Brabus Rocket: World's Fastest Sedan Text & Photos courtesy Brabus GmbH 06-27-2006 Based on Mercedes CLS series rockets to 362.4km/h 362.4 km/h: The BRABUS ROCKET, built in small-series production based on the Mercedes CLS series, is the world's fastest sedan. During test runs on the high-speed track in the southern Italian town of Nardo the 348,000-euro high-performance automobile improved upon the previous record of 350.2 km/h, held also by BRABUS with the E V12 Biturbo. The heart of the new record car is the twin-turbo V12 engine from the latest Mercedes 600 models. It was fitted into the tight confines of the four-door with almost surgical precision. BRABUS (www.brabus.com) increases displacement to 6,233 ccm with a special crankshaft, larger cylinder bore and forged pistons. In addition the engine is extensively modified internally: Airflow in both intake and outlet manifolds of both cylinder heads is optimized and sport camshafts are installed.
The BRABUS engine specialists further equip the engine with custom-developed larger turbochargers, a more efficient intercooling system and a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with four exhaust pipes and low back-pressure metal catalysts. Newly programmed engine electronics orchestrate the perfect interaction of all new components and contribute not only to maximum power yield but also to meeting the latest EURO IV emission limits.
After the engine conversion, also available for all current Mercedes-Benz 600 and 65 models with twin-turbo V12 engine, the BRABUS S V12 S Biturbo engine is the most powerful TUV-tested engine of German origin: The maximum power output of 730 hp / 537 kw is produced at 5,100 rpm. Peak torque is 1,320 Nm, but is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm, available from a low 2,100 rpm.
In addition to the top speed of 362.4 km/h, limited electronically for street-legal operation to 350 km/h, the BRABUS ROCKET also offers acceleration at the highest level: 0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 10.5 seconds, 0-300 km/h in 29.5 seconds. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a modified five-speed automatic transmission and the BRABUS locking differential. The BRABUS ROCKET engine and the entire drivetrain are operated with high-performance lubricants from technology partner ARAL. Naturally the unique performance of the world's fastest sedan must be kept safely in check at all times. In order to do so BRABUS in cooperation with Bilstein has developed a custom-calibrated heightadjustable coil-over suspension with gas-pressure shocks for the ROCKET. The shocks feature six settings each for bound and rebound. Maximum size and state-of-the-art materials characterize the BRABUS high-performance brake system of the ROCKET. The front axle features vented ceramic brake discs in size 375 x 36 mm and 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers. Vented and perforated steel discs in size 355 x 28 mm and 6-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the rear axle complete this efficient and strong brake system.
The giant size of the brake components and the enormous vehicle performance necessitate the use of BRABUS Monoblock VI or S light-alloy wheels with 19-inch diameter. BRABUS technology partner Yokohama made the record run possible with the help of its ADVAN high-performance tires. The perfect tire/wheel combination for the BRABUS ROCKET features 8.5Jx19 wheels in front with 255/35 ZR 19 tires and 10Jx19 rims with 285/30 ZR 19 tires on the rear axle. Specifically for the ROCKET the BRABUS designers have developed a front apron with large air inlets for optimal airflow to radiator and oil coolers. Like all other BRABUS body components for the fourdoor the front spoiler received its final aerodynamic touches in the wind tunnel. It not only reduces lift on the front axle but also contributes to a further improved drag coefficient.
Its aerodynamic counterpart on the rear axle is the custom-developed BRABUS rear spoiler lip. It emphasizes the bow-shaped design of the rear and together with the front apron improves directional stability by minimizing aerodynamic lift.
Integrated lights are the main feature of the BRABUS rocker panels and rear apron. Pushing a button on the keyless-entry remote or pulling on a door handle activates five LED lights on either side and in the rear. They illuminate the ground on both sides and behind the vehicle for added user friendliness in the dark.
The BRABUS rear apron is the perfect stylish backdrop for the four tailpipes of the BRABUS highperformance brake system. Its integrated diffuser is also part of the refined BRABUS aerodynamicenhancement concept for the ROCKET. The BRABUS ROCKET also meets the expectations of the most discriminating customers when it comes to the interior 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 an ergonomically shaped BRABUS sport steering wheel and the speedometer with 400-km/h scale. The Need4speed Team www.need4speed.ws, the fastest site on the web since 1998