GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Brabus whips covers off wicked Benz S-Class variants

Brabus has lifted the lid on two outrageous new performance models making a debut at the Geneva motor show this week.

The Brabus 800 is a development of the Mercedes-AMG S 63 in both coupe and sedan form, and promises performance exceeding that of its conceptually similar 900 model. Each model generates 588kW and 1000Nm, despatched through all four wheels for a 0-100km/h time of 3.1 seconds.

Engine output from the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 has been enhanced through the use of high-performance turbochargers – including a larger compressor unit for pressure of 1.6 bar.

In addition, Brabus engineers have tweaked the engine management system by fitting a 'PowerXtra' auxiliary control module adapted for the Benz CAN bus. According to Brabus, this processor features different mapping for injection, ignition and boost pressure control. And the stainless-steel exhaust system reduces back-pressure for efficiency and performance. It's a bi-modal system also, with a quieter 'coming home' setting or a full-house setting for the racetrack.

The performance gains amount to 138kW more and 100Nm on top of the standard car's numbers.

Lowered by 15mm from the standard car's ride height, the coupe is offered with the choice of 21- or 22-inch forged alloy wheels to complement the wind-tunnel-tested 'naked carbon' aero kit fitted by Brabus.

According to Brabus, the new front spoiler that is a major element of the kit does reduce lift at the front of the car, so it serves a practical purpose. Buyers can opt for Continental, Pirelli or Yokohama tyres.

Inside, the car is trimmed in fine-leather upholstery and the tuning firm's own aluminium shift paddles are fitted for manually changing gear with the nine-speed automatic.

The sedan is equipped largely as for the coupe, but riding on 21-inch wheels exclusively, although Brabus does offer to swap those out for different wheels ranging in size from 18 to 22 inches.