Brabus Unveils 985-Horsepower Mercedes-AMG SL-Based Shooting Brake

– Brabus reveals a 985-hp shooting brake based on the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 E-Performance.

– Extensive carbon fibre and a modified 4.4L engine highlight Brabus’ signature upgrades.

– The price remains undisclosed but is expected to exceed the SL’s original MSRP of $207,000 USD.

Brabus has introduced what must be its most unique creation: the limited-edition 985-horsepower shooting brake dubbed the Rocket GTS. Based on the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 E-Performance, the car is designed as a rare two-door shooting brake. The vehicle merges elements of a sports roadster with the less common wagon-style silhouette. It is also notable for its extensive use of carbon fiber and Brabus’ high-performance modifications.

The Rocket GTS shooting brake’s silhouette departs slightly from the typical clean lines seen in traditional shooting brakes like the BMW M Coupe and Ferrari FF or the 4-door Mercedes-Benz CLA and CLS shooting brakes. It features a unique roofline adapted from the SL roadster base, with a design resembling BMW’s Hofmeister Kink at the rear window. This combination creates a distinct, albeit unconventional, aesthetic that Brabus has executed flawlessly by integrating contrasting elements. Inside, the cabin maintains the theme with carbon fibre finishes that deliver a more industrial, race-inspired appearance, trading off some of the luxurious details standard in the SL-Class.

Powering the Brabus Rocket GTS is a modified 4.4L version of AMG’s 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine. The upgrade allows the car to achieve a combined system output of 985 horsepower, significantly surpassing the stock SL 63 E-Performance’s 801 horsepower. To safeguard the AMG-sourced nine-speed transmission, torque output is restricted from a theoretical 1342 lb-ft to an operational 1194 lb-ft. This adjustment ensures high performance while protecting the transmission’s durability under added strain.

Although Brabus has not disclosed the pricing, customers can request customization through the Brabus website. The final cost is expected to exceed the base Mercedes-AMG SL E-Performance’s MSRP of approximately USD $207,000.

Source: Road&Track