Brabus builds the fastest and most powerful four-seat convertible in the world.
Brabus has a habit of stuffing monstrous V-12s into unsuspecting Mercedes-Benz vehicles. In the past few years the German tuning powerhouse has fitted their V-12s into the S-Class, GLK-Class, G-Class, E-Class. The current-generation of Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212 has been one of the biggest receivers of the V-12 transplant with the sedan and coupe variants. Now, Brabus has taken the four-seat cabriolet model and given it an outrageous transformation.
The formula for success stays the same for the rest of the E V12 models. Take the 5.5-liter V-12 from the S 600, increase the cylinder bore to a 6.3-liter displacement, add larger pistons and a new crankshaft with a longer stroke, add optimized cylinder heads and sport camshafts, subtract the stock transmission and replace it with a reinforced five-speed automatic, then press the throttle to result in the world’s most powerful four-seat convertible! Well, maybe it’s not that easy, but the engineers at Brabus were familiar with the conversion after building them for the sedan and coupe E-Class variants.
The Brabus EV12 Cabriolet does receive a few special engine upgrades. A new stainless steel high performance exhaust system was designed specifically for the drop-top E-Class. The intake is also exclusive, and has been redesigned with a new intake manifold and integrated carbon fiber ram-air hood scoop to suck in cool air. The 6.3-liter is fitted with two redesigned exhaust manifolds and larger turbochargers for even more boost pressure. To handle the intense amount of heat created, four water-to-air intercoolers have been installed. The entire system works in harmony thanks to a reprogrammed engine management system.
The total output of the engine is nothing short of mind-boggling. A total of 800 horsepower (788 bhp) at 5,500 RPM and 811 lb-ft. of torque is furiously sent to the rear wheels. The engine is capable of 1,047 lb-ft. of torque, but had to be electronically limited for reliability reasons. Helping put all the power to the road is a limited-slip differential with 40-percent locking rate. The 6.3-liter V-12 can propel the Brabus E V12 Cabriolet to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds, 124 mph in 9.9 seconds, and 186 mph in just 23.9 seconds. Depending on the final drive ratio, a top speed of 231 mph (370 km/h) can be reached.
Putting all 800 horsepower to the road without constantly spinning the tires is a challenge. Brabus has fitted 19-inch five double-spoke wheels that measure 9.5 inches wide up front and 10-inches wide at the rear. The multi-piece wheels wear special 265/30 ZR 19 front and 295/30 ZR 19 rear tires made by Yokohama, Pirelli, or Continental. To handle the added power and engine weight, the front and rear suspension was given custom-designed components and the entire chassis received a Brabus coil-over system developed alongside Bilstein. A number of personal settings can be activated with adjustable bound and rebound settings along with a 35 mm adjustable height. Behind the wheels lies a Brabus high performance brake system. The front axle wears 380 x 37 mm ventilated and grooved steel discs with 12-piston (yes you read that right) aluminum fixed calipers, while the rear utilizes 360 x 28 mm discs and six-piston calipers for unrelenting stopping power.
All this power isn’t packed into a sleek and unassuming wrapper. The aerodynamically-optimized exterior is equally as extravagant as what’s hidden beneath the hood. All of the new bodywork was thoroughly tested in a wind tunnel to ensure to ensure high speed stability. The front is fitted with a new apron that reduces front axle lift and redirects cool air directly to the engine and brakes, while air outlets along each side help dissipate heat. Integrated LED daytime running lights give the Brabus E V12 a meaner, more ferocious face. Both the front and rear fenders have been widened, with the rear axle gaining 60 mm (2.4 in.). The rear sports a new spoiler that helps to generate downforce at high speeds and keeps the convertible planted to the tarmac.
The interior is both sporty and indulgent. Facing the driver is a Brabus ergonomic steering wheel and a 400 km/h (250 mph) speedometer. Carbon fiber inlays adorn the dashboard and center console. The first car of the production run (pictured) also features lipstick red and black leather, with subtle “V12” logos stitched in the headrests.
The new Brabus E V12 Cabriolet is quite possibly one of, if not the, best convertible models of 2011. It has the heart of a monster, a sinister face, and an extravagant interior. Not to mention it’s also the most powerful and fastest four-seat convertible in the world. What else can seat four and hit 231 mph? Brabus will only produce a limited number of the E V12s, with prices starting at € 478,000 (+/- 667,500 USD).
Brabus E V12 Cabriolet W212 Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 6.3 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-12
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 800 (788 bhp) / 588 kW at 5,500 RPM
Maximum Torque: 1,047 (1,420 Nm); electronically limited to 811 lb-ft. (1,100 Nm)
-Crankshaft with longer stroke
-Larger pistons
-Cylinder bore
-Optimized cylinder heads
-Sport camshafts
-Special exhaust manifolds
-Larger turbochargers
-Four water-to-air intercoolers
-Stainless steel high-performance exhaust system with quad tailpipes
-Custom ram-air intake and new manifold
Transmission:
Type: Reinforced five-speed automatic
Drive: Rear-wheel
-Limited slip differential with 40 percent locking rate
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.7 seconds
Acceleration 0-124 mph: 9.9 seconds
Acceleration 0-186 mph: 23.9 seconds
Top Speed: 231 mph (370 km/h)
Wheels, Tires, Suspension, and Brakes:
Wheels: Multi-piece, five double-spoke
Front Wheels 9.5J x 19
Rear Wheels: 10J x 19
Tires: Pirelli, Continental, or Yokohama
Front Tires: 265/30 ZR 19
Rear Tires: 295/30 ZR 19
Suspension: Brabus/Bilstein coil-over system with adjustable settings and up to 35 mm lower height
Front Brakes: Twelve-piston fixed calipers, 380 x 37 mm vented and grooved steel discs
Rear Brakes: Six-piston fixed calipers, 360 x 28 mm vented and grooved steel discs
Exterior:
-Front apron with air inlets/outlets and integrated LED daytime running lights
-Widened front and rear fenders; rear 60 mm wider
-Rear spoiler
-Rear bumper with integrated exhaust pipes
Interior:
-Custom tailored design
-Ergonomic steering wheel
-Carbon fiber dashboard and center console trim
-400 km/h speedometer
-Custom leather and upholstery options
Brabus E V12 Cabriolet W212 Gallery
[Source: Brabus]
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