Two hundred miles per hour; a speed normally reserved for exotic supercars, and the Brabus GLK V12.
On October 19th, 2009 in a field of super-tuned sportscars at the famous Italian Nardo circuit, the Brabus GLK V12 sent a few cars home with bruised egos. Speeding to a record 322.3 km/h (200.3 mph) the GLK set a new world record for the world’s fastest street-legal SUV.
Powered by the infamous 6.3-liter Brabus SV12R Biturbo 750 engine, the GLK packs a thunderous 750 hp at 5,500 rpm and 995 lb-ft of torque at just 2,100 rpm. Based on the Mercedes 600 V-12, the Brabus SV12R Biturbo 750 features larger turbochargers and efficient intercoolers for a tremendous amount of boost pressure. With an engine bay designed for a 3.5-liter V-6, transplanting the powerful 6.3-liter in the GLK would have had results similiar to Chris Farley’s fat guy in a little coat dance had it not been for the surgical precision of Brabus’s engineers and a reinforced drivetrain.
With such a high top speed Brabus needed to create aerodynamic bodywork in order to keep the GLK planted on the ground. A new Brabus Widestar front apron was developed in a wind tunnel, and designed to increase downforce and provide the radiators and front brakes with cool air. At the rear is a roof spoiler and a redesigned rear apron featuring custom cutouts for the stainless steel exhaust system. LED lights are built into the rocker panels, and can be operated via keyless remote or by pulling the door handle.
Hidden inside the Brabus Widestar fender flares is a unique coilover sport suspension. Designed specifically for the Brabus GLK V12, the suspension is height adjustable and has ten different settings for bound and rebound. A new brake system was developed with 12-piston calipers and 15 x 1.5 inch grooved steel discs at the front of the car, while six-piston 14.2 x 1.1 inch discs are used at the rear. A choice of five differnt 10Jx22-sized wheels are available: new Brabus Monoblock G five-spoke forged wheels, Monoblock VI three-piece wheels, and one-piece Monoblock Q, E, and S wheels. Customers have a choice of tires from Pirelli and Yokohama, with sizes up to 285/25 ZR 22.
The 200 mph SUV features a sumptuous interior dressed in a choice of leather or alcantara. Wood or carbon fiber trim is available in any color for the dashboard, center console, and door panels, allowing for a truly custom designed interior. Seven-inch LCD screens with DVD players are integrated into the backs of the front seats for passenger entertainment. A new 205 mph speedometer is fitted into the instrument panel along with a new sport steering wheel. Completing the luxurious interior are stainless steel scuff plates with an illuminated Brabus Widestar logo.
Pricing for the record-breaking Brabus GLK V12 SUV will start at 397,000 Euros.
Engine:
Displacement: 6.3 liters
No. of Cylinders: 12
Aspiration: Twin turbochargers
Exhaust: Stainless steel with free-flow metal catalysts
Horsepower: 750 hp (740bhp) @ 5,500 rpm
Torque: 995 lb-ft. (limited to 811 lb-ft.) @ 2,100 rpm
Drivetrain:
Drive: Rear-wheel
Transmission: Reinforced five-speed automatic
Differential: Brabus limited slip differential with 40 percent locking rate
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62mph: 4.2 seconds
Acceleration 0-124mph: 12.8 seconds
Top Speed: 200.27 mph
