November 21, 2007 German automotive performance specialist Brabus has added to its long list of automotive records by achieving 330.6 km/h (205.2 mph) in a Maybach 57 at the high-speed test track in Nardo, Italy. Labeled the world’s fastest and most exclusive ultra-luxury sedan, the high-perfomance Maybach 57 is powered by a 6.3-liter, 730-hp/ 537-kW BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine originally developed for the BRABUS ROCKET, the record breaking four-door car based on the Mercedes CLS series which set a speed record for street-legal sedans of a head-spinning 365.7 km/h (227.2 mph) back in October 2006.
The previous record for the Maybach 57 was set in 2005 at 314 km/h (195 mph) with a 640hp version of the SV12 Biturbo engine. The additional grunt has been added to the turbocharged 12-cylinder engine by increasing engine displacement and developing a crankshaft with longer stroke, precision-balanced piston rods and larger pistons to accommodate the increased bore. The engine has also received modified cylinder heads and special camshafts with two larger turbochargers, more efficient intercoolers and a stainless-steel exhaust system with metal catalysts also added to boost performance.
Everything is kept ticking-over by a custom-programmed engine electronics package that also keeps the engine in-line with EURO IV emission limits and limits peak torque to 1,320 Nm (974 lb-ft) is limited by the engine electronics to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft). Not surprisingly the standard 250-km/h (155 mph) speed limit has been removed.
Underneath, BRABUS suspension engineers added an air-suspension module that lowers the ride height by some 15 millimeters (0.6 inches) and also developed forged 21-inch BRABUS Monoblock VI light-alloy wheels specifically for the Maybach that are shod with 275/40 R 21 tires in front and 315/35 R 21 tires on the rear axle.
Earlier this year BRABUS also laid cliam to the title of "The World’s Fastest and Most Powerful Coupe". See the BRABUS site for further reading.
