IAA 2011: The CLS-Based Rocket 800 By Brabus

Mercedes-Benz specialist Brabus has a thing about building insanely fast cars. Now, half a decade after the presentation of what was then billed as the fastest saloon in the world, the limited run Brabus Rocket based on the first generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the German company returns to Frankfurt with a vengeance presenting a new ludicrous proposal.The successor to the original Rocket is built around the second generation of the CLS sports saloon with power coming from a heavily modified Mercedes-Benz-sourced V12 bi-turbocharged engine.
The German firm's engineers increased the displacement from 5.5-liters to 6.3-liters and made a host of other upgrades including, but not limited to, a reworked intake, newly configured on-board electronics system and redesigned high-performance turbochargers.
As a result, output is lifted to 800-horses at 5,500 rpm and an enormous peak torque of 1,420Nm (1,047 lb-ft), available from just 2,100 rpm, but limited electronically in the car to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).
A modified seven-speed quick-shift automatic transmission with steering wheel paddles along with a limited slip differential handle the transfer of power to the rear wheels.
Brabus says that the Rocket 800 can reach speeds in excess of 370 km/h (230 mph), making it the world’s fastest street-legal sedan.
And if that's not enough to impress you, the Rocket 800 goes from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds, to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.8 seconds and 300 km/h (186 mph) in 23.8 seconds!
The German company also extensively modified the car's aerodynamic properties, suspension and brakes.
On the outside, the CLS gains a wide-body aero kit that includes carbon-fiber fender flares on the rear axle that add 40 millimeters (1.6-in.) to the car's width, front and rear spoilers, a diffuser and more.
The Rocket 800 rides on 19-inch one-piece BRABUS Monoblock F wheels wrapped around tires in size 255/35 ZR19 up front and 285/30 ZR 19 in the rear.
Finally, interior improvements include a bespoke steering wheel, aluminum trim, custom upholstery and a revised instrument panel with a 400km/h (250mph) speedometer.

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Mercedes-Benz SLK New Design by Brabus

Whenever there's a new Mercedes-Benz model out, you can be sure that Brabus will be one of the first customizers to jump on the tuning bandwagon.

For the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster, the German firm has developed an extensive customization program to take care of both the styling and performance aspects of the car.
Brabus says it is currently working on more extreme engine upgrades but for the time being, an available kit promises an increase of 26-horsepower and an additional 30Nm (22 lb-ft) of peak torque for the SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY.
There are two available performance packages for the SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY. The first kit bumps output from 204HP to 230HP, while the second package lifts output to 240-horses and 370Nm (273 lb-ft) for a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 248km/h (154mph).
Those looking for a deeper exhaust note can order a stainless-steel sport exhaust system with quad tailpipes. Brabus will also add a sports suspension that lowers the two-seater model's ride height by some 30 mm (1.2-inches) and a high-performance braking system.
On the outside, the German company has developed several aerodynamic components including a front bumper with spoiler lips, side sills, a rear diffuser with a centrally mounted rear reflector and a boot lid spoiler.
There are several alloy wheel designs to choose from ranging in size from 17- to 20-inches. The larger rims are shod in high-performance tires from Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA in sizes 235/30 ZR 20 on the front axle and 275/25 ZR 20 at the back.
Finally, Brabus offers a variety of interior upgrades ranging from high-gloss polished stainless-steel scuff plates and aluminum foot pedals and shifter to bespoke leather treatments.

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New Badass Brabus 800 E V12

Well, given Brabus’ history with the sedan and coupe variants of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, it was only a matter of time before the German tuner would give the Convertible model its acclaimed “800” treatment.

And what a treatment it is: a 6.3-liter V12 biturbo with 800 hp (hence the name) that makes this car not only the most powerful, but, with a top speed of 370 km/h (231 mph), also the fastest four-seater cabriolet in the world.

The Brabus engineers drew upon their experience gained on the development of the E V12 sedan and coupe. The most powerful engine that Brabus makes is based on the 3-valve V12 of the Mercedes S 600, but with many modifications.

These include optimized cylinder heads, sports camshafts and a special crankshaft with longer stroke and larger pistons which along with the cylinders’ larger bore, increase the V12’s capacity from 5.5 to 6.3 liters.

The modifications don’t stop there. The E V12 has a new intake manifold, two exhaust manifolds with integrated turbochargers for better efficiency and no less than four water-to-air intercoolers.

The ECU is reprogrammed and the 5-speed auto gearbox had to be reinforced in order to withstand not just the power, but also the colossal torque of the V12 which can reach 1,420Nm (1,047 lb-ft) but is electronically limited to “just” 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

All this power is directed to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40%. Performance is, naturally, exceptional: apart from the 370 km/h top speed, the E V12 accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.7 seconds and reaches 200 km/h (124 mph) in just 9.9 seconds and 300 km/h (186 mph) in 23.9 seconds.

The suspension is recalibrated, with adjustable dampers, and the aerodynamic modifications to the widened E-Class Cabrio bodywork are not just made of carbon fiber, but they have been tested in a wind tunnel in order to reduce lift and provide the stability that is essential for a car with such performance.

The Brabus 800 E V12 is built to order, with its price starting from €478,000 or about US$680,000.

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