Autoblog

Click above for a high-res gallery of the BRABUS SL

"BRABUS" might as well be German for, "Hey, why not?" This would seem to be the question its engineers ask themselves before they stuff ludicrous amounts of power under the hoods of Mercedes-Benz cars and trucks. This behavior is well-documented, and it continues unabated with the arrival of MB's new SL. Full wheel/tire, interior, and styling packages are a given. Backing up those enhanced looks is an assortment of tuning packages capable of providing more power than even Montgomery Scott could ever plead for.

The SV12 S Biturbo engine swap appears to have been created by someone with a severe, pathological hatred for tires. This is the same engine used in the Brabus Bullit, and it dishes out a predictably ridiculous 720 horsepower and 973 lb-ft of torque. The latter number is electronically restrained to a mere 811 lb-ft., and a top speed of well over 200 mph comes with the territory. Not interested in the full swap? No worries, BRABUS has your back. SL 65 AMG drivers can opt for the T 65 S package, which bumps the stock V12 Biturbo to 705 hp/811 lb-ft. There's a solution for the all-motor SL 63 AMG as well that packs on an additional 40 horses over stock. This pattern continues right on down the line -- even the "lowly" V6-powered cars can be tuned to deliver 327 hp/ 310 lb-ft. Bonkers. Er, BRABUS, rather.


[Source: BRABUS]

Nepotism has its benefits. Particularly in the case of clandestine photogs looking for the newest hotness to come from the Benz Boyz. It seems that one Ms. Christa Lehmann, likely a relative of the ace shooter Hans Lehmann, was able to catch a glimpse of the Merc SL550's new schnaz.

Per usual, the camo obscures the minor tweaks that the '09 model will sport, but the more obvious changes include new rectangular headlamps, drawing cues from the new C-class, along with a single blade of trim spanning the front grille. Thicker and wider than the three slats it replaces, the new SL fascia seems to also sport a few more creases and angles, particularly the lower lip.

Aside from the nip and tuck out front, there's not too much new to report. The rear seems to be a carryover, as is the 5.4-liter V8 putting 380 HP down to the rear wheels. We'd expect a quiet launch of the new SL about this time next year.

[Source: Straightline]