Black Baron is the ultimate bomber

Mercedes-Benz already produces a go-faster version of its recently launched W212 E-Class -- the E63 AMG -- and said sedan offers sufficient performance to satisfy even hardened performance junkies, yet there are always those who want more.

Enter the Brabus E V12, ominously nicknamed the 'Black Baron', a V12-powered rocketship fettled by the crazy coots at the renowned German tuning house.

Given that this is Brabus we're talking about, it's not just any V12 either, but a Merc-sourced 6.0-litre twin-turbo unit (bored out to 6.3 litres) that's been worked over by the Bottrop-based skunkworks to eke out an absurd 588kW and 1420Nm.

Thankfully, some common sense has prevailed, as the engine's output is electronically limited to 1100Nm -- still sufficient to tow the average-sized block of flats, we reckon.

While tech details are limited, Brabus says it has equipped the engine with a ram-air system, a quad-exhaust and revised engine electronics.

To keep the black beast under control, the company added a fully adjustable sports suspension, new stabilisers, a high-performance braking system and black 19-inch alloy wheels shod with 255/35 (front) and 285/35 (rear) gumballs.

Brabus could never be accused of being shy and retiring when it comes to external mods and, sure enough, the Black Baron is adorned by some outrageous body addenda, none more so than the ridiculous Batmobile-esque rear wheel spats.

We don't care how much they do for high-speed stability or aero efficiency, those awful things don't belong on any car.

Other mods include a revised front bumper, new front quarter panels, aggressive side sills, and rear wheel covers. There's also a bootlid-mounted spoiler and a carbonfibre rear diffuser.

Can't argue with the numbers, as Brabus claims the V12 rockets from 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds, 0-200km/h in 9.9 seconds, and 0-300km/h in 23.9 seconds.

If you keep your foot planted, the car will eventually top out at an electronically limited 350km/h. Without the limiter, Brabus estimates the car can hit a top speed in excess of 370km/h (only 36km/h or so shy of the Bugatti Veyron).

Despite its prodigious grunt, Brabus quotes a not-too-extravagant consumption figure of 15.7L/100km, while CO2 emissions are 372g/km.

Inside, the car features black leather upholstery, an Alcantara headliner, carbonfibre trim, and a 400km/h speedometer (when was the last time you saw one of those?).

Production will be limited to 10 units, and European pricing starts at €600,000 (just over a cool million in our currency). Bargain!

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