THE MAGAZINE SUMMER 2011 - PrivatAir

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When the devil in the driver breaks free, a Brabus explodes in an orgy of speed and sensation the speedo is sweeping past 200. Yet the EV12 seems to barely be labouring as the tiny dot in the distance ahead is rapidly turning into the back of a very large lorry. We throw out the anchors and sanity returns in no time, the EV12 pulling up without any fuss or drama. Pottering along at normal traffi c speeds, we’re left wondering where all that came from. More to the point, how it was possible without getting horribly out of shape as the engine dealt out more than a mere two wheels could possibly hope to cope with? Th is is the character of Brabus, genuinely dual-character cars that can be whatever you want them to be at that moment in time. In a domestic environment they make no demands on passengers through loud exhausts or rock-solid suspension. But, when the devil in the driver breaks free, they explode in an orgy of speed and sensation. And that applies to whatever model you want, whether it’s a Smart or a Mercedes SLS supercar. As if the latter was anything less than perfect already, Brabus has an exciting options list for the model. If you fi nd the suspension too harsh for the Autobahn but too soft for the Nurburgring, then order the Brabus version. It has dual settings that can be selected to suit the terrain and the driver’s mood. Th ere is even a PRIVATDRIVE replacement exhaust system available, beautifully crafted in titanium, that is not only lighter but also, at the fl ick of a switch, bypasses the silencer for a full-blooded roar. Th e talents at Brabus are not confi ned to new cars either. For some years now, the company has had a quiet sideline in restoring classic Mercedes. Good original examples are sought out and then completely restored to as-new condition. It may be a small part of the overall business but the commitment to a superb standard in the fi nished product is just as high as with the new cars. Although it works closely with the Thirty-Four Mercedes factory, Brabus is an independent company and can tackle challenges that the manufacturer might back away from. It also has the support of a loyal and enthusiastic customer base all over the world. Talking to Brabus employees, it soon becomes clear that the only acceptable standard here is excellence. Judging by how long most have stayed with the company, they obviously enjoy the challenge. Th e strength in depth and enthusiasm of its staff made Brabus one of the most endearing companies I have had the privilege to visit, but it was the shattering performance of its cars that made it unforgettable.
SMART�BRABUS When Daimler-Benz launched the Smart, it was a small car that transcended barriers of wealth or class. The car was so cool and you didn’t even have to be cash-strapped to want one. Many owners began to stamp their own identity on their Smart and, recognising a market, Smart and Brabus teamed up to form a new customising company. Using the la� er’s resources, a range of items has been developed that owners can have added to their cars on the production line. But some customers want to go further with unique colour schemes or trim options. To serve this need, more than 1,000 Smarts a year are delivered to a unit on the Brabus facility in Bo� rop where they can have whatever their owners want. You’d like the same paint and trim package as your Mercedes SLS? No problem. More power and a colour scheme the same as your favourite racing car? Of course, sir, anything is possible. PRIVATDRIVE Thirty-Five Previous page: the Brabus B63 S’s engine gives an awesome top speed of around 200mph. Opposite page: the Brabus EV12, which can churn out 800bhp from its twin-turbo V12. Left: a Brabus-customised Smart car. Below: the T65 RS speedos and headrest – Brabus can create any style of stitching you want EV�� BITURBO ��LIMOUSINE Base model E-Class SLS 800L Engine size 6,233 cc 6,208 cc 6,233 cc Power 790 bhp 690 bhp 789 bhp Torque 1,047 lb.� 627 lb.� 1,047 lb.� at 2,100 rpm at 4,300 rpm at 2,100 rpm Acceleration 0–100kmph 3.7 s 3.7 s 3.9 s 0–200kmph 9.9 s 10.2 s 10.3 s 0–300kmph 23.9 s – 24.9 s Top speed 370 km/h 340 km/h 350 km/h
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THE MAGAZINE SUMMER 2011 - PrivatAir

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