Happenings

BRABUS E V12 Coupé

BY Joel Tam

Based on the new Mercedes E-Class Coupé, the BRABUS E V12 Coupé is a luxurious 2+2-seater powered by a Biturbo 12-cylinder engine that produces 800bhp and a peak torque of 1,420Nm. Phwoar!

Drawing upon decades of experience in developing and building high-performance vehicles, the BRABUS 12-cylinder engine was fitted into the engine bay of the two-door E-Class. Displacement of the engine is increased from 5.5 to 6.3 liters with the help of a special crankshaft, larger cylinder bore and correspondingly larger pistons. Both 3-valve cylinder heads are optimized for mixture flow, and fitted with sport camshafts.

In addition, the BRABUS engine specialists have developed a precision engine management system that controls injection, ignition and driving dynamics systems. The result is an optimal combination of impressive power yield and eco-friendly emissions that meet strict EURO IV exhaust limits.

The BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 800 engine produces 800 bhp and an even more impressive peak torque of 1,420 Nm. Enabling the car to sprint from 0 –100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds, to 200 km/h in 9.9 seconds, and reaches 300 km/h after a mere 23.9 seconds. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a reinforced five-speed automatic transmission and a BRABUS high-performance limited-slip differential. The BRABUS E V12 comes standard with state-of-the-art driving stability programs that can be deactivated at the push of a button.

BRABUS programs are available at AutoVox.

The extreme performance also places highest demands on the vehicle’s aerodynamic properties. The BRABUS designers went into the wind tunnel to develop a body conversion kit made from high-strength yet especially lightweight carbon fiber.

To make the BRABUS E V12 Coupe not only a superior road warrior but upon request also an extremely sporty racer on the track the suspension was completely redesigned. The redesign includes special suspension components on front and rear axle that offer a wider range of individual suspension settings.

These measures are complemented by a BRABUS coil-over suspension that features a multitude of selectable settings for bound and rebound. The shock absorbers on the front and rear axle feature ten selectable settings for bound and rebound. The ride height has an adjustment range of 35 millimeters (1.4 inches). Sport sway bars can further minimize body roll during fast cornering.

The wheels are 9.5 inches and 10 inches wide with 265/30 ZR 19 ruber mounted on the front axle and 285/30 ZR 19 on the rear axle. The BRABUS high-performance brake system meets the toughest demands, on the road or on the track. The front axle features 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers and vented and grooved steel brake discs measuring 380 x 37 mm. The rear axle stops on six-piston aluminum fixed calipers gripping discs measuring 360 x 28 mm.

BRABUS has developed special carbon-fiber sport fenders with integrated air vents for the front axle. Special carbon-fiber rear fenders add 60 millimeters (2.4 in.) to the width of the coupe on the rear axle. The BRABUS E V12 Coupe runs on especially wide wheels fitted with high performance tyres from Pirelli or YOKOHAMA.

The stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts was also custom-tailored for the confined space under the E-Class Coupe.

The BRABUS rear apron with carbon-fiber diffuser features a centrally mounted reflector and custom-tailored cutouts on either side for the BRABUS quad sport exhaust system.

Underneath the custom-made hood with integrated carbon-fiber RAM airbox is space for a completely newly developed air intake system. This twin-turbo system was designed from the ground up for the new E V12 generation.

It includes two custom high-performance headers with integrated turbochargers and four water-to-air intercoolers.

The interior combines sporty character with luxurious ambiance. An ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel is part of the equipment list of the BRABUS E V12 Coupe as are sport seats upholstered with the finest leather.

The seats provide excellent seating comfort and lateral support. Genuine carbon-fiber trim on dashboard, center console and doors adds further sporty highlights.

The BRABUS front was designed to reduce lift on the front axle and to provide all radiators of the V12 with an optimal supply of cooling air. Air outlets in the sides route the air quickly away from the heat exchangers. Another important design feature was to provide the front brakes with cooling air. Integrated LED daytime running lights further increase active safety.

The BRABUS rear spoiler is essential for well-balanced aerodynamics at high speed.

Rocker panels with integrated illuminated BRABUS logo and LED entrance lights route the air stream along the sides with minimum turbulence. They also lend the two-door car a longer, sleeker appearance.