Brabus has been tuning Mercedes-Benz cars and improving their suspension for sporty drivers for over 20 years, and this year it is really pouring the power on now. All its engines meet current emission regulations despite the massive power outputs of some of them.
It also likes going after records, and has produced what it claims is the fastest sedan, although most of us think the car in question, the Mercedes-Benz CLS is a coupe. True, it has four doors, but that does it stop it being a coupe. But the point is that Brabus has increased the size of the V-12 engine from 5.5 to 6.3 liters, added twin turbos and some other tweaks to increase power to 730 bhp at 5,100 rpm! The brakes are larger than standard, as the tires, while the aerodynamics have been improved.
The Result? A top speed timed at 227 mph (362 km/h), and a 0-60 time of just under 4 seconds. The car reaches 124 mph (200 km/h) in the time many very expensive supercars get to reach 100 mph - just 12 seconds. This is one very quick muscle car.
Absolutely amazing is the peak torque of 9763 lb ft (1,320 Nm) at just 2,100 rpm, but you can't use it! Presumably to prevent things from breaking, it is limited electronically to 811 lb ft (1,100 Nm).
Price about $440,000
Brabus offers something for most Mercs. Not even the SLR McLaren escapes their attention, despite the fact that it develops 626 bhp in standard form. Actually, the increase is not very great, with a boost to 660 bhp at 6,500 rpm. The wheels and tires are also different, but this is intended as a track car - the open exhaust is too noisy for the road. It accelerates to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 210 mph.
445 bhp in Mercedes-Benz SLK
Amazingly, they have been able to squeeze a 6.1 liter V-8 into the Mercedes-Benz SLK - well, it's not so amazing really; the AMG production version has a 5.4 liter V-8, which is basically the same unit. The engine is bored out and has a long stroke crankshaft to get 6.1 liters, and it will set you back about $38,000 - that's just for the engine, the bits that go with it and installation.
What do you get? A stunningly powerful engine producing 445 bhp at 6,000 rpm compared with 360 bhp - quite a decent amount for a compact car like the SLK. And quick: Brabus quote a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds. Top speed is limited to 190 mph.
Too much power? You want to have a bit more control, maybe. Well, buy the SLK 200 Kompressor, and let Brabus breathe over the engine. They will increase power from 163 to 193 bhp, and boost torque to 192 lb ft - an increase of 10%.
