Brabus has put its big “B” stamp on virtually every Mercedes-Benz model (not to mention the diminutive Smart Fortwo), so it’s about time the well-known tuner got around to tweaking what is arguably the sportiest model in Mercedes’ lineup right now.
A Brabus tuning package for the Mercedes AMG GT S will debut next week at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Predictably for Brabus, the headline is horsepower. The tuner claims to have boosted the AMG GT’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 to 591 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque.
That’s a decent boost over the stock 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft, achieved with a new engine-control module that adjusts mapping for fuel injection and ignition, and also moderately increases boost pressure. Brabus also added a titanium exhaust system with electronic sound management.
With those adjustments, Brabus says its tuned AMG GT S will do 0 to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds, and reach a top speed of 201 mph. A stock GT S will do 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, and tops out at 193 mph.
In addition to the performance enhancements, Brabus gave the car some extra visual muscle with a carbon-fiber body kit. At the front, there’s a new spoiler and covers for the side intakes, with added LED running lights. There are also new fender air outlets and rocker panels, and a new rear bumper that accommodates the custom exhaust system’s quad outlets. Brabus says the entire package was tested in a wind tunnel, and provides some aerodynamic benefit.
Finishing off the exterior changes are a set of forged wheels in staggered sizes (20-inch in front, and 21-inch in the back), and sport springs that lower the ride height by 0.6 inch.
For the interior, Brabus added carbon-fiber scuff plates with stainless steel inserts containing a light-up version of its logo, as well as new aluminum paddle shifters. Individual buyers can also choose whether to have their seats covered in leather or Alcantara, and the color of the material. There are also customization options for the inlays on the dashboard, center console, and door panels.
Doing all of that will probably add significantly to the AMG GT S’ circa-$130,000 base price, but it will be worth it for buyers who think even a two-seat sports car with a howling V8 isn’t flashy enough.
