Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Official: Brabus Tunes the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL up to 730Hp

Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist Brabus has released official information and images on its sport program for the updated 2009 SL Roadster. Brabus usually equals lots of power and the SL is no exception. The German tuner’s top-of-the-line proposition is based on the SL 600 and it’s equipped with the Brabus SV12 S Biturbo engine, developed originally for the Brabus Rocket.

The 6.3-liter bi-turbocharged V12 engine produces 730 hp of power and a whopping peak torque of 1,320 Nm (973 lb-ft), electronically limited in the car to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft). Power is transferred via a reinforced 5-speed automatic transmission and a special limited-slip differential that is available for all SL models. Brabus says that with this engine, the SL needs 4.0 sec to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) and 10.0 sec to reach 200 km/h (124 mph). Top speed is electronically limited to 350 km/h (219 mph). -Continued

Brabus also offers upgrade kits for the rest of the SL range, with the SL 65 AMG producing 652 or 715 Hp, the SL 63 AMG 565 Hp, the SL 500 (US: SL 550) 462 Hp, while the company replaces the V6 engine on the SL 280 and SL 350 with a 4.0 V6 unit producing 332Hp.

For all SL models with ABC active suspension Brabus has developed an electronic module that lowers the ride height by some 25 mm while buyers can choose between four different high-performance brake systems versions. The largest one features vented and cross-drilled front discs measuring 375 x 36 mm (14.8 x 1.4 inches), and 12-piston fixed calipers. The rear discs measure 355 x 28 mm (14.0 x 1.1 inches) and come with six-piston fixed calipers.

Moving on to Brabus’ bodykit, the SL’s appearance receives some added zest with new bumpers, LED daytime running lights as well as auxiliary high beams and fog lamps in the front and rocker panels. The German tuner also offers four different alloy wheel designs with diameters of 17, 18, 19 and 20 inches.

For the SL’s interior, there’s a large list of products including scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS-logo and an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel with shift paddles.