Brabus: We’ve Made the World’s Most Powerful Roadster

E-kereta | August 29, 2006 | 0 Comments

The Mercedes SL-Class is set to continue its long success story after the latest product update. The Brabus engineers and designers have left no stone unturned to make the roadster even sportier and more exclusive. Equipped with the Brabus SV12 S Biturbo twelve-cylinder twin-turbo engine that delivers 730 bhp, the SL 600 turns into the world’s most powerful roadster. 0 – 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and 124 mph after just 10.9 seconds speak to its prowess as does its top speed electronically limited to 217 mph.

More power by increasing displacement is one of the core philosophies behind the Brabus SV12 S Biturbo engine. The displacement of the twelve-cylinder three-valve engine is increased from 5.5 to 6.3 liters with the help of a billet steel crankshaft, larger cylinder bore, special pistons and piston rods. The conversion also includes re-machining the cylinder heads and fitting them with special camshafts.

The peripherals of the twin-turbo engine also play a large role in the engine’s power yield. The Brabus engineers have also developed a completely new turbocharging system with two larger turbochargers and more efficient intercoolers. Metal catalysts with low back pressure let the Brabus SV12 S Biturbo displacement engine breathe more freely.

The Brabus SV12 S Biturbo Engine

Rated power output jumps from standard 517 bhp at 5,000 rpm to 730 bhp at just 5,100 rpm. Simultaneously peak torque grows from 613 lb-ft to 974 lb-ft, available from 2,100 rpm. Custom engine mapping ensures that peak torque in the car is limited electronically to 812 lb-ft.

Performance of the powerful two-seater speaks volumes: With a sprint time of 3.8 seconds from rest to 60 mph, 10.5 seconds to 124 mph, 29.5 seconds to 186 mph and an electronically limited top speed of 217 mph, the Brabus SV S 12 Biturbo roadster is one of the fastest sports cars in the world.

Form and Function at the Highest Level of Perfection

The Brabus aerodynamic-enhancement parts are available for all current SL models and give the SL a sporty yet elegant appearance while at the same time providing aerodynamic benefits. At high speeds they reduce lift on the front axle and thus further improve directional stability.

For the latest SL generation the Brabus designers have developed a strikingly styled front fascia whose sophisticated shape reduces lift on the front axle. The large central air inlet further optimizes cooling of engine and front brakes. The high-quality Pur-R-Rim Brabus front fascia with its four auxiliary headlights is designed to be fastened to the original mounting points and thus simply replaces the production bumper.

The Brabus rocker panels smooth the airstream between the wheel arches and come with a useful extra feature: Pushing a button on the keyless-entry remote or pulling on an inside door handle activates four LED entrance lights on either side of the car. They illuminate the ground next to the vehicle and help to avoid unfortunate missteps in the dark.

The Brabus designer suit for the new SL is rounded out by the Brabus rear fascia with integrated diffuser. It too was designed to replace the original part and fits precisely in its place.

Just as important for a customized look are one-piece or multi-piece Brabus Monoblock light-alloy wheels that can be mounted on the two-seater in various designs and diameters ranging from 17 to 20 inches. The largest possible version for the R 230 series SL features multi-piece Brabus Monoblock VI, S or E wheels in size 9Jx20 in front with size 255/30 ZR20 tires. On the rear axle the wheels measure 10.5Jx20 with Pirelli or Yokohama tires in size 305/25 ZR20.

For further improving the incredible handling of the latest SL roadster Brabus has developed an electronic module for the ABC suspension that lowers the ride height by about half an inch.