BRABUS E V12 - an understated E V12 "one of ten"
At the Frankfurt Motor Show IAA 2009 the BRABUS E V12 "one of ten" launched the fourth generation of the unique high-performance sedan based on the latest Mercedes E-Class. The limited and sold-out edition of just ten cars set itself apart with its BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 800 twelve-cylinder displacement engine with 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW, a top speed in excess of 370 km/h (230 mph) and with its spectacular racing looks that included cowlings for the rear wheel houses, and a rear wing.
Now BRABUS offers a markedly understated version of the BRABUS E V12. It features almost identical technology, wrapped in an only slightly modified E-Class sedan body, and offers the same one-of-a-kind driving experience: 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW and a peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft) accelerate the four-door car from rest to 300 km/h (186 mph) in just 23.9 seconds and propel it to a top speed of 370 km/h (230 mph).
BRABUS offers this high-performance automobile starting at 498,000 Euros MSRP.
BRABUS holds the status of automobile manufacturer with the German Federal Vehicle Registration Agency (Kraftfahrtbundesamt), and builds the E V12 based on a thoroughly reinforced body of the latest Mercedes E-Class sedan.
At the heart of the car lies the SV12 R Biturbo 800 evolution of the tried and proven BRABUS SV12 Biturbo displacement engine that fills the space in the modified E-Class engine bay. Before installation displacement of the twelve-cylinder engine from the latest Mercedes 600 models is increased from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 384 cu. in.) The increase is facilitated with a special crankshaft with longer stroke, larger cylinder bore and precision-balanced piston rods and larger pistons. In addition, the cylinder heads are re-machined and fitted with special camshafts.
The air intake system and the BRABUS twin turbo system both were developed from the ground up. The BRABUS turbo system includes two special headers with integrated turbine housings and high-performance turbochargers, and four water-to-air intercoolers. The combustion air is supplied by a carbon-fiber RAM airbox. The RAM system is integrated into the hood that features two air inlets. A stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts was also developed specifically for the E-Class platform.
Newly programmed engine electronics with custom mapping for ignition and injection coordinate all high-performance components and ensure not only the enormous performance potential but also clean emissions that meet strict EURO IV limits. The high-tech lubricants for the entire drivetrain are supplied by technology partner ARAL.
The BRABUS E V12 Biturbo engine has a rated power output of 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW at 5,500 rpm and an even more impressive peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), available from a low 2,100 rpm. In the car peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).
Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a reinforced five-speed automatic transmission and the BRABUS high-performance limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent. The BRABUS E V12 comes standard with state-of-the-art driving stability programs that can be deactivated at the push of a button.
The BRABUS E V12 delivers performance on a level that only a very few select super sports cars can hope to match: The sedan, which weighs in at 1,980 kilograms (4,365 lbs), sprints from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds. After just 9.9 seconds the four-door car reaches a speed of 200 km/h (124 mph). The 300-km/h (186-mph) mark is reached after just 23.9 seconds. The top speed of 370 km/h (230 mph) is limited electronically for use on public roads to 350 km/h (217 mph).
Favorable aerodynamics is of enormous importance to perfect directional stability. The BRABUS designers went into the wind tunnel to develop extremely lightweight yet high-strength carbon-fiber aerodynamic-enhancement components as well as understated fender flares that perfectly blend with the lines of the car. These flares add 36 millimeters (1.4 inches) to the width of the E-Class body.
The BRABUS front was designed to replace the original apron and provides radiators and front brakes with an optimal supply of cooling air. Side air vents provide an optimal heat exchange. The apron's sophisticated shape markedly reduces aerodynamic lift on the front axle.
Air vents located behind the wheel arches were integrated into the front fenders. They are also vital to the thermal health of all components in the engine bay and help vent the front wheel houses to reduce lift on the front axle.
The rocker panels route the air stream to the slightly flared rear wheel arches with minimum turbulence.
A new rear apron with integrated diffuser and two cutouts for the characteristic tailpipes of the BRABUS quad high-performance exhaust were also developed for the BRABUS E V12. The rear spoiler lip on the trunk lid creates a perfect aerodynamic balance with the front axle.
The wider fenders make room for the wider track which translates into excellent directional stability at high speed. BRABUS Monoblock Q wheels in size 9.5Jx19 can be mounted front and back. The high-performance tires necessary at such high speeds are supplied by technology partners Pirelli and YOKOHAMA. The front axle features size 265/35 ZR 19 tires, the rear axle sports size 285/30 ZR 19 tires.
The BRABUS coilover suspension is calibrated specifically to this tire/wheel combination and the resulting wheel loads. The ride height of the suspension can be adjusted to the owner's individual preferences. But that's not all: Compression and rebound rates of the front and rear dampers can be adjusted in ten steps between very comfortable and extremely firm for use on the racetrack. Sport sway bars reduce body roll in fast corners.
No compromises either when it comes to brakes on the BRABUS E V12: The high-performance sedan features 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers and vented and grooved steel brake discs measuring 380 x 37 millimeters (15.0 x 1.5 inches) on the front axle. The rear axle stops on six-piston aluminum fixed calipers gripping discs measuring 360 x 28 millimeters (14.2 x 1.1 inches). The BRABUS high-performance brake system incorporates all functions of the standard Brake Assist system of the Mercedes E-Class.
The interior of the car exudes a feeling of true exclusive luxury. The sporty-contoured custom front seats, the two rear individual seats and the entire interior are upholstered with a combination of Alcantara and smooth and perforated leather. The entire vehicle floor is covered with square-patterned leather. It alone uses several miles of the finest thread, every inch of it sewn with utmost precision.
The ensemble is completed with custom-tailored carbon-fiber components for dashboard, center console and door panels. The BRABUS E V12 can be optionally equipped with a cell phone from premium manufacturer Vertu. This exclusive cell phone from the "Vertu Ascent Ti Carbon Fibre" limited edition of 1,500 phones features a titanium housing with the sides clad in black carbon fiber. This especially exclusive phone features 3G and quad-band technology as well as an integrated hands-free option, and represents state-of-the-art communication technology.
The BRABUS E V12 can also be ordered with comprehensive business package or with a multimedia package that represents state-of-the-art communication technology.
