- Brabus made a new Shooting Brake supercar based on the Mercedes-AMG SL.
- The Rocket GTS features a bespoke carbon body and a practical 2+2 interior.
- The PHEV system has been tuned to produce 986 hp and 1,195 lb-ft of torque.
Brabus has unleashed what may be its most outlandish build to date: the Rocket GTS. Though it’s not immediately obvious, this creation is actually based on a Mercedes-AMG SL, transformed into a bespoke Shooting Brake wrapped entirely in carbon fiber and equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that cranks out a monstrous 986 horsepower.
More: Mercedes-Maybach SL680 Monogram Is The Sportiest Maybach Ever, But Doesn’t Get A V12
Mercedes already makes AMG, Maybach, and Mythos PureSpeed versions of the SL, but none of them comes with a fixed roof and a bodystyle like the Rocket GTS. Brabus had to design and fabricate several custom body panels from scratch, including the roof, pillars, greenhouse, rear fenders, and tailgate. The Rocket GTS flaunts a bold bodykit with exaggerated front fenders, a vented hood, and sportier intakes, turning heads and igniting envy wherever it goes.
A Shooting Brake in Carbon Fiber
Constructed in an autoclave from prepreg carbon, the Shooting Brake body draws comparisons to BMW‘s Clownshoe Z3 M Coupe and the recent Z4-based Concept Touring Coupe. Brabus claims the new design has been wind-tunnel tested to deliver “outstanding” stability well past the 300 km/h (186 mph) mark. The flat roofline, pronounced ducktail spoiler, and aggressive rear diffuser aren’t just for show—they actively boost downforce at high speeds.
The GTS rides on Brabus Monoblock P Platinum Edition wheels, with integrated carbon aeroblades which are said to assist in brake cooling. Another highlight is the quad carbon-coated titanium tailpipes at the back with active exhaust flaps, providing the Rocket GTS with a fitting soundtrack.
Powertrain: More Than Just Numbers
Under the hood, the plug-in hybrid setup pairs a heavily reworked 4.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with a carry-over electric motor, generating a combined 986 hp (735 kW / 1,000 PS) and 1,620 Nm (1,195 lb-ft) of torque. Brabus initially hit 1,820 Nm (1,342 lb-ft), but dialed it down electronically to protect the nine-speed automatic transmission from an early retirement.
These supercar-like figures represent an increase of 181 hp (184 PS) and 573 Nm (148 lb-ft) over the stock Mercedes-AMG SL63 S E Performance, which itself, is no slouch. According to Brabus, the Rocket GTS catapults from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 2.6 seconds, hits 200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.5 seconds, and reaches 300 km/h (186 mph) in 23.6 seconds. For the brave, top speed is capped at 317 km/h (197 mph).
A Practical Yet Extreme Interior
Moving inside, the taller Shooting Brake bodywork and the removal of the reclining roof mechanism allowed more room for luggage in the cargo area behind the 2+2 seating layout, making it the most practical SL money can buy.
The interior has received the Brabus Masterpiece treatment with soft leather and Alcantara upholstery covering the entire cabin. This particular example combines slate gray and jet black shades with light gray stitching, continuing the dark theme of the exposed carbon exterior. The tuner also added an array of carbon inserts, Brabus emblems, and Shadow Gray accents.
Limited Edition Pricing and Availability
Brabus hasn’t specified how many of these “limited edition” Rocket GTS models they’ll produce. What we do know is that the first example is already up for sale on Brabus’s official website, flaunting an eye-watering price tag of €945,762.50 (or about $1,024,553 for those across the pond). For that kind of money, you’re not just buying a car—you’re buying a statement and a very loud one at that.
