Mercedes doesn’t have a Shooting Brake version of the AMG SL, but Brabus has built Brabus Rocket GTS with many visible carbon fiber body components, 1000 PS, and a whopping price tag.
The successors of the Mercedes SL and Mercedes-AMG GT are built on the new Modular Sports Architecture (MSA). The Mercedes-AMG SL roadster and the Mercedes-AMG GT coupe can be configured with five powertrains, the top one being the AMG SL/GT 63 S E Performance AMG SL/GT 63 S E. Mercedes-AMG SL SL 63 S E Performance is powered by the 4.0-liter, 612 PS twin-turbocharged V8 engine supported by a 150 kW (204 PS) electric motor at the rear axle. The PHEV system delivers 816 PS and 1,420 Nm in total. Thus, the 2.2-ton heavy sports car accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 2.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 317 kph.
Brabus is now more than a tuner. They built a new body
However, a Shooting brake version doesn’t exist in the range, only the Roadster and Coupe versions. Brabus wants to fill that gap with the Brabus Rocket GTS. For the first time, the Bottrop-based company isn’t just acting as a tuner by modifying an existing model but has built an all-new carbon-fiber body based on the SL roadster.
Displacement of the 4.0 liter bi-tubro V8 has increased to 4.5 liter
The basis for the Brabus Shooting brake model is the Mercedes-AMG SL in a 2+2 seating configuration equipped with the 816 PS PHEV system. The Brabus Rocket GTS utilizes a modified version of the PHEV system from the AMG SL 63 S E Performance. Brabus has increased the displacement of the twin-turbo V8 engine from 4.0 to 4.5 liters. Thus, the new 4.5-liter V8 develops 796 PS and 1,250 Nm compared to 612 PS and 850 Nm. However, since the drivetrain components can’t handle that much torque, it has been limited to 1,050 Nm.
The 204 hp electric motor along with its 2-speed automatic transmission and 6.1 kWh battery remain unchanged.
The system delivers 1,000 PS and 1,820 Nm in total, but maximum torque has been limited to 1,620 Nm. Thus, 0-100 kph acceleration is 0.3 seconds quicker, stopping the stopwatch at 2.6 seconds, and top speed is limited to 317 kph.
Sporty lines with aerodynamics improvements
The lines of the Brabus Rocket GTS are very different from those of the SL. The textile roof and trunk lid are gone, replaced by a rigid roof that slopes down toward the rear and ends with a generous tailgate.
Brabus doesn’t specify the trunk volume, but the official photo shows four large duffel bags, which means the trunk is much more roomy than the SL. Also, the rear seats have a higher backrest offering more comfort, and can be folded to increase the trunk volume.
From the side, you can see a second window that climbs up towards the rear and a wing that extends from above the rear wheel arches joining the rear spoiler. A second spoiler integrated into the roof protects the rear window.
The flared wheel arches have been enlarged to make room for new five-spoke Monoblock P wheels with a center-looking design and integrated visible carbon aero blades. The Brabus Rocket GTS rides on 21-inch front and 22-inch rear wheels shod with 275/35 ZR21 front and 335/25 ZR22 rear tires. Larger wheel arches have increased the car’s width to 1.99 meters.
Aerodynamics play an important role and the Brabus Rocket GTS features a more aggressive front spoiler that increases front axle downforce at high speeds, while air intakes on the side direct airflow to the radiators and front brakes. At the rear, the carbon-fiber diffuser integrates the four red-lit titanium tailpipes, which feature a flap system.
The interior is wrapped in high-quality slate gray soft leather that covers not only the seats but also the door panels, dashboard, steering wheel, and center console. The headlining, pillars, areas of the dashboard, and the upper parts of the door panels have been covered with Alcantara.
Limited serie, four times more expensive than the SL 63 S E Performance
The Brabus Rocket GTS will be produced in a limited series with the base price being 938,910 euros, which is four times more than the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance which costs 225,624 euros. For this price you not only get almost 200 PS more, but also a unique Shooting brake body and a generous trunk perfect for long trips.
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