Few people would ever say that the Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series isn't really quick enough. Straight from the factory's 'skunk works' it's capable of hitting 62mph in 3.8 seconds and 124mph in 11 seconds before achieving a top speed of an electronically limited 199mph. For most, that's plenty; but for an unknown Middle Eastern owner of a SL 65 AMG Black Series owner, there was still room for improvement.

So he took the seemingly ultimate model to Brabus, where it worked its tuning magic it does on other Mercedes-Benz models. The end result, the Brabus Vanish, sees a jump in power of some 130bhp, taking the SL 65 Black's standard 670- to the 800bhp mark. Larger turbos, a new gearbox, upgraded brakes and a redesigned exhaust system are some of the modifications. It looks pretty mean too, with matte black paint, as well as a rather mean body kit.

As for the result of the power boost, there has been a mere 0.2 seconds shaved off that already awesome 3.8 seconds to 62mph and the top speed is now 205mph. And the price? Come on, if you have to ask... But with the 'standard' car costing in excess of £250,000 you can be sure it won't be a small figure.

Paddy Comyn - 16 Apr 2010