The German tuner Brabus has just unveiled the most powerful open air sports car in the world this weekend at the Essen Motor Show with the SV12 R Roadster based on the Mercedes Benz SL-Class->ke950. In typical super tuner fashion, Brabus has shoehorned one of their infamous Biturbo V12 power plants that is tuned to deliver a total of 750 HP and nearly 1000 lb-ft of torque. As a result this gleaming white SL is even more powerful than AMG's own wide body Black Series, however the factory built version's carbon fiber bodywork means that both cars will reach the 60 MPH mark at the same time from a standing start; but when the Black Series tops out at 198 MPH, the drop top Brabus rocket ship will keep on going to 217 MPH.
The exterior the SV12 R benefits from a BRABUS design front apron with an assortment of lighting options like a set of stylish LED driving lights, auxiliary high beams for additional visibility and mist eliminating fog lamps. Out back the SL is upgraded with a unique rear bumper complete with diffuser and cutouts for the free flowing sport tuned exhaust system. Almost every piece of the SV12 R's interior has been recovered in brilliant red fabric, making a bold statement in contrast to the car's white body. Rounding out the SV12 R, Brabus incorporated a set of their Monoblock light weight alloy wheels available ranging from 17 to 20 inches in diameter depending on the look that you are after.
Press release after the jump.
2009 Brabus SV12 R Roadster
- Make: Array
- Model: 2009 Brabus SV12 R Roadster
- Engine/Motor: Flat 12
- Horsepower: 450 HP
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Press release
BRABUS SV12 R Roadster – based on the Mercedes SL-Class BRABUS builds the world’s most powerful roadster in small-series production. The two-seater is powered by the BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 750 twelve-cylinder engine with 750 hp (740 bhp) / 552 kW. It represents the latest evolutionary stage based on the engine from the SL 600 model. From 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.0 seconds and to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 10.5 seconds combined with an electronically limited top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph) is impressive proof of the car’s prowess.
More power through more displacement is one of the core strategies behind the BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 750 engine. A special billet-steel crankshaft with longer stroke, forged pistons with larger diameter and an increased cylinder bore result in a displacement increase of the three-valve 12-cylinder engine from standard 5.5 to now 6.3 liters (336 to 384 cu. in.). In addition the inlet and outlet ports of both cylinder heads are optimized for improved mixture flow. Four special camshafts also contribute to that same effect.
The peripherals of the twin-turbo engine also play a large role in its power output. The BRABUS engineers have developed a completely new turbocharger system with two larger turbochargers and a more efficient intercooling system. Free-flow metal catalysts help the BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 750 engine to breathe more freely.
Newly programmed engine electronics and on-board diagnostics coordinate all new components flawlessly. They also contribute to maximum power yield, optimized fuel economy and to exemplary low emissions. Like all BRABUS high-performance engines it is lubricated exclusively with ARAL high-performance synthetic motor oil.
The BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 750 engine delivers impressive power: Rated power output jumps from standard 517 hp (510 bhp) / 380 kW at 5,000 rpm to 750 hp (740 bhp) / 552 kW at just 5,500 rpm. Simultaneously peak torque grows from 830 Nm (612 lb-ft) to 1,350 Nm (995 lb-ft) from 2,100 rpm. Special mapping for the engine electronics limits peak torque in the car to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).
The performance of the powerful two-seater is very impressive: Sprint times from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) of 4.0 seconds, 10.5 seconds to 200 km/h (124 mph), 29.5 seconds to 300 km/h (186 mph), and an electronically limited top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph) make the BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo roadster one of the world’s fastest sports cars. 
Form and function at the highest levels of perfection: BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement components are available for all current SL models. They offer a sporty yet elegant look and provide aerodynamic benefits as well.
The front is upgraded with the BRABUS front apron. It replaces the production bumper and features LED daytime running lights and auxiliary high beams and fog lamps. The apron was developed in the wind tunnel and reduces lift on the front axle for further optimized stability at high speeds.
The elegantly shaped BRABUS rocker panels each have three entrance lights integrated into their undersides. The lights are activated with the keyless remote or by pulling on an inside door handle. The LED lights illuminate the ground on either side of the vehicle and help avoid unfortunate missteps into puddles or holes in the dark.
The BRABUS design package for the latest SL-class is rounded out by a rear component that integrates environmental lighting, a centrally mounted rear reflector and two cutouts for the sport exhaust system.
Just as important for a customized look are one-piece and multi-piece BRABUS Monoblock light-alloy wheels, which can be mounted on the new roadster in four different designs with diameters of 17, 18, 19 and 20 inches. The largest possible tire/wheel combination on the new SL features BRABUS Monoblock VI, E, Q or S wheels in size 9Jx20 in front with size 255/30 ZR 20 tires. The rear axle rolls on size 10.5Jx20 wheels with size 305/25 ZR 20 tires. BRABUS recommends high-performance tires from Pirelli and YOKOHAMA. The new BRABUS Monoblock Q wheel with five double spokes can be mounted in sizes 9Jx20 and 9.5Jx20.
To further improve the already potent handling capabilities of the new Mercedes SL, BRABUS has developed an electronic module for the ABC active suspension that lowers the ride height by some 15 millimeters. 
The BRABUS high-performance brake systems features vented and cross-drilled front discs measuring 375 x 36 mm (14.8 x 1.4 inches), and 12-piston fixed calipers. The rear discs measure 355 x 28 mm (14.0 x 1.1 inches) and come with six-piston fixed calipers. Together these components can handle even the most extreme braking stress.
Luxury and individuality in the interior are yet another BRABUS specialty. The list of products includes genuine carbon-fiber scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo, ergonomically shaped sport steering wheels with heated rims and shift paddles, and an exclusive BRABUS custom carbon-fiber interior trim package in various colors.