If Ferrari Spiders and Lambo Spyders seem like commonplace cabriolets to you and “Overkill” also happens to be your middle name, you’ll want to get in touch with the folks at upscale tuner Brabus for their latest birthing from the fifth circle of hell: the 800 Roadster. And yes, it is the kind of car that makes habitation in a rubber room seem normal.
What started out as an “ordinary” Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG, with an already crazy 621 hp V12, has been surgically enhanced both inside and out — transformed into the world’s most powerful roadster. Brabus T65 RS tuning amps up the power to a volcanic 800 hp and 1,047 lb-ft of torque (though it’s electronically limited to 811 lb-ft so as not to blow the tranny). Sixty mph arrives in almost four seconds, and the 800 tops out at an electronically limited 217 mph. If you decide to hit that number with the top down, you might want to wear spandex since anything else might get ripped off your body like a toupee in a wind tunnel. Aerodynamics have, thankfully, been optimized through the use of carbon fiber exterior bits, improving venting and downforce. Bigger 20-inch Brabus Monoblock R forged wheels offer up lightness and increased strength over the stock setup, suspension height has been lowered by an inch, and a Brabus limited-slip diff with 40% lockup aids in handling.
A purely gratuitous feature (aside from the engine) has been added in the form of active sound management; you can cruise the neighborhood quietly or bellow the exhaust note and petrify every cat within earshot. The interior also gets upgrades and customization options such Mastik leather, Alcantara, fine wood and carbon fiber. But you won’t notice. You’ll be too busy making sure your facial features haven’t been relocated via the influence of gravity-defying torque. No pricing has been announced, but since the standard SL65 AMG runs for $212,240, expect the Brabus to run north of a quarter mil. Ah, the price of individualism.
