With its carbon fiber craftsmanship and an ungodly hybrid engine, the Brabus Rocket GTS is anything but subtle.
Reimagined as a Shooting Brake
The Brabus Rocket GTS, with its unconventional Shooting Brake design, merges sports car aesthetics with the functionality of a wagon. Although based on the Mercedes-AMG GT, Brabus has meticulously reworked its structure, starting with a unique fixed roof that gives it an elongated, aerodynamic look. The stretched body shape creates a distinctive profile, allowing the car to serve as both a performance vehicle and a practical tourer. Despite the bold changes, Brabus managed to maintain a sleek and proportionate look, avoiding the bulkiness typical of some custom builds.
Carbon Fiber Elements
Brabus employed advanced design tools, including computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel testing, to craft each component of the Rocket GTS. The entire body is made from prepreg carbon fiber, allowing Brabus to optimize both weight and strength. Every detail, from the muscular wheel arches to the intricate rear diffuser, showcases the tuner’s dedication to performance and durability.
Widened Stance
The car’s widened rear, spanning more than 78 inches across the rear axle, contributes to its stable road grip and aggressive stance, while the distinctively vented hood and side intakes manage airflow for improved stability at high speeds. The carbon fiber body kit, complete with Brabus’s Monoblock P “Platinum Edition” wheels, is not just a visual statement but a functional enhancement, with each design choice carefully tailored to improve cooling and aerodynamics.
A Powerful Heart
At the core of the Rocket GTS is a reworked 4.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine paired with an electric motor, generating a mind-blowing 986 horsepower and 1,195 lb-ft of torque. Originally, Brabus designed the engine to reach 1,342 lb-ft, but it reduced the torque electronically to protect the nine-speed automatic transmission.
Modified Hybrid Powertrain
This formidable setup allows the Rocket GTS to perform at supercar levels, hitting 62 mph in just 2.6 seconds and reaching 186 mph in 23.6 seconds. Top speed is capped at 197 mph, an impressive limit that balances thrill and control. The Brabus-tuned exhaust, with titanium-coated quad tailpipes, features adjustable valves to modulate sound, ensuring the Rocket GTS can rumble down the road without disturbing the peace when desired.
Refined Aerodynamics
The aerodynamic improvements on the Rocket GTS extend beyond mere appearance; they play a pivotal role in enhancing the car’s high-speed performance. The aggressive flat roofline, along with a pronounced ducktail spoiler and redesigned rear diffuser, adds considerable downforce, providing stability even at speeds exceeding 186 mph.
Focus on Stability
This stability is critical for a car that operates at such high performance levels, as it keeps the vehicle grounded and the driving experience smooth. Wind tunnel testing helped Brabus ensure these elements weren’t just stylistic, but also functionally aligned with the car’s performance.
Functional Luxury: Enhanced Practicality and Comfort
Brabus took advantage of the Shooting Brake’s taller body by maximizing interior space. With the roof structure fixed, the car offers more headroom and expanded cargo space behind the 2+2 seating configuration, making it as practical as it is powerful. The Rocket GTS provides versatility rarely seen in the performance car segment, enabling owners to carry luggage comfortably for longer trips while enjoying the thrill of a high-performance car. This functionality brings the Brabus Rocket GTS closer to the versatility often found in luxury wagons or touring cars.
Sophisticated Interior Detailing
Inside, Brabus spared no expense in creating a cabin that exudes luxury. The Rocket GTS’s interior showcases an impressive blend of soft leather and black Alcantara, accented with slate gray panels and light gray stitching. Diamond-stitching patterns give the seating an artisanal touch, while illuminated carbon fiber trims elevate the aesthetics throughout the car. The dash, center console, and door sills are enhanced with subtle Brabus Shadow Gray accents that tie together the interior’s dark and elegant theme. Custom switchgear and meticulously designed air vents bring a bespoke feel to the cabin, embodying Brabus’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship.
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