The 800-horsepower off-road brick.
At the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Brabus unveiled a G-Class that packed 700 horsepower and a twin-turbocharged V-12 from the Mercedes Benz S600. Although 700 horsepower may seem like overkill (especially in an off-road SUV that took design inspiration from a box) it can be considered tame compared to the new Brabus 800 Widestar G-Class. This time it packs 800 horses and a 4.7-inch wider body. Talk about one-upping yourself.
The new Brabus 800 Widestar is an example of pure power. It doesn’t just look fast, ostentatious, and muscular, it has the strength to back it up. The basis of this horsepower monster is the twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-12 from the Mercedes-Benz S600. The displacement is then increased to 6.3 liters with a larger cylinder bore, new crankshaft with longer stroke, and larger pistons. Then, the cylinder heads are optimized for mixture flow and new camshafts are installed. The in-house Brabus 800 bi-turbo system is fitted with two high-performance turbochargers, special manifolds with integrated turbine housings, and four water-to-air intercoolers. Backpressure is almost non-existent after the stainless-steel exhaust with free-flow metal catalytic converters and dual side exhausts is installed, further reducing turbo-lag. With the new engine fitted, the electronics are all retuned for optimum power and low emissions.
The end result of the Frankenstein engine conversion is an astonishing 800 horsepower (788 bhp) at 5,500 RPM, and 1,047 lb-ft. of torque at 2,100 RPM. Because of the incredible amount of power, the torque is electronically-limited to 811 lb-ft. In order to handle the brute force, a reinforced five-speed automatic transmission was required. The four-wheel-drive monster is capable of a 4.0-second 0-62 mph sprint and 168 mph top speed. However, due to safety concerns the top speed is limited to 149 mph. After all, it’s still a box.
So how exactly do you make a box look more muscular? Add the Brabus Widestar wide-body of course! Brabus has added their new wide-body kit with fender flares that add a total of 4.7 inches to the width of the G-Class. Both wheel arches are seamlessly connected by restyled door moldings, and are highlighted by stainless-steel running boards with LED lighting. The new front apron does triple duty as it sends cool air to the engine and front brakes, reduces lift at the front axle, and turns night into day with six headlights and LED daytime running lights. At the rear, a new bumper with underride guard is fitted with a fog light and backup light on both sides. Improving downforce at the rear is a new roof mounted spoiler with integrated brake light.
Filling those gaping wheel wells is a set of gigantic wheels and tires. Customers can order two different forged wheels: one-piece Monoblock F “Platinum Edition” or three-piece Monoblock E evo “Platinum Edition” wheels ranging from 20 to 23 inches in size. The featured size is a massive 11J x 23 front and back set with 305/35 R23 high-performance Pirelli or Yokohama tires. While the wheel/tire combo provides improved grip, a new Brabus Ride Control smooth-ride suspension developed with Bilstein provides electronically adjustable handling. Two modes are available: a comfort mode for everyday driving and a firmer mode for enthusiastic driving. The system can also automatically adjust damper stiffness for safety. If the system detects that the current driving style may lead to safety issues, the suspension becomes firmer to maintain stability. Further improving safety and performance is the new Brabus high-performance brake system. The system features six-piston calipers with 15-inch ventilated discs at the front and four-piston, 13.6-inch discs at the rear for even greater stopping power.
The entire interior of the Brabus 800 Widestar is completely customizable. Facing the driver is an ergonomically-designed steering wheel and 182 mph speedometer, while stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated Brabus logos greet passengers. Customers can tailor their G-Class with an array of custom-tailored Mastik leather and Alcantara, contrasted by wood trim. In addition, Brabus can also furnish the wood trim in an exclusive yachting design.
The Brabus 800 Widestar Mercedes-Benz G-Class is currently available from Brabus. Pricing for the entire package has not been released.
Brabus 800 Widestar Mercedes-Benz G-Class Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 6.3 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-12
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 800 (788 bhp) at 5,500 RPM
Maximum Torque: 1,047 lb-ft. (811 lb-ft. electronically limited) at 2,100 RPM
-Stainless-steel exhaust with high-flow catalytic converters and side exhaust
-5.5-liter S 600 engine
-New camshafts
-New crankshaft with longer stroke
-Larger pistons
-Optimized cylinder heads
-New intake system
-Brabus 800 bi-turbo system
-Four water-to-air intercoolers
-Retuned ECU
Transmission:
Type: Reinforced five-speed automatic
Drive: Permanent four-wheel
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.0 seconds
Top Speed: Electronically limited to 149 mph (capable of 168 mph)
Wheels, Brakes, and Suspension:
Wheels: One-piece Monoblock F “Platinum Edition”; three-piece Monoblock E evo “Platinum Edition”
Wheel Size: 11J x 23
Tires: 305/35 R23 Pirelli or Yokohama high-performance
Front Brakes: Six-piston aluminum calipers with 15-inch ventilated discs
Rear Brakes: Four-piston aluminum calipers with 13.6-inch ventilated discs
Suspension: Brabus Ride Control smooth-ride with adjustable damping and stiffness
Exterior:
-Brabus Widestar wide-body kit; 4.7-inches additional width
-Stainless-steel running boards with LED lighting
-Restyled door sills
-Front bumper with air intakes
-Six headlamps and LED daytime running lights
-Widestar rear bumper with central reflector and fog light/backup light
-Roof-mounted spoiler with brake light
Interior:
-Ergonomically-shaped steering wheel
-182-mph speedometer
-Stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated Brabus logo
-Custom tailored Mastik leather and Alcantara
-Custom wood trim
-Optional yacht-style wood trim
Brabus 800 Widestar Mercedes-Benz G-Class Gallery
[Source: Brabus GmbH]
Would you take the Brabus Widestar 800 to its 149 mph top speed? Leave a comment and let us know!
