Wednesday 2nd March 2011

Brabus 700 Biturbo: The 213mph Mercedes SLS

Nutty German tuner works its magic on the already rapid SLS AMG

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For those who feel that the Mercedes SLS AMG is a bit wet, Brabus has come up with the answer at the Geneva motor show: the SLS-based Brabus 700 Biturbo.

As with all the most exciting products that emanate from the Bottrop-based firm, the 700 Biturbo is basically a Mercedes with the volume turned up to 110 per cent. The car's performance figures are therefore pretty epic: a 213mph top speed (up 16mph on the 'regular' SLS), 0-62mph in 3.7secs (an improvement of a traction-limited 0.1secs) and 0-124mph in 10.2secs.

This is done essentially by bolting a pair of turbochargers to the 6208cc AMG V8 to create 690bhp and 626lb ft of torque at 4300rpm.

The 'B63' conversion isn't as simple as that, though: Brabus also chucks in a chunky intercooling system, new air filters, a bespoke exhaust that includes high-performance catalytic converters, and a reprogrammed engine management system.

Perhaps the most innovative tweak, however, is that Brabus's engineers have fitted a left-turning turbo for the left bank of cylinders. This, Brabus informs us (for our engineering bent is not enough to allow us to understand such things properly), "allows the turbine and its inlet to be designed for perfect gas flow and gas dynamics", which basically means the engine is more responsive than would otherwise be the case. We think.

Of course, a Brabus would not be a Brabus without a moderately outlandish bodykit, and the 700 Biturbo duly delivers, with various carbon fibre oddments, 'Widestar' flared rear arches that add 20mm to the car's width, and 20-inch wheels at the front and 21s at the rear.

[tomv1to]

Oh the SLS just got better, but is it possible to just get them to upgrade the engine and leave the exterior of the car alone.

I love the SLS. If I won the lottery the first place I'd go would be the nearest mercedes benz garage to place an order for one.

[722Adam]

Absolutely awesome.

[Dan S]

Yep. Standard SLS definately not quick enough. Idiots

[Great Pretender]

GP likes this.

[PhatPhil]

Dear Santa...

[British Beef]

It amazes me how quick these tuners come out with bespoke performance packages for new cars.

How can they run a test mule for any decent amount of time to determine reliability?

Gain 200 bhp or loose 200kg? I would choose the slimfast option.

[tangerine_sedge]

Is it just me, or is this strap-a-massive-engine-to-the-latest-MB getting a little old? How about these companies actually doing something new or relevant for a change?

[JumpinJack]

I don't like this... I fking love it!

God bless you brabus!

[Great Pretender]

tangerine_sedge said:

Is it just me, or is this strap-a-massive-engine-to-the-latest-MB getting a little old? How about these companies actually doing something new or relevant for a change?

Well the recipe's been working for the last 40-odd years...

[FraserLFA]

Dan S said:

Idiots

Who?

[soad]

One for the dream garage

[LukeBird]

Fantastic!

[gumsie]

tomv1to said:

Oh the SLS just got better, but is it possible to just get them to upgrade the engine and leave the exterior of the car alone.

I love the SLS. If I won the lottery the first place I'd go would be the nearest mercedes benz garage to place an order for one.

No you wouldn't cos I'd have bought them all already with my lottery win. Seriously though, lovely motor in the flesh - saw one today in Sevenoaks. Thought the Brabus one would have been quicker tho.

[Mastodon2]

tangerine_sedge said:

Is it just me, or is this strap-a-massive-engine-to-the-latest-MB getting a little old? How about these companies actually doing something new or relevant for a change?

Someone must be buying them! While I think Brabus cars sometimes look a little too outlandish (20" wheels?!) their stuff is seriously cool. Older Brabus cars like the Rocket are supremely awesome, if I were rich I'd have one for sure.

I sat in a Smart Brabus roadster the other day, although I admit that this is a little different to a real deal Brabus!

[zakelwe]

But the original engine does 560bhp and that is a nice crisp normally aspirated 560bhp in tune with the chassis.

So they add turbo's, twin turbo's at that and only get another 130bhp? If you are going to shift the accent to the power then for this gain wouldn't a linear supercharger be better? Twin turbo's to me means sacrificing one thing for another and that would mean 800+

This seems to fall between two stools and I think it would be horribly expensive.

Andy

[wackojacko]

[y2blade]

BRB

[y2blade]

lol Jacko...great minds think alike

[wackojacko]

y2blade said:

lol Jacko...great minds think alike

[Stu R]

Is that a canoe in my pocket or... phworrr