Driver's Notebook: Brabus SV-12
October 1, 2003
Gramm explains that typical Brabus customers want powerful cars they can use every day. Typically, they are business people who spend a great deal of time in their cars. “They don’t have the time to keep changing cars for every occasion,” Gramm says. “And they don’t want a car like a Ferrari that will be out of service for maintenance every 10,000 kilometers.”
Gauffres started with the V-12 used in the Mercedes S-Class and CL because of his familiarity with that engine. He went with the turbos for the torque he needed because, “otherwise we need a 10-liter engine.” The engine is bored and stroked to increase displacement from 5.5 liters to 6.3 liters. Modifications include a custom, one-piece milled crankshaft, precision-balanced pistons and rods, sportier camshafts, and a free-flowing stainless steel exhaust system.
Aside from two small, mesh-covered openings in the Brabus-designed front spoiler that let air flow to an additional transmission cooler, the exterior of the 6.3 bi-turbo SL is the same as its K8 sibling. There is no rear deck spoiler because wind tunnel tests have proved none is needed, although one will be available as an appearance option. Speaking of options, our test car belongs to Brabus boss Bodo Buschmann; as a fully equipped daily driver, it would cost about $225,000.And one more thing: In spite of what Gauffres says, we really can’t forget about the horsepower. It’s a whopping 640 horses.
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