Brabus K8 | Spotted | PistonHeads UK

If you making an attempt to set a finger on the instant when the analogue age intersected with a electronic upcoming, the mid-2000s arrive shut. Makers and tuning corporations were being extracting stratospheric performance from superior outdated-fashioned piston energy, typically pegged again by primitive traction and balance regulate devices. And when you turned the units off, the rear tyres would light up and you’d before long be engulfed in a cloud of tyre smoke. Hilarious, confident, but leave the units on and you would bathroom down the second you seemed at the throttle.

This was immortalised thanks to a selected motoring Tv show, in which a Brabus SV12 S Biturbo Roadster struggled to transfer its 730hp and 1,320lb ft of torque to the tarmac with out overwhelming the nannying traction handle. It is a trouble which is been largely sorted with advancements in know-how, tyres and chassis parts. So experienced the SV12 arrived a ten years afterwards, it would probable have manufactured its Television debut with a tad additional decorum.

That is a disgrace due to the fact the thought was severely amazing. Take the by now blisteringly speedy SL65 AMG and transform the volume up to 11, and there is one thing strangely alluring about a grand tourer that’s been labored on by a group of mad German engineers. But get worried not, for the reason that if you have got a hankering for some Brabus action then this issue, the K8, might be the exceptionally unusual general performance SL you’re on the lookout for.

Centered on the SL55 AMG, the K8 upped the 5.4-litre supercharged V8’s output up to 530hp and 572lb ft of torque. Confident, it is nowhere in the vicinity of the ridiculous quantities of the SV12 S Biturbo, but at minimum you will be ready to place the electrical power down devoid of frying the onboard computer system. This wasn’t just a simple remap, either. The supercharger was fitted with a new pulley, a bespoke vibration dampener, functionality catalysts and an upgraded radiator. And, just like the hand-developed AMG motor, a Brabus engineer signs off each and every motor with a compact gold plaque on best of the supercharger.

This was also extended in advance of Brabus commenced fitting crazy carbon physique kits to its cars and trucks, much too (see our modern tale on the P900 Rocket Version for reference). The K8’s visible tweaks are practically Alpina-esque, with gentle revisions to the bumpers and skirts that trace at the energy inside of – without having shouting about it. It also supplied an aerodynamic profit, evidently, even though I suspect the more substantial brakes and upgraded lively physique control suspension provided a far more obvious advancement above the foundation automobile. It’s still an SL at coronary heart, weighing in at near to two tonnes, but it’ll also monster a -62mph dash in 4.4 seconds and prime out at 186mph. Very little on the K8 receives me pretty as fired up as the signature 20-inch wheels, however, even if they’ll most likely snap your again in two just after jogging over a pothole.

The K8 was officially labelled a ‘performance kit’, but it was so considerably far more than that. It represented a considerable up grade above the presently manic SL55, bringing performance in line with the Ferrari 575M and Aston Martin Vanquish. It’s also an extremely uncommon sight listed here in the United kingdom, with only six appropriate-hand generate illustrations sold. So it is got rarity on its facet, supercar-grade performance and only 24,000 miles on the clock. Admittedly, at £55,995, it is a chunk much more costly than a typical SL55, but you get all the added benefits of proudly owning a Brabus, one that you can basically use, without attracting any, er, unwelcome attention…

Engine: 5,439cc V8, supercharged
Transmission: 5-speed computerized, rear-wheel push
Power (hp): 530@6,200rpm
Torque (lb ft): 571@3,000rpm
MPG: 22.8
CO2: N/A
12 months registered: 2003
Recorded mileage: 24,000
Value new: £165,000
Yours for: £55,995