the Brabus-animated Mercedes SL 65 AMG Roadster. Watch as those extra frontal pounds melt away, as your body is neatly compressed into the seat via 800 holy-mother of god horsepower. Botox is unnecessary, as your face is pulled relentlessly towards the rear of the car via an equal serving of torque. Set to debut at next month’s Geneva Auto Show, the new Brabus Benz is one serious open-aired beasty.
Since 1977, Brabus (aka: the house of Bodo Buschmann) has been doing very bad boutique things to a select group of Mercedes Benz automobiles. In this instance, it’s the already quick enough SL 65 AMG that gets the treatment. This new extreme treatment delivers the Brabus 800 Roadster, the most powerful of its kind to date.
Out of the showroom, the stock SL 65 and its 6.0-litre, 12-cylinder, twin-turbo engine produces a satisfactory 630 HP and 737 ft lb (999 Nm) of torque. Normally this would suffice as a space shuttle-pulling device, but not to the kids at Brabus. Mr. Bodo and company took it that extra step further and increased output to a subtle 800 HP and an Earth-moving 1,047 ft lb (1419.5 Nm) of torque.
To put these torque figures into context you need to look no further than your local Peterbilt dealership. Peterbilt’s new 579 highway hauler only surpasses the Brabus torque stats by 300 ft lb (406.7 Nm). On the other hand, the Brabus Benz handily spanks the Peterbilt by 400 HP. Luckily for Benz owners, torque has been limited to 811 ft lb (1099.6 Nm). Your neck thanks you.
A run time of only 3.7 seconds to the 100 km/h (62 mph) mark, followed by 9.8 seconds to reach 200 km/h (124 mph) puts the Brabus Benz squarely in supercar territory. An electronically-limited top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph) helps keep everything in relative perspective. Managing that power is the job of AMG’s SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission, complete with Brabus aluminum shift paddles. To ensure compliance with EURO V emission standards, Brabus mapped the engine to optimize performance while remaining cognizant of its environmental responsibilities. Cough.
The engineering/mechanical improvements to an already outstanding powerplant come to reality via Brabus’ high-tech Biturbo system. The T65 RS custom system incorporates high-performance manifolds that feature integrated turbine housings and high-performance turbochargers. Enhancing output even further, Brabus implanted four water-to-air intercoolers, in a space provided by the Brabus carbon fiber hood scoop, which resembles very closely a Mustang 500’s hood treatment. These intercoolers work to condense the air-fuel mixture, delivering a perfectly balanced stochiometric mix into the explosion chamber before being set alight.
After that, it’s up to the rubber bits at the back to do with it as they will. Managing the hot spent gasses from the V12, Brabus incorporates a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system that features free-flow metal catalysts and ceramic-coated tailpipes.
Speaking of which, one needs serious rubber acreage to competently manage this kind of power. On the front, the SL 65 is fitted with 255/30 ZR 20 tires. As for the arse end, more significant rubber in the form of 305/25 ZR 20s come mounted on 10.5Jx20 wheels. Brabus recommends high-performance tires from Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA.
Other exclusive features to the Brabus Benz include carbon fiber bodywork components to increase aerodynamics, custom-tailored Brabus wheels and exclusive cockpit options.
A wind tunnel-tested Brabus aerodynamic-enhancement kit was developed to help master speeds, while a custom front spoiler helps reduces lift on the front axle. Brabus covers for the side air vents round out the striking front for the SL 65 AMG, while management of the angry air coming out the back end is the job of a custom diffuser insert. The sides are refined with custom-tailored attachments for the air vents integrated into the front fenders, and with rocker panels.
To increase handling and aerodynamics, a special control module lowers ride height by about 25 mm (1.0 inches). A Brabus limited-slip rear differential with a locking rate of 40 percent helps facilitate additional traction control.
Customization options for the Brabus Benz include scuff plates with backlit Brabus logo, a speedometer with 360 km/h (220 mph) dial, carbon fiber and wood trim sets, and a variety of surface finishes. And of course, what 800 HP German beasty would be complete without a Brabus interior incorporated with Mastik leather or Alcantara?
Full details to be released at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show.
Source: Brabus
The difference between this and an engineered supercar is that the true supercar is built with that speed and power in mind and can therefore transfer it all to the road. This, I doubt, can.
It will be interesting to see this going around a real track or better yet, real roads. If the speed/torque hold up then GREAT, otherwise - useless...