2005 Mercedes-Benz Brabus CLS V12 S

Brabus "Rocket": The World's Fastest Four-Door Coupe

The world's fastest four-door coupe comes from Brabus and celebrates its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show IAA 2005 in Frankfurt. This automobile, built in small-series production based on the Mercedes CLS model series, is powered by a 730 bhp 6.3-liter twelve-cylinder twin-turbo engine, that was implanted with almost surgical precision into the engine bay of the four-door. The performance speaks for itself: in addition to the top speed of 225.1 mph, limited electronically for street-legal operation to 220 mph, the Brabus Rocket also offers acceleration at the highest level: 0 – 62 mph in 4.0 seconds, 0 – 124 mph in 10.5 seconds, 0 – 186 mph in 29.5 seconds.

At the heart of this new high-performance automobile lies the V12 twin-turbo engine from the SL 600. Brabus fits the engine with a special crankshaft, increases the cylinder bore and installs forged pistons, resulting in a displacement increase to 380 cu in. Further modifications include the optimization of the mixture flow in the intake and outlet manifolds of both cylinder heads as well as the installation of sport camshafts.

In addition the Brabus powerplant engineers equip the engine with custom-developed larger turbochargers, more efficient intercoolers and a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with low back pressure metal catalysts and four tailpipes. Newly programmed engine electronics coordinate all new components perfectly and contribute not only to maximum power yield but also to meeting all current legal emission limits.

After the engine conversion, now also available for all Mercedes-Benz 600 and 65 models with twin-turbo V12, the Brabus S V12 S Biturbo engine becomes the most powerful TÜV-tested engine from Germany. The engines puts out its maximum power of 730 bhp at 5,100 rpm. Peak torque is 973 lb-ft, limited electronically to 812 lb-ft, available from a low 2,100 rpm.

Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a modified five-speed automatic transmission and the Brabus locking differential.

Naturally it is essential that the unique performance the world's fastest four-door coupe is capable of can be safely controlled at all times. To do so Brabus has developed two special suspensions for the Rocket. The comfort version features air suspension with automatic ride leveling. The sport version comes with a height-adjustable coil-over suspension and gas-pressure shocks with six different settings for bound and rebound on front and rear axle.

Maximum size and state-of-the-art materials characterize the Brabus high-performance brake system of the Rocket. The front axle is fitted with vented ceramics discs in size 375 x 36 mm and 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers. The rear axle features steel discs in size 355 x 28 mm and 6-piston aluminum fixed calipers to round out the powerful and fade-resistant brake system.

The giant brakes and the enormous performance necessitate the use multi-piece Brabus Monoblock S light-alloy wheels with 19-inch diameter. The Brabus technology partners Pirelli and Yokohama provide the high-performance tires suitable for these highs speeds. The optimal tire/wheel combination for the Brabus Rocket are 8.5Jx19 wheels in front with 255/35 ZR19 tires and 10Jx19 with 285/30 ZR19 on the rear axle.

The Brabus designers custom-developed a front apron for the Rocket with large air inlets for optimal cooling of oil and water radiators. The shape of the front spoiler and of all other Brabus aerodynamic-enhancement parts was fine-tuned in the wind tunnel. Not only did Brabus succeed in reducing lift on the front axle, but also in optimizing aerodynamic drag.

The aerodynamic counterpart to the front spoiler in the rear is the Brabus rear spoiler lip which emphasizes the rounded design of the rear. But that's not all: In combination with the new front apron the spoiler lip reduces aerodynamic lift, thus further improving directional stability.

Integrated entrance lights are the dominant feature of the Brabus door sills and the Brabus rear apron. Pushing a button on the keyless-entry remote or pulling on a door handle activates five LED lights on each side and in the rear. They illuminate the ground behind and on either side of the vehicle to further improve user-friendliness.

The Brabus rear apron is the perfect backdrop for the four tailpipes of the Brabus high-performance exhaust system. Its integrated diffuser also contributes to the refined Brabus aerodynamics concept for the Rocket.

The interior of the Brabus Rocket also meets the highest expectations of the distinguishing customers of one of the world's most exclusive automobiles. Soft and breathable Brabus Mastik leather and Alcantara are part of the exclusive Brabus ambiance as is the ergonomically shaped Brabus sport steering wheel and the speedometer with 250-mph scale. Base Price: 2005 Mercedes-Benz Brabus CLS V12 S - $435,000 / 348,00