One platform that consistently seems to get a lot of aftermarket attention is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan. In just the last couple of months we have seen the edo competition C63 AMG and the Avus Performance C63 AMG emerge and there are more variations on the horizon. But sometimes we forget about the company that first saw the potential in the C-Class sedan and set the bar so high that nobody has outdone them yet. The BRABUS Bullit Black Arrow was first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008 and is now available as a 2009 model. Using a run-of-the-mill C-Class, BRABUS employs "surgical precision" to install a 6.3-liter twin-turbo V12 engine capable of 730 horsepower and 974 lb-ft of torque. All of this power is delivered to the rear wheels using a five-speed auto transmission with a limited-slip differential set at 40 percent. The Black Arrow can reach 62 mph from a stop in 3.9 seconds and tops out at just over 225 mph. That's pretty amazing for a car that has a curb weight of 4,079.
In order to keep the BRABUS Bullit Black Arrow from getting airborne due to its Space Shuttle-like thrust capabilities, plenty of aerodynamic mods have been implemented using carbon fiber. A new front apron with large air ducts helps cool the radiator and front brakes and reduce front axle lift. A rear spoiler and new apron with integrated diffuser add additional downforce. The Bullit has a widened track to give it better directional stability and to house the large BRABUS Monoblock S light-alloy wheels in size 19x9.5J in front and 19x10J in rear. The car also gets a height-adjustable coil-over suspension with gas-pressure shocks that have selectable settings. The brakes feature large diameter vented and grooved discs with 12-piston aluminum calipers up front and 6-piston calipers in back.
Inside, the BRABUS Bullit Black Arrow gets all of the company's usual upgrades including hand-crafted leather interior uphostery and custom seats. Carbon-fiber components are located on the dashboard, center console and door panels. Aluminum pedals and shifter round out the look. MSRP is set as 348,000 Euros, which is $494,160 using today's exchange rate. This vehicle will have a very limited production and is available either in a super stealth black matte paint or metallic silver.
It used to be that everyone who was a sports car junkie wanted a high-performance coupe. And for a long time this was the consistent focus of aftermarket tuning manufacturers and the market segment where the majority of the OEMs offered their most powerful and agile cars. Don't get me wrong, this is still a strong category but the sport sedan market has been heating up over the last few years. Mercedes, Aston Martin, Porsche, Jaguar, Maserati (and soon Lamborghini) are all offering super sedans with tremendous performance and plenty of leg room for four or more passengers.
Even at the next level down, the luxury sport sedan market is booming, with BMW now offering the M3 as a sedan and touring cars like the Cadillac CTS-V juiced to ridiculous proportions. And, obviously, the tuners have taken notice as well. I'm really interested to see what other amazing creations emerge as aftermarket modifcation shops look to outdo one another by using more and more unlikely platforms to peddle their wares. After all, I never imagined there would be a 730 hp Mercedes C-Class Sedan. And yet here we have the BRABUS Bullit Black Arrow!
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