Brabus Tunes Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster

ESSEN, Germany — Brabus is unveiling a tuning package for the drop-top 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster at the 2011 Essen Auto Show.

The German tuning specialist has developed the Brabus B63 S, an upgrade kit for the 6.3-liter AMG V8 power plant. It includes an ECU flash and high-performance titanium exhaust system, which work together to bring output on the Mercedes supercar from 563 horsepower to 600 hp. The exhaust system is 40 percent lighter than the production part and features an integrated butterfly valve for sound-management purposes.

Brabus also installs its Ride Control smooth-ride suspension that was developed in collaboration with Bilstein. It can lower the ride height up to 1.6 inches and drivers can control the damper settings at the push of a button. For convenience in navigating driveways and speed bumps, Brabus offers its Front Lift System that raises the front end of the car by 2.0 inches.

The tuner adapted the body kit built for the original SLS AMG for the Roadster, strapping on a front spoiler, front bumper air duct covers, side skirts, fender air vents, rear bumper vents, deck-lid spoiler and diffuser. All parts are made in lightweight carbon-fiber and can be had in a matte or gloss finish. Twenty-one-inch front and 22-inch rear wheels round out the look and are available in a high-gloss, ceramic polished or brushed finish.

Brabus offers some interior goodies like a 250-mph speedometer, a sport steering wheel, stainless-steel scuff plates and matte-anodized pedals, and its upholstery shop can build a custom interior to the buyer's desire.

Inside Line says: An aggressive package that actually is pretty clean for this usually over-the-top tuner.