Brabus GLK V12

With a top speed of 322.3 km/h, the Brabus GLK V12 lays claim to being the fastest SUV which can be registered for use on public roads. The model, customised and performance-enhanced by Brabus from the Mercedes GLK, achieved the record at a high-speed test track in Italy in October. Also setting new standards in the SUV class is the 0 to 100 km/h time of just 4.2 seconds and 12.8 seconds from 0 to 200 km/h …it would also set a record for being one of the most expensive SUVs with a starting pricetag of 397,000 euros (that;s close to 2 million ringgit).

The standard GLK from Mercedes-Benz

The new Brabus SV12 R Biturbo 750 engine was installed in the small engine bay of the SUV by engineers and technicians who drew upon their experience and know-how gathered from the development and production of the special model Brabus Bullit. The engine produces 740 bhp at 5500 rpm and can produces up to 1,350 Nm of torque at 2100 rpm but is electronically-limited to 1,100 Nm.

To achieve this kind of performance, the engine – adapted from the latest Mercedes 12-cylinder engine – was completely re-engineered by Brabus. The displacement was increased from 5.5 litres to 6.3 litres and a special crankshaft was installed along with having a larger cylinder bore, special pistons and piston rods. In addition the 3-valve heads are precision-machined and fitted with special camshafts.

For maximum power yield, the Brabus engineers have developed a special twin turbo system with two larger turbochargers and more efficient intercoolers. Free-flow metal catalysts and a fully stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system custom-tailored to the GLK body let the Biturbo engine breathe more freely. The power is transferred to the rear wheels via a reinforced 5-speed automatic transmission and a Brabus limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40%.

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Optimised aerodynamic properties were a top priority in development considering that the vehicle has such extraordinary performance. Modifications were made which were crucial to aerodynamics, suspension and brakes. The front apron was developed in the wind tunnel and has large airdams to provide the radiators and front brakes with ample cooling air. In combination with a carbonfibre spoiler lip, the front apron also minimizes aerodynamic lift on the front axle – a prerequisite for directional stability beyond 300 km/h. Favourable aerodynamic properties were also a top priority for the design of the fender flares on front and rear axle (and they add 5 cm to the width of the GLK).

Custom-tailored rocker panels create a smooth transition between front and rear flares. The rocker panels feature LED lights in their undersides that are activated via the keyless remote or by pulling on a door handle.
 
Over the rear, the roof spoiler reduces aerodynamic lift and thus makes an important contribution to the directional stability of the world’s fastest SUV. The rear appearance of is further characterized by the Brabus-designed rear apron with its centrally located reflector. Custom-tailored cut-outs on the right and left side provide the perfect backdrop for the four characteristically-shaped tailpipes of the stainless-steel sport exhaust system.

The larger wheel houses of the record car provide space for Brabus’ own Monoblock wheels up to king-size wheels with a diameter of 22 inches. The 10J x 22 wheels come in five different designs: GLK V12 customers can choose from the new Monoblock G 5-spoke forged wheels, 3-piece Monoblock VI alloy wheels, and 1-piece Monoblock E, Q and S wheels. High-performance tyres can be up to size 295/25ZR22.

[For high-performance tyres, visit www.goodyear.com.my]

The Brabus coil-over sport suspension was developed specifically for the 12-cylinder SUV. It is height-adjustable on front and rear axle and features ten selectable settings each for bound and rebound.

To handle the extreme performance the brakes were upgraded as well and trimmed for maximum stopping power and endurance. The Brabus high-performance brakes system features 12-piston aluminium fixed calipers and vented and grooved steel discs measuring 380 x 37 mm on the front axle. The rear axle stops on six-piston aluminium fixed calipers and vented and grooved 360 x 28 mm discs.

The interior of the GLK V12 was also refined to reflect the exclusive character of this unique SUV: The GLK V12 comes with a Brabus full leather interior that can be further refined with Alcantara elements if desired. The interior appointments are rounded out with an ergonomically-shaped sport steering wheel, a speedometer with 330-km/h top speed, and stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated Brabus WIDESTAR logo.

Further exclusive interior highlights are wood trim sets or carbonfibre trim panels for dashboard, doors and centre console in any colour desired by the customer. Custom-tailored consoles for the backs of the GLK front seats provide the perfect multimedia experience, each featuring an integrated 7-inch LCD screen and a DVD player.

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