If you thought Bottrop-based Mercedes-Benz tuner, Brabus, had turned its back on insane autobahn-stormers after seeing its electric E-Class recently, there’s no need to worry – the Brabus Rocket 800 is here.
Based on the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the Rocket 800’s powerplant is a heavily reworked version of the one found in the current S600 model, with Brabus enlarging its capacity to 6.3L, and adding its own biturbo system – complete with four intercoolers. As you’d expect, this results in 800 hp/588 kW and a crazy torque figure of 1,420 Nm/1,047 lb-ft, which is electronically limited to 1,100 Nm/811 lb-ft. Transmission is a seven-speed quick-shift gearbox which can be shifted via steering wheel-mounted paddles, or automatically.
Performance is quite brisk, with 100 km/h (62 mph) appearing in 3.7 seconds, 200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.8 s and 300 km/h (186 mph) in 23.8 sec. 370+ km/h (230 mph) is achievable, but Brabus limits top speed to a mere 350 km/h (217 mph) to prolong the life of the tyres. Don’t ask about fuel economy.
Visually, the Rocket 800 receives a carbon fibre aerodynamic body package. The aggressive front bumper features colossal air intakes, as does the new grille shell, while around the rear there’s a diffuser attached to the bumper, and a purposeful rear wing bolted to the boot lid. Replacement front wings with wider arches help to increase track width – and stability – as do the discreet rear flares.
[Source: Brabus]
