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2009 BRABUS Mercedes S600 SV12 R Review

September 2009
Filed under: BRABUS Car News | BRABUS Headlines
The BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 750 engine is a prime example for the old adage that nothing can replace displacement except more displacement. A special crankshaft with longer stroke, forged pistons with a larger diameter and an increased cylinder bore result in a displacement increase from standard 5.5 to now 6.3 liters (336 to 385 cu. in.). In addition the inlet and outlet ports of both cylinder heads are optimized for improved mixture flow. Four special camshafts also contribute to that same effect.

The BRABUS engine specialists further equip the engine with larger turbochargers, a more efficient intercooling system and a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with four tailpipes and metal catalysts with low back pressure. Newly programmed engine electronics ensure that all new components work together flawlessly. They also contribute to maximum power yield and to meeting current exhaust emission limits.

The rated power output of 750 hp (740 bhp) / 552 kW at 5,500 rpm produced by the BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 750 engine is as superlative as the peak torque of 1,350 Nm (995 lb-ft) at 2,100 rpm. In the car peak torque is electronically limited to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

This extraordinary performance makes the BRABUS SV12 R not just the most powerful but also the fastest luxury sedan in the world: 0 " 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.0 seconds, 200 km/h (124 mph) after just 11.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 340 km/h (211 mph).

Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a modified five-speed automatic transmission. An optional BRABUS locking differential optimizes traction. All BRABUS powertrain components are operated exclusively with ARAL high-performance lubricants.

BRABUS also offers performance tuning for the S 600 and S 65 models. The list ranges from the T12 performance kit for 580 hp (572 bhp) / 419 kW to the T 65 S performance tuning that boosts power output of the S 65 model to 715 hp (705 bhp) / 526 kW.

This enormous performance potential of the BRABUS SV12 R places the highest demands on the cars aerodynamic properties. The aerodynamic-enhancement components for the facelift generation of the Mercedes S-Class were designed from scratch. The BRABUS designers went into the wind tunnel to develop a striking front apron whose sophisticated shape reduces lift on the front axle. The large centrally located air duct optimizes the cooling of engine and front brakes. Integrated auxiliary headlights and LED daytime running lights further improve active safety.

To make the S-Class sedan even more extravagant the BRABUS designers have developed custom-tailored front aluminum sport fenders that replace their production counterparts. The exclusive appearance is characterized by an air vent made from clear-coated carbon and a horizontal brace that spans the outlet with embossed BRABUS signet and integrated LED lights. The latter are activated just like the ones in the BRABUS rocker panels via the keyless remote or by pulling on a door handle.

For optimizing the airflow around the sides of the vehicle the designers shaped BRABUS rocker panels that feature integrated entrance lights for added utility. They are activated by the keyless remote or by pulling on a door handle as are the blue-illuminated BRABUS logos integrated into the scuff plates on both sides of the vehicle.

The BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement concept is rounded out by the BRABUS rear spoiler lip and the new rear apron for the facelift-generation of the S-Class. The latter features a centrally located reflector and custom cutouts for the BRABUS quad sport exhaust system. The underside of the rear apron also features integrated LED lights which illuminate the ground behind the vehicle. They help avoid any unfortunate missteps into puddles of potholes lurking in the dark.

The enormous performance of the BRABUS SV12 R is kept safely under control with custom-tailored solutions for tires, brakes and suspension. They include BRABUS Monoblock light-alloy wheels with diameters ranging from 17 to 21 inches.

The largest version features size 9Jx21 wheels on the front axle and size 10.5Jx21 in back. Customers can choose from three different designs: Three-piece forged and high-gloss polished BRABUS Monoblock VI wheels with six double spokes, Monoblock E multi-spoke wheels and the especially exclusive Monoblock F PLATINUM EDITION forged wheels with cross-spoke design. All versions are fitted with Pirelli or YOKOHAMA tires in size 265/30 ZR 21 in front and in size 295/30 ZR 21 on the rear axle.

For all S 350, S 500 and S 350 CDI models with short wheelbase BRABUS also certified Monoblock VI, E, G, Q and S wheels in size 10Jx22 with high-performance tires in size 275/25 ZR 22 in front combined with size 295/25 ZR 22 tires on the rear axle. Thanks to a tire design specifically calibrated for luxury sedans and high-performance coupes the new BRABUS tire/wheel combination offers sporty and agile handling combined with excellent ride comfort.

The large wheels also create the necessary space for installing the BRABUS high-performance brake system with 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 380 x 36-mm (15.0 x 1.42 inches) vented and cross-drilled discs in front, and 355 x 28-mm (14.0 x 1.1 inches) discs and six-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the rear axle.

The finest entertainment and communication technologies on board a luxury sedan capable of reaching 340 km/h (211 mph): BRABUS has developed a business concept for the Mercedes S-Class that combines exclusivity, state-of-the-art technology and meticulous craftsmanship at the highest level of perfection.

At the heart of the system is an ultra-slim 3-GHz notebook computer housed safely in a docking station inside an electrically deployed drawer in the trunk, underneath the rear shelf. The tablet PC notebook can be easily removed for use outside the vehicle.

The entire BRABUS business concept equipment is operated via a second COMAND controller conveniently placed in a special console integrated into the rear compartment. This ensures that the user of the PC system has no problems operating the system if and when he or she moves from the drivers seat to the power rear seats or vice versa. The console in the rear also houses a color printer.

A 15.2-inch 16:9 TFT screen serves as computer monitor. It is integrated into the supple leather of the headliner and deploys and retracts at the push of a button. The BRABUS computer is connected to the internet via UMTS. Two USB 2.0 ports integrated into the rear compartment allow connecting various peripherals such as a webcam for video conferencing or a digital camera. The printer is housed in a custom-developed console located between the rear seats.

To display the images from digital TV, DVD, Blu-Ray disc or game console the BRABUS interior specialists have developed an interface that transmits the signals to the extendable screen in the roof and to the standard screens in the back of the front headrests. Also available for the S-Class are special BRABUS seat consoles with integrated tables that deploy at the push of a button. The table tops are bordered by elegant aluminum frames and are available in the same wood grains as the factory trim options of the S-Class or in custom BRABUS veneers or even covered with leather. The angle of the table top is infinitely adjustable and the tables offer ample space for perusing documents or for the wireless keyboard of the BRABUS computer system.

The computers integrated MP3 player can store more than 5,000 songs. The sound is carried by Sennheiser Noise Gard headphones that filter out unwanted noises for unparalleled listening enjoyment.

Maximum individuality and comfort in the interior is another specialty of the BRABUS interior designers. That includes electric curtains that provide the rear passengers with privacy. But thats not all: The list of options ranges from scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo to ergonomically shaped sport steering wheels to stainless-steel pedals.

Especially exclusive is the newly created BRABUS Yachting precious-wood combination of maple and tropical Wenge wood, which lends the luxury sedan a maritime ambiance. In traditional craftsmanship hundreds of individual pieces are used to recreate every piece of wood trim in the S-Class in the style of a miniature ship veneer. The combination of maple and Wenge woods features traditional open pores but is sealed according to the latest automotive guidelines.

As a stylish and perfectly crafted complement the company upholstery shop created an elegant fully leather interior in a combination of light-beige and dark-brown leather that is especially soft, breathable and extremely durable.

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