Brabus unveils SL tuner packages - AutoWeek Magazine
Brabus-tuned Mercedes-Benz SL.

Mercedes has just launched is latest version of the SL-Class, and the speed demons at German tuner Brabus have already figured out ways to make the sporty roadsters even faster.

The specs are fierce: Brabus boosts output to as much as 730 hp and torque to 973 lb-ft, which an electronic system cuts off at 811 lb-ft. The upgrades also include wheels as large as 20 inches, chassis tuning and custom interior design.

The SL600 gets the most extensive improvements. Brabus gives the twin-turbocharged V12 its "Rocket" treatment, which was originally developed by the tuner for a CLS-based performance car. Engine displacement is increased from 5.5 liters to 6.3 liters. That makes for the eye-popping 730 hp. The car also gets a stainless-steel exhaust and transmission adjustments, including a Brabus limited-slip differential.

The result: The tuned SL600 can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in four seconds and hits 124 mph in 10.5 seconds. Brabus says the car reaches a top speed of 219 mph--where it's electronically cut off.

The SL600's stablemates also get an assortment of kits and upgrades. The SL65 AMG receives a power kit, which can bolster the engine's output to 715 hp; the SL63 AMG gets tuning and performance catalysts that allow it to hit a top speed of 200 mph; and the SL550 gets engine modifications that boost output to 462 hp.

Meanwhile, the V6s of the SL280 and SL350 get boosted to 332 hp.

Brabus doesn't limit its Nürburgring-style refinements to under the hood. Sport exhaust systems, with four chrome-plated tailpipes, are available on all of the SL cars. The front ends get aprons, which replace the production bumpers and reduce the lift on the front axle at high speeds. They also have LED running lights and auxiliary high-beam and fog lamps.

The cars can be outfitted with four different monoblock alloy-wheel selections, ranging from 17 to 20 inches.

Brabus says handling is improved with sport springs on the SL280 and SL350, and all of the SL cars with active suspensions can be lowered nearly an inch and get sway bars to cut down on body roll.

To stop the upgraded SL cars, Brabus gives them four different performance braking options. The largest system has vented and cross-drilled 14.8-inch by 1.4-inch front discs and 12-piston fixed calibers. The rear wheels get 14-inch by 1.1-inch discs with six-piston calipers.