Mercedes SLK by Brabus

The Mercedes-Benz SLK facelift has only been revealed a few months ago and Brabus, Mercedes tuner extra-ordinaire, has already made a customization program for the roadster. The program consists of aerodynamic enhancements, custom alloy wheels, suspension and of course a power upgrade.

The top of the range SLK 55 AMG is powered by Brabus' 6.1 liter engine (the stock 55 AMG engine is 5.5 liter, 360 hp and 510 Nm torque) and produces 445 hp (327 kW) with a peak torque of 635 Nm. the engine is hooked up to a seven-speed automatic gearbox and Brabus' self developed limited-slip differential. A zero to 100 km/h sprint should take no more than 4.3 seconds while the top speed is claimed to be 305 km/h.

The new aerodynamic parts have all been developed in the wind tunnel. The front spoiler reduces lift when driving high speeds the side rocker panels improve the airflow between the front and rear wheels. The rear receives a Brabus apron with boot spoiler and room for the four chrome tailpipes which betrays the presence of a Brabus stainless-steel sport exhaust system.

The German tuning house also offers suspension modifications like sport springs which lower the car by 30 mm. The center of gravity is therefor lowered and reduces body roll in fast corners, excellent in combination with sporty wide tires. Brabus offers several alloy wheels in sizes 17, 18 or 19 inch.

Extra horsepower needs extra stopping power, so Brabus fits six-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 355 mm vented and slotted discs in front and 300 mm discs with four-piston aluminum fixed calipers in the rear.

Press release:

Concurrent with the market launch of the updated Mercedes SLK-Class, BRABUS presents an exclusive customization program. The palette of products ranges from engine tuning with up to 445 hp (438 hp SAE net) / 327 kW of power to a sporty-yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement program, and includes custom-tailored light-alloy wheels and suspensions as well as individual interior options.

For the top-of-the-line SLK55 AMG model, BRABUS offers its 6.1 S displacement engine. It has a rated power output of 445 hp (438 hp SAE net) / 327 kW and produces a peak torque of 635 Nm (468 lb-ft). Power is transferred to the road via a modified seven-speed automatic gearbox and a custom-developed BRABUS limited-slip differential. With a sprint time from 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 305 km/h (191 mph) the BRABUS-tuned roadster sets new standards in its class.

All BRABUS engines are lubricated with ARAL high-performance motor oil and all are backed by the one-of-a-kind BRABUS Tuning Warranty of three years or 100,000 kilometers/62,000 miles (see BRABUS warranty conditions as of November 2006).

The installation of the BRABUS stainless-steel sport exhaust system is beneficial not only for tuned engines. Its four chrome-plated tailpipes give the SLK a more exclusive appearance and produce an even more sonorous exhaust note on all SLK engines.

For the updated SLK the BRABUS designers have once again made use of the wind tunnel to develop an aerodynamic-enhancement package in OEM quality that in combination with the chrome-plated BRABUS roadster roll bars lends the two-seater a sporty yet elegant appearance.

The striking BRABUS front spoiler reduces lift on the front axle at high speeds. BRABUS headlamp inserts with daytime running lights further improve driving safety.

BRABUS rocker panels smooth the airstream between front and rear wheels, and give the new-generation SLK a longer, sleeker appearance. Integrated entrance lights illuminate the ground on either side of the SLK and make getting in and out of the car safer in the dark.

The rear of the SLK is upgraded by the BRABUS apron with cutouts for the quad sport exhaust and the understated BRABUS spoiler lip on the trunk lid.

BRABUS light-alloy wheels are available for the Mercedes SLK in one-piece or multi-piece
designs with diameters of 17, 18 and 19 inches. The large selection of BRABUS Monoblock rims in four different designs starts with 8.5Jx17 Monoblock A wheels that come with an EG general operating certificate. The largest tire/wheel combination for the SLK features BRABUS Monoblock VI, E or S wheels in size 8.5Jx19 in front and in size 9.5Jx19 on the rear axle. BRABUS recommends high-performance tires from BRABUS technology partners YOKOHAMA or Pirelli in size 225/35 ZR 19 on the front axle and in size 255/30 ZR 19 in back.

The available BRABUS suspension modifications for the SLK are specifically calibrated to the use with such sporty wide tires. Engine-specific BRABUS sport springs lower the ride height of the roadster by some 30 millimeters. BRABUS sport suspensions combine this lowered center of gravity with a firmer yet comfortable damper setup. To reduce body roll further in fast corners BRABUS offers stronger sway bars.

BRABUS also offers various versions of high-performance brake systems for the new SLK. The largest version features six-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 355-mm (14 inches) vented and slotted discs on the front axle. The rear axle is fitted with 300-mm (11.8 inches) discs and four-piston aluminum fixed calipers. Special flex-steel brake lines ensure continuous high brake pressure.

The stylish customization of the SLK cockpit is yet another BRABUS specialty. The list of available components includes highly polished stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo, various versions of the ergonomically shaped BRABUS sport steering wheel and a speedometer with 330-km/h (206 mph) dial. Especially exclusive is an interior upholstered with soft yet durable Mastik leather and Alcantara. The BRABUS upholsterers don't limit themselves to working on seats, door panels, dashboard and center console: Upon customer request they'll meticulously sew miles of thread to cover floor, rear firewall and driveshaft tunnel with waffle-patterned leather.