Exclusive refinement for a unique automobile: BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, fax + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, Internet www.brabus.com) now also customizes the sixth generation of the Mercedes SL. The measures include a striking BRABUS designer outfit, thrilling alloy wheels up to 20 inches in diameter, even more agile handling as a result of professional suspension tuning, a power increase to 520 hp (512 bhp) / 382 kW for a top speed of up to 300 km/h (186 mph) for the 500 SL, and interior options custom-tailored to the owner’s personal style.
Sporty-elegant body styling components, tuned in the wind tunnel for maximum aerodynamic efficiency, are the BRABUS designers’ specialty. With or without AMG Sport package: Custom-tailored front fasciae, add-on components for the side sills and rear fasciae were developed for both body styles of the SL. There is also a BRABUS rear spoiler and side air vents for the front fenders. For a perfect fit all components are manufactured in OEM quality from high-grade PUR plastics.
Just as important for a custom look are the OEM-quality BRABUS Monoblock wheels, which can be mounted on the new roadster in four different designs and with diameters of 18, 19 and 20 inches. The largest combination to fit the R 231 model series SL features BRABUS Monoblock F, Q or R wheels in size 9Jx20 in front with size 255/30 ZR 20 tires and size 9.5Jx20 wheels with 295/25 ZR 20 tires on the rear axle. BRABUS recommends high-performance tires from Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA.
To be able to further improve upon the already high level of driving dynamics of the new Mercedes roadster BRABUS has developed custom-tailored suspension components in collaboration with technology partner BILSTEIN. BRABUS sport springs are available for the SL 350 with conventional steel suspension. For all SL models with active ABC suspension the BRABUS suspension engineers have developed an electronic module that lowers the ride height by about 25 millimeters.
This makes the SL 500 the perfect beneficiary of even more power. The BRABUS B50 – 520 PowerXtra CGI power kit wrestles an additional 85 horsepower from the 4.7-liter eight-cylinder Biturbo engine. BRABUS recommends using fully synthetic high-performance motor oil from MOTUL.
The BRABUS PowerXtra module with plug-and-play design is integrated into the engine electronics to generate more power as a result of special mapping for injection and ignition as well as of moderately increased boost pressure. But that’s just one part of the equation. The conversion also includes an auxiliary water-to-air intercooler powered by an auxiliary electric pump. The drop in charge air temperature benefits not only power yield but also engine life even under extreme operating conditions such as in the desert, for example.
After the conversion the engine puts 520 hp (512 bhp) / 382 kW instead of the standard 435 hp (429 bhp) / 320 kW on tap, accompanied by a peak torque of 820 Nm (604 lb-ft). Consequently the two-seater accelerates to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. The BRABUS Vmax unit, another component of the engine tuning, allows limiting the top speed electronically to 250, 275 or 300 km/h (155, 172, 186 mph).
A BRABUS stainless-steel sport exhaust system with four chrome-plated tailpipes is indispensable for an SL with BRABUS high-performance engine. It is also perfect for all roadster owners longing for a sportier exhaust note and a more striking rear appearance of their two-seater. BRABUS will offer a version with butterfly valve for the SL 500 shortly. It will allow choosing between a soft and a thrillingly sporty exhaust note via a button on the steering wheel.
The BRABUS limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent can improve handling even further.
The two-seated cockpit can receive even more individual character and luxury attributes at BRABUS. The product lineup ranges from scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo and a speedometer with 320-km/h or 360-km/h dial (200 mph or 225 mph) to carbon-fiber or fine wood trim sets in any imaginable color and with a variety of surface finishes.
The company upholstery shop creates exquisite BRABUS interiors from especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara.
In Detail
| type | Series Production Car |
| built at | Germany |
| engine | BRABUS B50 M278 V8 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Twin Turbochargers |
| block material | Aluminum wSilitec Liners |
| valvetrain | Chain-Driven DOHC |
| fuel feed | Direct Injection |
| displacement | 4663 cc / 284.55 in³ |
| bore | 92.9 mm / 3.7 in |
| stroke | 86 mm / 3.4 in |
| compression | 10.7:1 |
| power | 387.8 kw / 520 bhp |
| specific output | 111.52 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 291.48 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 820 nm / 604.8 ft lbs @ 1800 rpm |
| redline | 6300 |
| body / frame | Aluminum Body |
| front tires | 255/30 ZR 20 |
| rear tires | 295/25 ZR 20 |
| front wheels | F 50.8 x 22.9 cm / 20 x 9 in |
| rear wheels | R 50.8 x 24.1 cm / 20 x 9.5 in |
| f suspension | Optional ABC |
| r suspension | Optional ABC |
| curb weight | 1784 kg / 3934 lbs |
| 0 – 100 kph | ~4.6 seconds |
Keyword: 2012 Brabus SL 500