Mercedes brandishes Brooklands bad boy

NOT content with the stonking performance delivered by AMG-modified models, Mercedes-Benz’s British arm has established a hot shop to turn up the heat even higher.

The first treat from Mercedes-Benz UK’s Special Products division – appropriately based at historic Brooklands – is the DR520 which made its public debut at this month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Based on the AMG-tuned C63 sedan and estate, the DR520 is so-named because it packs 520 horsepower, or 388kW, which is 52kW more than the ‘standard’ C63 sold in Australia.

Torque from the 6.2-litre V8 is up 50Nm, to 650Nm, helping the blistering Benz from zero to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds – 0.4 seconds quicker than the C63.

While none of the limited-edition DR520 sedan and estates are destined for Australian showrooms, GoAuto understands that the chances are good that Mercedes-Benz Australia might pull the covers off its own AMG special edition later this year, perhaps at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney in October.

Last year, the importer unveiled an ‘Edition 63’ version of the high-performance sedan, but that car retained the C63’s standard 336kW/600Nm engine and seven-speed automatic transmission.

Along with a styling package, Edition 63 modifications included an AMG differential with 40 per cent more locking effect and DTM-style 19-inch alloy wheels.

The DR520, however, gets more performance courtesy of forged pistons, newly-developed connecting rods and a revised crankshaft from AMG’s Performance Pack Plus.

AMG’s high-performance braking system with red callipers is standard, along with an AMG carbon-fibre rear spoiler on the sedan.

Available in black or white matt paint, the DR520 also gets Titanium-finish alloy wheels and grille.

Inside, the seats dash and door linings are trimmed with a combination of leather and Alcantara with red or white contrast stitching, which the AMG steering wheel is also wrapped in a mix of leather and Alcantara.

Mercedes UK’s specialist products division manager Nigel Unsworth said the company wanted to launch the new division with something unique.

“Mercedes-Benz World is located at Brooklands, and there’s a proud history of ‘Brooklands Specials’ being sold here over the years,” he said.

“The DR520 – which is dyno-rated at 520hp – is our chance to create an exclusive model in the UK.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to offer our customers who enjoy sports and supercars a bespoke car with even more performance than the already very successful C63 AMG.

“And as well as the increased performance, it looks incredible, too.” The DR520’s 388kW represents 25 per cent more power than the BMW’s 309kW M3 and 17 per cent more than Audi’s RS5 Coupe due in Australia later this year.

That Audi entrant is set to make its public entrance at the Australian motor show, which could be a clue as to any Mercedes-Benz model additions.