Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E-Performance Shooting Brakes Brabus Rocket GTS

Do you know how we often say that today’s car world needs more Shooting Brakes, among others? Well, we’re not the only ones to believe so, as Brabus agrees. Not only that, but the famous tuner actually came up with its own take on this nice a few months ago, baptizing the project the Rocket GTS.
 

Brabus’ Rocket GTS is an amazing project that builds on the latest Mercedes-AMG SL. The roadster has been turned into a veritable Shooting Brake and the famous tuner wrapped it up in carbon fiber. It also left its touch on the interior and, ultimately, the powertrain, which produces a monstrous 1,000 metric horsepower.
 
For this impressive build, Brabus had to come up with bespoke body panels. The components were made from scratch and include the pillars, greenhouse, roof, rear quarter panels, and tailgate. As expected from a machine, the tuner gave it a custom body kit that revolves around the hood, fender flares, larger air intakes, ducktail spoiler, and so on.
 
Mind you, it’s not just about exaggerated proportions, as this model, which reminds us of BMW’s iconic Clown Shoe Z3 M Coupe, as well as the same company’s more recent Concept Touring Coupe that builds on the Z4, has been tested in the wind tunnel. Brabus claims it delivers “outstanding” stability beyond the 186 miles per hour (300 kph) mark, and that’s something to write home about, as you’re looking at modern supercar performance in something that’s much more practical.
 

Assisting the brake cooking due to their integrated carbon aeroblades, the wheels are called the Brabus Monoblock P Platinum Edition. They measure 10.5×21 inches at the front axle and 12×22 inches at the rear and were wrapped in 275/35 and 335/25 tires, respectively. Brabus sport springs with height adjustment are also on deck to improve the car’s sporty driving credentials, and the tuner also gave it quad carbon-coated titanium tailpipes. The new exhaust system boasts active flaps for a deeper tone under right pedal abuse.
 
The 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 has been heavily reworked, and it now has a 4.5-liter displacement. The carry-over electric motor is on deck, so it’s a plug-in hybrid proposal. According to Brabus, the initial thrust was rated at 1,342 pound-foot (1,820 Nm). However, they had to drop it to 1,195 pound-foot (1,620 Nm) to protect the 9sp automatic transmission, which couldn’t have handled such insane torque. The output stands at 1,000 metric horsepower, which translates to 986 brake horsepower and 736 kilowatts.
 
Those keeping track of the magic numbers know that the Brabus Rocket GTS is 181 hp (184 ps/135 kW) and 148 pound-feet (200 Nm) of torque more powerful than the standard Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance. The latter rockets to 62 mph (100 kph) in 2.9 seconds, 0.7 seconds faster than the regular SL 63, and the ‘Clown Shoe’ deals with the sprint in just 2.6 seconds. 0-124 mph (0-200 kph) is dispatched in 9.5 seconds, and this car can reach 186 mph (300 kph) in 23.6 seconds. Flat-out, it will do 197 mph (317 kph).
 

Since it no longer features the reclining roof mechanism, and with the rear quarter panels being oversized and the roofline stretched, the Brabus Rocket GTS offers more space in the trunk. It retains its 2+2 seating layout and features Alcantara and soft leather upholstery, lots of carbon inserts, Brabus emblems, Shadow Gray touches, and a few other bits and bobs. For what it’s worth, this custom Shooting Brake is the most versatile Mercedes-AMG SL that money can buy, though the finances are so steep that it makes even the Lamborghini Revuelto look like a great deal in comparison.
 
We found the pictured copy advertised on Brabus’ official website, and it was offered for €945,762.50. The asking price includes tax and equals $966,420 at the current exchange rate. There is a big possibility that the Brabus Rocket GTS will become a future collectible, and if that’s the case, it could go up in value. However, beneath the hand-beaten body panels, carbon fiber, increased displacement, custom interior, and other work that has gone into it, it is still a Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance.
 
The standard plug-in hybrid roadster begins at €216,599.04 (equaling $221,330), which is still very steep for an SL, and one could literally buy four brand-new SL 63 S E Performance cars for the price of the Brabus Rocket GTS. They could also opt for a brand-new supercar and would have a lot of money left for gasoline, insurance, maintenance, and a very nice top-of-the-line SUV, like the Mercedes-AMG G 63. Therefore, we don’t see why anyone would pay almost $1 million for this custom ride.
 
Still, if you plan on doing so, then we won’t judge you. Quite the opposite, in fact. Interested parties can access the online listing here on the tuner’s official website.