Brabus GTS Rocket: the wildest Mercedes ever created by the tuner

Brabus creations are designed to make the cars they are based on far more spectacular once they pass through their hands. And in the case of the Brabus GT Rocket, they set out to create the most radical Mercedes to have left their workshops. And mind you, that says a lot. They based it on the Mercedes-AMG SL and equipped it with a carbon fibre covering, and it is powered by a plug-in hybrid system that produces 986 CV.

To achieve the powerful, muscular look of the GTS Rocket, Brabus had to manufacture body panels from scratch. The roof, the pillars, the greenhouse, the rear wings and the tailgate are some of the elements reinvented by the tuner. At the front we find prominent wheel arches, a vented bonnet, considerably sized air intakes and other features that draw the eye irresistibly.

The aerodynamics of the Brabus GTS Rocket have been tested in the wind tunnel, even at speeds beyond 300 km/h reached by the standard version. The flat roofline, the duck-tail rear spoiler and the rear diffuser help the aerodynamic behaviour adapt to the needs of the driver.

The wheels fitted are Brabus Monoblock P Platinum Edition. The integrated carbon aeroblades help cool the brakes, increasing their efficiency. As for the exhaust, it consists of four carbon-coated titanium tubes, equipped with active exhaust flaps. This means that when it is running, the Rocket GTS delivers an incredible sound.

Interior of the GTS Rocket

Inside we see how the Shooting Brake bodywork, together with the removal of the retractable roof mechanism, has managed to increase the space available in the boot. The seats have a 2+2 configuration, making it the most practical SL model on the market.

The Brabus Masterpiece treatment used in the interior features soft leather and Alcantara upholstery. The car whose images the tuner has released uses slate grey and jet black tones with light grey stitching. These carry the exterior colours into the cabin. There are also carbon inserts, Brabus emblems and dark grey details.

Engine

Under the bonnet of the Brabus Rocket GTS we find a 4.5-litre V8 plug-in hybrid block that has been redesigned to accommodate a second-generation electric motor. Together, they produce a power output that reaches 986 CV and a spectacular torque of 1,820 Nm. However, a limiter has been fitted so that torque is held at 1,620 Nm to protect the nine-speed automatic gearbox.

Power has been increased by 181 CV and torque by 573 Nm compared with the Mercedes-AMG SL63 SE Performance. With these figures, the GTS Rocket accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.6 seconds. If we want to reach 200 km/h, the time rises to 9.5 seconds, the time other cars need to reach 100 km/h. Top speed is rated at 317 km/h.

The price

Brabus has not announced how many units of this special model will be built, but it has announced that the price of the car seen in the images is 945,762.50 euros. An amount that ensures this is not just buying a car, but a true statement of intent.