This Old Mercedes Sounds Like A V12 F1 Car - You Won't Believe Your Ears
Welcome back to the Top Gear Tunnel Run. Imagine a serene executive cruiser transformed into an F1-sounding beast — sounds like a fantasy? Think again. This time, we thrust into the world of a Mercedes S600, a car historically associated with refinement, now emitting roars akin to a 90s F1 monster. Our playground, once again, is the Catesby tunnel, perfectly designed to amplify the cacophony of our fine-tuned marvels.
The Silent Giant: Mercedes S600
The Mercedes S600 from the 1990s stood as a zenith of luxury, technological innovation, and absolute tranquility. Its quiet nature, reinforced by double glazed windows and a 6-litre V12 engine designed for seamless thrust rather than noise, made it the go-to vehicle for diplomats, celebrities, and royalty. Yet, beneath this sophisticated and subdued exterior was an engine capable of raising heartbeats across the world.
From Hidden Potential to YouTube Stardom
Hailing from a quiet Japanese garage, an engineer-cum-maestro named Sasaki San saw untapped potential in this German leviathan. In 2016, he posted a video that shook the automotive community: a silver Mercedes zipping through tunnels, emitting sounds that could rival an F1 car. This creation brought instant fame to both the car and its creator, Sasaki San.
The Maestro's Workshop: Brilliant Exhaust
Sasaki San's workshop in Kawasaki is less about fancy branding and more about the magic he weaves with metal. Manifolds are his specialty, designed to make a big old Merc howl like Lewis Hamilton's best race day. His company, Brilliant Exhaust, lives up to its name, churning out sound systems that turn your head. Known for his wizardry, Sasaki San has transformed everything from Ferraris to Lamborghinis, but today it's all about the Mercedes S600 AMG.
The Star Machine: S600 AMG
This specific S600 AMG has quite a journey — bought by Top Gear photographer Mark Ricchione, it's an extended project featuring an AMG body kit, AMG wheels, and an array of AMG enhancements, including new pistons, rods, and cams, resulting in a formidable 439 horsepower. But what truly steals the show is its exhaust, a sophisticated symphony of F1-style pipework under the bonnet designed to achieve one thing: a sound that eclipses your expectations.
Each meticulously designed manifold ensures that the air travels precisely the same distance in every cylinder, creating a harmonized, higher-pitched roar. And thanks to some intricate engineering and a keen ear for musical tones, the frequency is honed to an F1-like shriek. A separate key fob even allows control of this bellowing beast, a feature sure to keep the neighbors happy.
The Tunnel Run
Enough about the technical marvels, it's time to hear this beast. The Stig is ready with two runs through the stage. Let's dive deep into the sonic labyrinth of the Catesby tunnel, where the walls barely contain the ferocity of this rejuvenated classic. The air vibrates, the decibel meter hits 130, and the collective gasp of automotive enthusiasts is almost palpable. Imagine that experience amplified — and that's precisely what we got.
If you missed it the first time, the run is pure exhilaration cut into history, a time capsule echoing the roars of 90s F1 races. The old Mercedes truly transcends its original purpose, unsettling in the most fantastic way possible. Silence turns into raw power — a jolt that only a few could have envisioned, let alone executed so perfectly.
The 3D Audio Experience
To elevate this sensory journey, Top Gear introduces 'Mike'— an audio system capable of recording in 3D. Built to mimic human ears, it captures the sound as it surges and broils around, immersing you completely. Headphones are essential to soak in this sonic magic, so you hear exactly what Mike hears, as if seated beside the Stig on this seismic journey.
The marriage of sound and speed in this resurrected Mercedes is a remarkable example of the beauty achievable in automotive engineering. Stay tuned for more tunnel runs and automotive wonders, as the Top Gear team continues to push boundaries and bring you thrills beyond the ordinary.