km : Aftermarket and Industry News

Today, Mercedes-Benz tuning house Brabus made quite a splash at the Dubai International Auto Show, an event we didn't even realize was home to any debuts. Since the debut of the Mercedes-Benz GLK-class, the company has apparently been hard at work doing what it does--squeezing a tuned twin-turbo V12 into every model in the Mercedes lineup.

The V12 in question is the same Brabus SV12 Biturbo 750 that powers the firm's psychopathic Brabus Bullit, based on the current C-class. It starts its life as a normal S600 motor, but is enlarged from 5.5 to 6.3 liters, gets larger turbos, and is retuned by Brabus. It makes 750 hp and 995 lb-ft of torque, but is limited to 811 lb-ft once it is connected to the poor transmission, which can't handle that much twist. This GLK has been converted to rear-drive and Brabus installed a limited-slip differential to help spread the pain to two different patches of pavement. Despite the wild engine and performance exhaust system, the GLK V12 still complies with Euro IV emissions standards.

Thus equipped, the GLK V12 runs to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds and hits 200 km/h (124 mph) in just 12.8 seconds. Top speed is a claimed 211 mph, but in official record testing at the Nardo the GLK hit 200.3 mph. What a shame, really.

Having lots of power is only part of the top speed equation, of course, so Brabus also paid a lot of attention to making the GLK V12 slipperier. The front apron was developed in a wind tunnel and features air dams that deliver cold air to both the radiators and the front brakes. A carbon fiber lip spoiler helps high speed stability. Fender flares give the GLK a more aggressive look and help open up for space for fat rubber, while the rear gets a new bumper and a roof spoiler to cut lift. Wheels are 22 inches in diameter and come in five different Brabus designs, wearing 285/25ZR33 rubber. Like everything else, the GLK's suspension was also redone and is lowered and features ten different bound and rebound settings.

Other than the interior, which can be spec'ed out many different ways, the last of the changes are brake-related. Crazy 12-piston calipers pinch 15-inch rotors up front, while six-pot units squeeze 14.2 inches of metal in the back. All rotors are vented and slotted. Pricing starts at 397,000 Euros for the world's fastest five-door.

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