June 28, 2006 German Performance vehicle manufacturer Brabus has pushed its own world record for the world’s fastest sedan from 350.2 km/h (set by the 298,000 euro 640 bhp Brabus E V12 Biturbo earlier this year) to an incredible 362.4 km/h set at Nardo in Southern Italy by the 348,000-euro (US$437,575) Brabus Rocket, a new small-series production vehicle based on the new Mercedes CLS series. The heart of the new record car is the twin-turbo V12 engine from the latest Mercedes 600 models, suitably worked to increase displacement to 6.233 litres and with a maximum power output of 730 bhp (537 kW) at 5,100 rpm. The engine is capable of producing a peak torque figure of 1,320 Nm, but is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm, available from a low 2,100 rpm, all the way through the range. The Brabus Rocket accordingly accelerates like there’s no tomorrow, particularly given its luxury girth, achieving 0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 10.5 seconds, 0-300 km/h in 29.5 seconds, and just so you don’t do anything silly, the car is limited electronically for street-legal operation to 350 km/h. Extensive image library and full story on this outrageous four door “family sedan.”
The heart of the new record car is the twin-turbo V12 engine from the latest Mercedes 600 models. It was fitted into the tight confines of the four-door with almost surgical precision. Brabus increased displacement to 6.233 litres with a special crankshaft, larger cylinder bore and forged pistons. In addition the engine was extensively modified internally: airflow in both intake and outlet manifolds of both cylinder heads was optimised and sport camshafts were installed.
The Brabus engine specialists further equipped the engine with custom-developed larger turbochargers, a more efficient intercooling system and a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with four exhaust pipes and low backpressure metal catalysts. Newly programmed engine electronics orchestrate the perfect interaction of all new components and contribute not only to maximum power yield but also to meeting the latest EURO IV emission limits.
After the engine conversion, which is also available for all current Mercedes-Benz 600 and 65 models fitted with a twin-turbo V12 engine, the Brabus S V12 S Biturbo engine is the most powerful engine of German origin available with a maximum power of 730 hp / 537 kW. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a modified five-speed automatic transmission and the Brabus locking differential.
The Brabus Rocket engine and the entire drive train are operated with high-performance lubricants from technology partner ARAL.
Naturally, the unique performance of the world's fastest sedan must be kept safely in check at all times. In order to do so Brabus in cooperation with Bilstein has developed a custom-calibrated height-adjustable coil-over suspension with gas-pressure shocks for the Rocket. The shocks feature six settings each for compression and rebound damping.
Maximum size and state-of-the-art materials characterize the brake system. The front axle features vented ceramic brake discs in size 375 x 36 mm and 12-piston aluminium fixed callipers. Vented and perforated steel discs in size 355 x 28 mm and 6-piston aluminium fixed callipers on the rear axle complete this efficient and strong brake system.
The giant size of the brake components and the enormous vehicle performance necessitate the use of Brabus Monoblock VI or S light-alloy wheels with 19-inch diameter. Brabus technology partner Yokohama made the record run possible with the help of its ADVAN high-performance tires. The perfect tire/wheel combination for the Brabus Rocket features 8.5Jx19 wheels in front with 255/35 ZR 19 tires and 10Jx19 rims with 285/30 ZR 19 tires on the rear axle.
Specifically for the Rocket the Brabus designers have developed a front apron with large air inlets for optimal airflow to radiator and oil coolers. Like all other Brabus body components for the four-door the front spoiler received its final aerodynamic touches in the wind tunnel. It not only reduces lift on the front axle but also contributes to a further improved drag coefficient.
Its aerodynamic counterpart on the rear axle is the custom-developed Brabus rear spoiler lip. It emphasizes the bow-shaped design of the rear and together with the front apron improves directional stability by minimizing aerodynamic lift.
Integrated lights are the main feature of the Brabus rocker panels and rear apron. Pushing a button on the keyless-entry remote or pulling on a door handle activates five LED lights on either side and in the rear. They illuminate the ground on both sides and behind the vehicle for added user friendliness in the dark.
The Brabus rear apron is the perfect stylish backdrop for the four tailpipes of the Brabus high-performance brake system. Its integrated diffuser is also part of the refined Brabus aerodynamic-enhancement concept for the Rocket.
The Brabus Rocket also meets the expectations of the most discriminating customers when it comes to the interior of one of the world's most exclusive automobiles. Soft and breathable Brabus Mastik leather and Alcantara are part of the exclusive Brabus ambiance as an ergonomically shaped Brabus sport steering wheel and the speedometer with 400-km/h scale.