G-Whizz

Brabus builds the fastest brick in the world...

By Chris Rosamond / Friday, 20 February 2009 / Loading comments

Brabus has found a typically understated way to celebrate 30 years of Mercedes G-Wagen production – by building ‘the world’s most powerful off-roader’.

If you thought the AMG G55 was the ultimate incarnation of the iconic G-Class, it could be time to think again. Brabus has dramatically aced the G55’s pitiful sub 500bhp by shoehorning a 700hp twin-turbo V12 under the Geländewagen’s bonnet.

The engine has been lifted from the Mercedes S600, but has been upsized from 5.5 litres to a mighty 6.3 litres. The Brabus engine mods include a new longer-stroke crankshaft, larger cylinder bores and revised cylinder heads with bespoke camshafts.

‘Peripherals’ have been upgraded too, with larger turbochargers, optimised inter-cooling and a high performance exhaust system that exits via chrome-plated tailpipes ahead of the rear wheels. New engine mapping completes the picture, allowing maximum output while still meeting EURO IV emission regs.

The Germans call their new baby the Brabus GV12 S Biturbo, and claim it offers performance almost unimaginable for a true off-roader. In its G-Class configuration the Brabus S V12 S displacement engine produces 700hp (690 bhp) at 5100rpm. Peak torque of 973 lb-ft is delivered at 2100rpm.

The result? Driving through a special five-speed auto transmission the GV12 S catapaults from 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds. Top speed has been limited to 150mph, although the G’s brick outhouse aerodynamics mean the theoretical maximum would not be much more – just 163 mph according to Brabus.

The car features a body kit package that is perhaps surprisingly understated given the potential performance, and a handcrafted leather interior. The only downside we can see is the price. If you want to order one at the Geneva motor show you’ll need to convince the nice salesman you’ve got €400,000 in the piggybank