Brabus has unveiled what is possibly its most bizarre creation to date: the Rocket GTS. Though not immediately recognizable, this creation is indeed based on the Mercedes-AMG SL, transformed into a Shooting Brake clad entirely in carbon fiber and equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that delivers a staggering 986 horsepower.
While Mercedes-Benz has produced AMG, Maybach, and Mythos PureSpeed versions of the SL, none of them have a fixed roof and a body style quite like the Rocket GTS.
Brabus had to design and manufacture several custom body panels from scratch, including the roof, pillars, glass, rear fenders, and rear doors. The Rocket GTS boasts a bold body kit with exaggerated front fenders, a ventilated hood, and more aggressive air intakes, drawing all eyes and sparking envy wherever it goes.
Brabus Unveils 1,000-HP Mercedes-AMG SL for $1 Million
The Brabus Rocket GTS, the tuner’s latest creation, resembles a bespoke special edition vehicle rather than a mere tuning project, which explains its astronomical price tag of $1 million.
Carbon Fiber Shooting Brake
Constructed in an autoclave from carbon prepreg, the Shooting Brake body can be likened to the BMW Clownshoe Z3 M Coupe and the recent Concept Touring Coupe based on the Z4. Brabus claims the new design was wind tunnel tested to achieve “superior” stability beyond the 300 km/h mark.
The flat roof, prominent duck-tail spoiler, and aggressive rear diffuser are not just for show; they actively increase downforce at high speeds.
The GTS rides on Brabus Monoblock P Platinum Edition wheels, with integrated carbon fiber aero blades that are said to aid brake cooling. Another highlight is the quad-tipped, carbon-clad titanium exhaust at the rear with active exhaust flaps, giving the Rocket GTS a fitting soundtrack.
Under the hood, the plug-in hybrid setup combines a thoroughly reworked 4.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 986 horsepower and 1,620 Nm of peak torque. Brabus initially dialed the torque up to 1,820 Nm but electronically reduced it to protect the 9-speed automatic transmission from an early retirement.
These supercar-like figures represent an increase of 181 horsepower and 573 Nm over the standard Mercedes-AMG SL63 SE Performance, which is no slouch itself. According to Brabus, the Rocket GTS accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 2.6 seconds, reaches 200 km/h in 9.5 seconds, and hits 300 km/h in 23.6 seconds. For the brave-hearted, the top speed is limited to 317 km/h.
Practical Yet Extreme Interior
Inside, the Shooting Brake body provides more headroom, and the elimination of the convertible mechanism makes way for additional luggage space in the rear trunk with a 2+2 seating configuration, making this the most practical SL money can buy.
The interior is treated to the Brabus Masterpiece style with soft leather and Alcantara upholstery throughout the cabin. This particular example combines slate gray and pitch-black tones with light gray stitching, continuing the dark theme of the exposed carbon exterior. The tuner also added a host of carbon fiber inserts, Brabus logos, and Shadow Gray accents.
Limited Edition Pricing and Availability
Brabus has not specified how many of these “limited edition” Rocket GTS models they will produce.
What we do know is that the first example has been listed for sale on the official Brabus website, with a jaw-dropping price tag of €945,762.50 (approximately $1,024,553). For that amount, you’re not just buying a car; you’re investing in a tuning masterpiece.
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