BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 800 Claims the Title of World’s Most Powerful Luxury Sedan

This here is the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class-based Brabus SV12 R Biturbo 800. With 800 hp (597 kW) and 1,047 lb-ft (1,420 Nm) on tap, the R800 sets a new milestone in the luxury segment, while dwarfing the S65 AMG in the process.

This luxo-barge-on-steroids uses the same V12 engine that originally came with the BRABUS E V12. That means that the displacement has been increased from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 385 cui), by using a special crankshaft with longer stroke, larger pistons and corresponding larger bore.

A new air intake is also used, alongside high-performance manifolds and water-to-air intercoolers.

While the engine is capable of delivering a peak torque of 1,047 lb-ft (1,420 Nm) at 2,100 rpm, for technical reasons (as in not to tear apart the transmission) it has been limited to 'just' 811 lb-ft or 1,100 Nm. Even so, the five-speed automatic transmission had to be thoroughly strengthened.

BRABUS claims that the SV12 R Biturbo 800 is also the world's fastest luxury sedan with an electronically limited(!) top speed of 217 mph (350 km/h). Breaking the 62 mph (100 km/h) "barrier" in just 3.9 seconds is no small feat either.

Naturally, the suspension, brakes and aerodynamics have been heavily modified, so that your average oligarch can safely wring every ounce of performance out of this beast.

Wheels come in three sizes, from 19 to 21 inches, and in four "flavors": three-piece forged and high-gloss polished BRABUS Monoblock VI wheels with six double spokes, multi-spoke Monoblock E wheels, Monoblock S wheels with double-spoke design and Monoblock F PLATINUM EDITION forged wheels with cross-spoke design. Pirelli or Yokohama offer the matching rubber, in sizes 265/30 (front) and 295/30 (rear).

The tour de force continues in the cabin, where countless combinations of leather or Alcantara and exclusive wood trim sets are available. The iBusiness multimedia system deserves a special note, as it's for the very first time that various Apple components have been fully integrated into the vehicle electronics of the Mercedes S-Class.

There's no information on the price yet, but surely it will match all the other specs. And who cares? If you really want the fastest opulence there is, you'll surely find a way to "has it..."

By Csaba Daradics

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Read more »

Mercedes-Benz Considering to make Next S-Class a Hybrid-Only Lineup, U.S. Dealers Say 'Nein'

The next-generation of Mercedes-Benz's S-Class flagship limo -including the high-performance AMG models- which is due to go on sale in Europe in 2012 and in North America the following year, could be offered exclusively with hybrid powertrains if the company's bosses get their way.

According to a report from Autonews citing inside sources, the premium automaker's board is considering the shift to hybrids and the elimination of models with only internal-combustion engines for a number of reasons.

These include to help meet tightening European CO2 emission and tougher corporate average fuel economy standards in the United States, as well as to highlight the company's hybrid technology and to compete against Lexus which is considered the leader in premium hybrid vehicle sales.

However, some of Mercedes-Benz's U.S. dealers are not liking the idea of a hybrid-only S-Class range as they believe that hybrids are "not perceived as true performers in the market" and that the switch "would change the perception of the brand."

Tommy Baker, chairman of the Mercedes-Benz dealer board and a Charleston, S.C., Mercedes dealer, told Autonews: "The most important thing in the American market - regardless of hybrid, lithium or electric cars - is that we Americans are different than any market and we are going to want those gasoline engines. For S-class buyers the goal is not gas mileage."

Currently, Mercedes-Benz offers only a mild-hybrid version of the S-Class, the S400 HYBRID that uses a 279HP 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine, a 20HP electric motor installed in the torque converter housing between the engine and the 7-speed automatic transmission and a set of lithium-ion batteries. The car cannot be driven on electric power only.

If Mercedes-Benz's board gets its way, all version of the next S-Class including the AMG variants, will be full-hybrids capable of operating in electric-mode only.

According to an inside source, a decision by the company's board is expected within three months.

Via: Autonews (Sub. Req.)

Read more »

Mercedes-Benz Showcases New 5.5-liter Bi-Turbo V8 on Retro-Dressed S63 AMG

It's time for Mercedes-Benz's naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 that powered an array of AMG models over the years including the S63 AMG to give its place to a newly developed AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine that's more powerful yet significantly more fuel efficient.

Showcased here on a cosmetically upgraded and sported-up S63 AMG sedan that pays tribute to the 1971 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, the new 5.5-liter V8 features direct injection with spray-guided combustion and twin turbocharging.

In standard form, the V8 biturbo engine develops a peak output of 544HP and maximum torque of 800Nm or 590 lb-ft. In conjunction with the AMG Performance package these figures are increased to 571HP and 900Nm or 663.8 lb-ft.

In comparison, AMG's outgoing naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 churns out 525HP and 630Nm or 465 lb/ft of torque.

To the surprise of no one, the new turbocharged V8 is not only more powerful but also cleaner and more fuel efficient than its predecessor.

Helped by a seven-speed automatic transmission and Merc's Start-Stop tech, the new 5.5 V8 bit-turbo will allow the upcoming 2011 S63 AMG to return a combined fuel consumption of 10.5lt/100km or 22.4 mpg US which represents a saving of more than 25 percent compared to the current S63 AMG (14.4 lt/100km).

Likewise, CO2 emissions have been significantly reduced at 246 grams per kilometre, or 28.5 percent lower than for the previous model.

At the same time the S 63 AMG with the new bi-turbocharged V8 propels the high-performance saloon accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.5 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h or 155mph. The 100 km/h mark is reached in just 4.4 seconds with the AMG Performance package, with the top speed increased to an electronically limited 300 km/h or 186mph.

The current S63 AMG reaches 100 km/h (62mph) from standstill in 4.6 seconds and while the S65 AMG with a 6.0-litre biturbo V12 engine producing 612HP and 1000Nm or 737 lb/ft, accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.4 sec.

The new 5.5 V8 bi-turbo engine will have its debut on the 2011MY S63 AMG sedan later this year and will show up on more AMG models shortly after.

Read more »