2011 Brabus SLS AMG Roadster
Style & Performance: that’s the guiding principle for BRABUS to refine the new Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster now as well. The exclusive program comprises an aerodynamic-enhancement kit made from clear-coated carbon fiber, extremely lightweight BRABUS forged wheels with a comfortable sport suspension, engine tuning that produces a maximum power output of 611 hp (600 bhp) / 448 kW, a titanium high-performance exhaust system with electronic sound management, and a fully customiz interior tailored to the owner’s individual preferences in every last detail.
The BRABUS designers have adapted the aerodynamic-enhancement program originally developed for the coupe version of the SLS to the new roadster. Just like in top-flight motorsports the various components are manufactured from extremely lightweight carbon fiber. Customers can choose between aerodynamic-enhancement components with a high-gloss finish or with a matte finish for undiluted racing looks. Upon request the components can also be painted in body or contrasting color.
The BRABUS front spoiler attaches to the underside of the production bumper. It lends the two-seat car a more striking front end and reduces lift on the front axle at high speeds. The two BRABUS carbon-fiber covers for the upper air ducts in the front fascia add further thrilling highlights.
On the sides the BRABUS side skirts create an optimal aerodynamic transition between the front and rear wheel wells. But that’s not all: together with the air vents in the front fenders that were newly designed by BRABUS they lend the sports car an even more dynamic profile. A special feature of these components stands out particularly in the dark: pushing the unlock button on the keyless remote or pulling on a door handle activates the blue-backlit BRABUS lettering in the new air vents and the LED entrance lights, which facilitate safe entering and exiting the vehicle in low-light conditions.
The rear end of the SLS Roadster adds even more sporty character as well: the modifications include the understated BRABUS rear spoiler, the side air vents for the rear fascia and the BRABUS diffuser with custom-tailored cutouts for the four distinctive tailpipes of the BRABUS quad sport exhaust.
The more exclusive appearance is to no small extent also the merit of the BRABUS forged wheels, which were custom-developed for the SLS. To add even more emphasis to the wedge shape of the car the wheels are mounted in a staggered combination with diameters of 21 inches on the front axle and 22 inches in the rear. The BRABUS Monoblock F “Platinum Edition” cross-spoke wheels are manufactured using a high-tech forging process, making them more than just stunning eye-catchers. Their low weight also contributes to even sportier handling. Compared to the production SLS wheels they represent weight savings of up to 12 percent. The wheels in size 9.5Jx20 in front and in size 11Jx21 on the rear axle are available either with a high-gloss, ceramic polished or with a brushed finish. The suitable high-performance tires in sizes 275/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 21 are supplied by technology partners Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA.
Also contributing to even more agile handling is the BRABUS Ride Control smooth-ride suspension that was developed in cooperation with BILSTEIN. It can lower the ride height by up to 40 millimeters (1.6 inches). At the push of a button on the center console the driver can choose between damper settings that offer a more comfortable or sportier ride than the production car.
The sport suspension and the production suspension can be upgraded with the BRABUS Front Lift System for added convenience. At the push of a button, a hydraulics system raises the front end of the roadster by 50 millimeters (2.0 inches) in just a couple of seconds. This makes it possible to safely navigate past speed bumps or parking garage ramps without any unwanted contact of the front end with the obstacle. The suspension reverts to its original position at a second push of the button or automatically upon reaching a speed of 30 km/h (19 mph).
The sportier handling offers the perfect basis for more power. The BRABUS engine specialists have developed the BRABUS B63 S tuning kit for the 6.3-liter fast-revving V8 engine. The performance kit consists of newly calibrated engine electronics with special BRABUS mapping for ignition and injection, and the BRABUS high-performance exhaust system. This exhaust system, which can also be combined with the non-tuned production engine, features four tailpipes with a diameter of 84 millimeters (3.3 inches) and enhances power output. But that’s not all: the sport exhaust is manufactured from titanium, making it 12 kilograms (26.5 lbs.) or 40 percent lighter than the production exhaust. In addition, an integrated butterfly valve provides a sound management option controlled by the driver from the cockpit: apart from the ‘Sport’ setting, which lends the eight-cylinder an even more thrilling exhaust note, there is also a discreet, deliberately soft ‘Coming Home’ mode. BRABUS B63 S tuning bumps maximum power output from standard 571 hp (563 bhp) / 420 kW to 611 hp (600 bhp) / 448 kW, making the SLS even more dynamic.
The BRABUS interior design studio gives the SLS cockpit an equally sporty and exclusive ambiance. Among the upgrades are striking accessories such as a speedometer with 400-km/h (250-mph) dial, an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel, stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo and matte-anodized pedals.
The BRABUS upholstery shop can fulfill requests for custom interiors in any color and design. The artisans meticulously transform leather and Alcantara by hand into interior appointments custom-tailored to the customer’s individual preferences. Carbon-fiber and exotic-wood trim sets in any desired color and with every type of surface finish are yet another particular BRABUS specialty.
In Detail
type | Professionally Tuned Car |
released at | 2011 Essen Motor Show |
built at | Bottrop, Germany |
engine | M159 90° V8 w/Dry Sump Lubrication |
position | Front, Longitudinal |
aspiration | Natural |
block material | Aluminum |
valvetrain | DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl |
fuel feed | Electronic Injection |
displacement | 6208 cc / 378.84 in³ |
bore | 102.2 mm / 4.02 in |
stroke | 94.5 mm / 3.72 in |
compression | 11.3:1 |
power | 447.4 kw / 600 bhp @ 6800 rpm |
specific output | 96.65 bhp per litre |
bhp/weight | 361.01 bhp per tonne |
torque | 650 nm / 479.4 ft lbs @ 4750 rpm |
redline | 7300 |
body / frame | Aluminum Spaceframe |
driven wheels | RWD |
wheel type | BRABUS Monoblock F |
front tires | 275/30 ZR 20 YOKOHAMA |
rear tires | 295/25 ZR 21 YOKOHAMA |
front brakes | Internally Ventilated Composite Discs w/6-Piston Fixed Calipers, ABS, Brake Assist, 3-stage ESP |
rear brakes | Internally Ventilated Composite Discs w/4-Piston Fixed Calipers, ABS, Brake Assist, 3-stage ESP |
front wheels | F 50.8 x 24.1 cm / 20 x 9.5 in |
rear wheels | R 53.3 x 27.9 cm / 21 x 11 in |
steering | Rack & Pinion w/Speed Sensitive Assist |
f suspension | Aluminum Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Gas-Tube Shock Absorbers, Anti-Roll Bar |
r suspension | Aluminum Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Gas-Tube Shock Absorbers, Anti-Roll Bar |
curb weight | 1662 kg / 3661 lbs |
wheelbase | 2680 mm / 105.5 in |
front track | 1682 mm / 66.2 in |
rear track | 1653 mm / 65.1 in |
length | 4638 mm / 182.6 in |
width | 1939 mm / 76.3 in |
transmission | AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed |
tran clutch | Dual Clutch |
gear ratios | 3.40:1, 2.19:1, 1.63:1, 1.29:1, 1.03:1, 0.84:1, 0.72:1 |
final drive | 3.67:1 |