With the 800-hp Brabus
800 V12 Biturbo twelve-cylinder high-capacity engine in the body of the open-top
Mercedes E-Class, Brabus further expands
the E V12 family. Like its brethren, the Brabus E V12 Cabriolet is a
high-performance automobile of superlatives. The special model reaches a top
speed of up to 231 mph (370 km/h) and is the world's most powerful and fastest
four-seater cabriolet. It is built to order starting at 478,000 EUR ($670,000).
In building this supercar the
Brabus engineers drew upon the know-how
gained from building numerous E V12 sedans and coupes. Precision work was
required to implant the Brabus 800 V12 Biturbo engine and a reinforced
five-speed automatic transmission in the engine bay of the E-Class Cabriolet.
The most powerful engine in the
Brabus lineup is based on the
three-valve V12 engine of the current Mercedes S 600 model. The company's
engine-building shop reengineers this engine in all aspects. A special
crankshaft with longer stroke and larger pistons in conjunction with increased
cylinder bore bumps displacement from standard 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 384 cu.
in.). Further modifications to the engine's inner workings include cylinder
heads optimized for mixture flow and sports camshafts.
The
engine peripherals are reworked just as extensively. Two special exhaust
manifolds with integrated larger turbochargers ensure a more efficient
turbocharging process. The Brabus biturbo system is rounded out with four
water-to-air intercoolers which also make a crucial contribution to the
exceptional power yield. The stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system
with four tailpipes was created specifically for the E-Class Cabriolet. The
intake side was also completely redesigned. Under the custom-built hood with
integrated carbon-fiber ram-air hood scoop is a completely newly developed
intake manifold.
The perfect interaction of all
performance-increasing measures is coordinated by newly programmed mapping for
the electronic engine management system.
The Brabus 800 V12 Biturbo powertrain, lubricated with high-tech lubricants from technology partner
ARAL, transforms the four-seater convertible into the most powerful and fastest
of its kind in the world. 800 hp (588 kW) at 5,500 rpm and peak torque
of 1,047 lb-ft (1,420 Nm), limited electronically in the car to 811
lb-ft (1,100 Nm), are as unique as the driving performance this car delivers.
The power cabriolet is equipped with a
Brabus high-performance
limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent, and sprints from
rest to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. After 9.9 seconds the exclusive
automobile already reaches a speed of 124 mph (200 km/h). The 186-mph (300-km/h)
barrier shatters after 23.9 seconds. Depending on the final-drive ratio the
Brabus 800 E V12 Cabriolet has a top speed of up to 231 mph (370 km/h).
Sophisticated aerodynamic properties are essential for directional
stability and active safety in a car capable of attaining such enormous speeds.
The sporty yet elegant Brabus aerodynamic-enhancement components were fine-tuned
in the wind tunnel, and like in Formula 1 racing they are made from ultra-light
yet high-strength carbon fiber.
The Brabus front apron is
shaped to reduce lift on the front axle and to guide a maximum amount of cooling
air to the radiators and front brakes of the V12 model. Air outlets in the sides
route the hot air away from the heat exchangers as quickly as possible. LED
daytime running lights integrated into the apron give the E V12 Cabriolet an
unmistakable appearance that can be quickly identified even in the rearview
mirror.
For further improved directional stability at
extremely high speeds and to further increase cornering speeds, Brabus widens
the body of the E-Class Cabriolet. Newly designed front sport fenders widen the
track and allow the installation of ultra-wide 9.5Jx19 wheels mounted with size
265/30 ZR19 tires.
Special carbon-fiber rear fender flares
add 2.4 inches (60 millimeters) to the width of the Brabus E V12 Cabriolet. They
create space for ten-inch wide wheels mounted with high-performance tires up to
size 295/30 ZR19, supplied by technology partners Continental, Pirelli or
YOKOHAMA.
Professional engineering work was also invested
into every detail of the suspension: special suspension components were
custom-designed for the front and rear axle of the Brabus E V12 Cabriolet. They
provide a much wider range of individual suspension settings. These components
are joined by a Brabus coil-over suspension calibrated to the higher engine
weight. The suspension was developed together with Bilstein and features ten
selectable settings for bound and rebound front and back. The ride height can
also be adjusted by up to 1.5 inches (35 millimeters) to suit each driver's personal
preferences.
The Brabus high-performance brake system easily
masters the car's incredible performance. It features 380 x 37 millimeter (15.0
x 1.45 in.), vented and grooved steel brake discs and 12-piston aluminum fixed
calipers on the front axle. The rear stops on 360 x 28 millimeter (14.2 x 1.1
in.) discs with 6-piston aluminum fixed calipers.
Naturally,
the Brabus E V12 Cabriolet also features an especially exclusive interior. The
first vehicle of the small-series production run, which celebrated its public
debut at Brabus Middle East in Dubai, the company's own branch in the United
Arab Emirates, breaks the mold in this area as well. The cockpit is clad in a
perfectly finished combination of lipstick-red and black leather.
The ergonomically shaped
Brabus steering wheel and inlays made from
genuine carbon fiber on dashboard, center console and side trim add sporty
highlights. The speedometer with 400-km/h (250-mph) dial bears witness to the
unique performance potential of the open-top four-seater car even while it is
standing still.