The Black Baron is back. After shoehorning an insanely powerful V12 into a Mercedes-Benz E-class sedan at last years Frankfurt Motor Show (and dressing it like the Batmobile), German tuner Brabus announced they’re offering the same prescription for the new E-class Coupé.
Brabus starts with Mercedes’ 5,5-litre V12, which powers the likes of the S- and SL600 models, but bores it out to that magical 6,3-litre displacement. The larger bore, coupled with new camshafts, a special crankshaft, twin-turbochargers and other tuning tricks, allow the engine to whip up an astounding 588 kW and 1 420 N.m of torque – although electronically limited to 1 100 N.m so as not to tear the tarmac from the earth.
As was the case with the E V12 Sedan, power is enough to rocket Brabus’ magic coupé from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, and to 200 km/h in 9.9 seconds. The car can reach a top speed of 300 km/h with the speed limiter intact, but removed, that figure grows to an insane 370 km/h.
Like the sedan, the E V12 coupé receives a number of upgrades to help contain the lunacy, including upgraded brakes (12-piston 380 mm up front and 6-piston 360 mm at the rear), a revised suspension system, and a carbon fibre body kit that was actually designed in a wind tunnel. Unlike the sedan, the coupe has thankfully not been fitted with the ghastly rear wheel covers.
No word on pricing yet, although don’t be surprised if Brabus keep the E V12 Coupe as expensive (US$875 000) and exclusive (10 examples total) as its four-door sibling. The E V12 Coupe is now the quickest Brabus available, taking the crown from the fractionally slower Brabus Bullit C-Class.
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