Going against the green grain at Frankfurt – a 662 kW Brabus-massaged G-Class
Electric cars and autonomous driving are top of mind at the 2019 Frankfurt Show, which opens in Germany this week. But over in the ever-popular tuning hall, Brabus makes its own statement with a 662 kW petrol-guzzling monster SUV.
The 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show is under way with the media days kicking off on September 10 and the Frankfurt Messe gates opening to the public on September 12.
And whilst the main halls will be humming with all manner of new electric vehicles set to make the planet a greener, cleaner place to get around in, hard-core petrol-heads will be gravitating to the famous “tuning hall” at the premier German motor show. This is where the world’s top specialist modified car experts show off their wares.
The world’s most powerful V12 SUV
Brabus is one of Germany’s most successful tuning companies, and for the 2019 Frankfurt Show the men from Bottrop are headlining their stand with a 662 kW V12 version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
The all-new Brabus G V12 900 “One of Ten”, to give it its full title, produces a tree-stump-shredding 1 500 Nm of torque. The massive 2,6 ton SUV accelerates to 100 km/h in just 3,8 seconds and shoves air out of the way in huge volumes en route to a top speed of 280 km/h. The incredibly powerful SUV could go faster on Germany’s no-speed-limit autobahns, but Brabus have imposed a 280 km/h electronic speed limiter to their new big baby.
Those who prefer more eco-friendly personal mobility will probably be relieved to know that this V12 G-wagen is built in a limited edition series numbering 10 units.
Radical visuals too
Brabus has naturally given the G V12 900 a full-on visual and handling package to go with the massive power increase. They call it the “Brabus Widestar wide-body, which consists of a beautifully made kit comprising extended wheel arches in carbon fibre and a reworking of the nose, bonnet, a roof spoiler and a re-engineered rear end as well. The wide-body houses special 23 inch or optional 24 inch forged alloy wheels.
These new optional wheels, launched at the Frankfurt Show, are 10 inches wide in front and 12 inches wide at the rear. Tyre sizes are 295/30 R24 and 355/25 R24. From these sizes you will get the idea that Brabus doesn’t intended its G V12 900 to do any serious off road work!
A special Brabus suspension system is also employed to keep the whole 662 kW show on the tarmac.
The V12 engine in detail
The engine that Brabus uses as a base for its G V12 900 is normally found in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class 600. In standard form it produces 390 kW.
Brabus re-engineers the engine completely, starting with a special billet crankshaft which has a longer stroke. In combination with lager cylinder bores and bigger pistons, the capacity is enlarged from 6,0 to 6,3 litres.
The standard turbos are replaced using larger items for a significantly higher boost pressure and a special manifold is used for the intake system. A stainless steel exhaust system with special free flow catalysts is also employed. Re- calibration of the fuel injection and cooling systems is also carried out.
Interior
An exclusive Brabus leather interior finishes off this special vehicle. The hand-stitched Brabus leather look features extensive biscuit padding and contrasting leather colours to add an element of extreme opulence to the traditionally staid G-Class cabin.
About Brabus
Brabus was founded way back in 1977 by Bodo Buschmann, who started modifying cars for customers in his home city of Bottrop in west-central Germany, while he was still a law student. From the start, Brabus concentrated only on Mercedes-Benz products.
Since that time Brabus has established itself as the leading German tuner of Merc products, following AMG’s amalgamation with the Daimler Group some two decades ago.
Brabus builds complete cars but also supplies tuning and body kits for customer cars. It has branches all over the world today, including South Africa, where it is represented by Race! of Barbecue Downs, situated near the Kyalami race track.
Brabus has built well over 100 special models in its 42-year history and also set some world records for street-legal cars. In 2006 a Brabus Rocket V12 sedan achieved over 360 km/h and this was ratified as a world record.
Price
Take a deep breath now. Pricing for the Brabus G V12 900 starts at 605 055 euros for the German market.
According to Marco Casciani, the CEO of Race! South Africa, which imports, distributes and assembles Brabus products in South Africa, the Brabus G V12 900 will not be available here because it is only being built in left-hand-drive. However, the landed price would be over R20-million here, with all shipping and duties paid.
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