225mph Brabus breaks speed records

Brabus has been at it again and beaten its own world record for the fastest saloon. Based on a Mercedes CLS, the new Brabus Rocket is powered by a tuned 6.2-litre version of Mercedes’ biturbo V12. With a new crankshaft, larger turbos, better intercooling and a new exhaust, it produces a faintly ludicrous 718bhp at 5100rpm. Maximum torque is 973lb ft but the output is electronically capped at 811lb ft.

To claim the record, the Rocket reached a V-max of 225.2mph round the high-speed bowl at Nardo, thus beating its forebear the Brabus E V12 Biturbo by 7.6mph. Road versions will be limited to a paltry 217mph, although this won’t stop them hitting 62mph in 4 seconds dead and 124mph in just 10.2sec. Wiping off all that velocity are 12-piston front callipers and six-piston rears on 375mm ceramic front and 355mm steel rear discs. The tyres for the high-speed run were Yokohama Advans.

And the price of all this? £261,715. Just say it quickly.