Brabus 800 Roadster is an Industrial-Strength Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG

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Even though Mercedes-Benz and AMG have gone to great lengths to make the new R231-chassis SL63 AMG more efficient than its predecessor (e.g. fitting a smaller turbocharged engine and a lightweight, almost-all-aluminum body), the two companies are still offering the mountain-motor SL65 AMG. This bi-turbo V12 bruiser doesn’t make any bones about being thirsty and, considering how much grunt it makes (621hp and 738 lb.-ft of torque), does it really have to? Really, if you want a new Merc that’s not murder on your fuel budget, get a C250 or an E350 BlueTec.

But what if you’re one of the people for who fuel economy really, really is of no concern? And what if you think 3.8 seconds 0-60 and a 186 mph top speed is underwhelming? Well, the Mercedes-Benz experts at Brabus are ready to help.

Dubbed the Brabus 800 Roadster, this R231 SL65 AMG is treated to a dapper carbon fiber body kit. The kit consists of a new front valence extension, hood scoop, side vents, rocker panel extensions, rear wing, and rear diffuser insert. Other exterior changes include Brabus badges, ceramic-coated tailpipes, 1” lower ride height, and the buyer’s choice of 19” or 20” Brabus alloy wheels.

Slide into one of the two super-plush bucket seats and you’ll notice more quilted leather present than in a stock SL65 (and a different pattern, too); it now adorns the footwells, and the floormats are made from the stuff, too! There are also drilled aluminum pedals, embroidered “Brabus 800” logos on the headrests, light-up sill plates, and a Brabus 800 plaque atop the shifter. It is stupendously, stupendously luxurious.

And speaking of stupendous, that would be an apt description of the drivetrain upgrades. That hood scoop we mentioned earlier? Turns out it’s functional, funneling cool outside air into the custom airboxes. From them, the air makes its way through new turbochargers, water-to-air intercoolers, custom exhaust headers, and a stainless steel exhaust system. Brabus also reflashed the ECU to extract more oomph. Just how much oomph are we talking about? Well, total output for the 6.0L twin-turbo V12 is now 789hp and 1,047 lb.-ft of torque. However, Brabus limits peak torque to “just” 811 lb.-ft to keep the 7-speed automatic transmission and limited-slip differential from being turned into powdered metal.

Those are some bonkers power figures, so it’s no surprise the performance figures are bonkers to. Brabus claims sprints to 62 mph from a dead stop will take just 3.7 seconds, while top speed checks in at 217 mph. Oh yes, this thing is a beast, and while Brabus hasn’t released pricing information just yet, it’s sure to be an expensive beast. But, as the worn-down-to-the-cords saying goes, you get what you pay for.

Source: Brabus