Mercedes BRABUS 800 Roadster to Debut at Geneva Motor Show







Based on the Mercedes SL 65 AMG, BRABUS claims to have built the world’s most powerful roadster. The two-seater is powered by a 12-cylinder Biturbo engine uprated by BRABUS T65 RS tuning. It produces 588 kW / 800 hp (788 bhp) of power and a peak torque of 1,420 Nm. A sprint time of 3.7 seconds from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) and of 9.8 seconds to 200 km/h (124 mph) are testaments to the car’s performance, which is further bolstered by an electronically limited top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph).
The equipment features also include BRABUS carbon-fibre bodywork components—developed in the wind tunnel for improved aerodynamic efficiency—and custom-tailored alloy wheels with diameters up to 20 inches.
BRABUS T65 RS tuning releases the latent power reserves of the six-liter V12 engine. To this end, the BRABUS engineers have developed a Biturbo system with custom manifolds that feature integrated turbine housings and turbochargers. The tuning also includes four water-to-air intercoolers, housed in space provided by the carbon-fibre hood scoop. Another custom development for the SL 65 power upgrade is the stainless-steel exhaust system. It features free-flow metal catalysts and ceramic-coated tailpipes. An integrated butterfly valve in the exhaust provides an active sound management on the steering wheel: at the push of a button the driver can chose between a discrete “coming home” and a distinct sporty exhaust note.
The newly calibrated engine also complies with EURO V emission standards. In conjunction with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission, whose gears can be shifted automatically or manually with the BRABUS aluminum shift paddles on the steering wheel, the roadster is set to become the most powerful of its kind.
From rest the sports car weighs in at about two metric tons (2.2 tons). In order to give the two-seater better handling, BRABUS developed a special control module for the ABC suspension of the SL 65 AMG. It lowers the ride height by about 25 millimeters (1.0 inches). A BRABUS limited-slip rear differential with a locking rate of 40 percent enhances handling performance further still.
Source: BRABUS