Less than a month after the official reveal of the 2009 facelifted SL range from Mercedes-Benz comes the latest tuning kit for the stylish convertible from Brabus. Labeled R230, the new performance package features the tuner’s sledgehammer twin-turbo V12 engine as well as a range of suspension and brake upgrades.
At the heart of the performance kit is the custom 6.3L V12 engine, which develops a peak output of 730hp (537kW) and 1,320Nm of torque. However, to preserve the car’s five-speed auto and optional limited slip differential torque is limited to an even 1,100Nm. Nevertheless the two-seater will accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 4.0 seconds, pass 200km/h at 10.5 seconds and go on to reach an electronically controlled top speed of 350km/h.
Other mods include a stainless steel exhaust system with chrome plated muffler tips, a new front bumper with LED daytime running lights and a custom rear bumper with an integrated diffuser. Brabus also offers a new two-piece forged Monoblock VI alloy wheel design ranging in size from 17 to 18in.
To improve handling engineers add new sports springs, front and rear stabilizer bars and a 25mm suspension lowering kit. The final touch is 375mm discs (ventilated and cross-drilled) up front bit by six-piston calipers and 355mm in the back.
