Brabus E V12 Coupe: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

GENEVA — Tuner Brabus of Germany has a special Mercedes-Benz E-Class on display at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show: a V12-powered coupe that makes 788 horsepower and 1,047 pound-feet of torque — although that's electronically limited to 811 lb-ft. Top speed for the coupe: north of 230 mph. The coupe joins Brabus' version of the E-Class sedan, already on the market.

Brabus' SV12 R Biturbo 800 engine is based on the 12-cylinder twin-turbo on the new Mercedes 600, with displacement upped from 5.5 to 6.3 liters and the addition of custom headers, a special crankshaft, larger pistons and cylinder bore, and sport camshafts. An all-new air intake system sits under a custom hood with an integrated carbon-fiber RAM air box. There's also a precision engine management system, Brabus says.

The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The Brabus E V12 also has a Brabus limited-slip differential and a high-performance stainless-steel quad exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts.

So equipped, the Brabus E V12 coupe goes from zero to 60 mph in less than 3.7 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 217 mph — although it's capable of exceeding 230 mph without the limiter, Brabus points out.

On the outside, the Brabus has integrated LED daytime running lights, carbon-fiber sport fenders with integrated air vents for the front axle and carbon-fiber rear fenders that widen the coupe by 2.4 inches in back. An illuminated Brabus logo is seen on the rocker panels. On the interior, there's a sport steering wheel, leather sport seats and carbon-fiber trim on the dashboard, console and doors. Brabus Monoblock S alloy wheels, 9.5 and 10.0 inches wide, are fitted with 19-inch Yokohama Advan tries.

The Brabus E V12 coupe will be built in small-series production. It will be priced starting at the equivalent of $648,500.

Inside Line says: Powerful object of lust from Brabus. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent