When you have a supercar-fast S65 overhauled by Brabus, the overall Vmax leaps from its factory limiter from 186-mph into the stratosphere. 900 horsepower from the V12TT is thanks to an aggressive new intake, boost and exhaust management system and a jump in displacement from 5.5-liters to 6.3-liters.
Standard rear-drive makes the Brabus Rocket 900 actually faster above 200-mph than the standard 4Matic in other S-Class Mercedes-AMG limos for 2015, but it will take a brave driver indeed to test this car’s outright potential.
The Rocket 900 is generally tire-limited to 217-mph, but can reach a theoretical 230-mph based on its gearing, power output and aerodynamics.
The style of the Rocket 900 is remarkably restrained versus previous Brabus models — with carbon-fiber scoops in the lower bumper and a fender vent to mark out the car visually. From the back, the quad square pipes and BRABUS badge are enough to make even P1’s and LaFerrari’s realize what just passed them on the autobahn or the legendary highways between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Next question — will the Veyron’s special PAX Michelin wheels fit on an S-Class? Current non-Veyron tires seem to be the only thing holding the Brabus boffins on earth at full throttle!
To go even quicker, perhaps they should take up our S-Class chop-top…?
BRABUS Rocket 900
World premiere at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show
BRABUS ROCKET 900
The new reference for high performance in the luxury class V12 with 662 kW / 900 hp, 1,500 Nm and a top speed in excess of 350 km/h
BRABUS ROCKET 900 – that is the new reference for high performance in the luxury class, which celebrates its world premiere at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone +49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, fax +49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, internet www.brabus.com) builds this super car based on the new Mercedes S 65.
At the heart of the luxury sedan is the BRABUS ROCKET 900 6.3 V12 Biturbo increased-displacement engine with a peak power output of 662 kW / 900 hp (887 bhp) and a peak torque of 1,500 Nm (1,106 lb-ft).
The power unit in the bow shoots the four-door car from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds. Top speed is in excess of 350 km/h (217 mph).
Visually the BRABUS super car impresses with a carbon-fiber aerodynamic-enhancement kit, BRABUS “PLATINUM EDITION” 21- or 22-inch wheels and an exquisite two-tone BRABUS fine leather interior.
The BRABUS “iBusiness” infotainment system for the BRABUS ROCKET 900 is based on state-of-the-art components from Apple such as the iPad mini, the Mac mini, iPod touch and Apple TV, which can be controlled with a custom-developed BRABUS Remote app.
The 12-cylinder engine of the S 65 is revised in every detail in the BRABUS engine shop, which is equipped with a state-of-the-art machine park. The installation of a custom BRABUS billet crankshaft with longer stroke in concert with a larger cylinder bore, matching pistons and precision-balanced custom billet connecting rods increases the displacement from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 384 cubic inches).
Modifications to the engine peripherals also play a large role in the enormous power output. The two production turbos are replaced with turbochargers that have a larger compressor unit and a larger turbine as well as modified exhaust manifolds. Down pipes with a diameter of 80 millimeters (3.1 inches) are also included in the conversion, as is a stainless-steel BRABUS high-performance exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts and actively controlled butterfly valve.
Just as crucial is a perfect air supply of the engine. To this end, the BRABUS engine specialists developed the BRABUS 900 intake module, which draws its air through an air duct in the hood directly from the radiator grille. The new intake manifold includes a special air filter housing with larger cross-section and special filters as well as “Gold Heat Reflection” sheathing for lowering the temperature.
Precisely programmed mapping for injection and ignition coordinate the perfect interaction of the high-performance components. The result is not only maximum power, but also compliance with the strict limits set by the current EURO VI emissions standards. Technology partner MOTUL supplies the high-tech lubricants for the entire powertrain.
The extensive work performed on the engine results in the BRABUS ROCKET 900 6.3 V12 Biturbo engine delivering unrivalled performance figures: the peak power of 662 kW / 900 hp (887 bhp) is produced at a low 5,500 rpm. Even more massive is the peak torque of 1,500 Nm (1,106 lb-ft) at 4,200 rpm. In the car this figure is limited electronically to 1,200 Nm (884 lb-ft).
The power is channeled to the rear wheels by a seven-speed automatic transmission adapted to the tremendous power output and a BRABUS high-performance limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent. The transmission can also be shifted manually with the BRABUS RACE aluminum paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
The performance of the BRABUS 900 ROCKET on the road is on the level of a full-blooded top-class sports car. From rest the luxury sedan sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds. The sprint to 200 km/h (124 mph) takes a measly 9.1 seconds. Top speed is in excess of 350 km/h (217 mph).
This unique driving experience is accompanied by a subtle or thrilling exhaust note as desired. The BRABUS sports exhaust system with actively controlled butterfly valve enables the owner to actively manage the sound at the push of a button. The button on the steering wheel lets the driver choose between driving the luxury sedan in a subtle and quiet “Coming Home” mode and enjoying a markedly powerful twelve-cylinder sound.
It goes without saying that favorable aerodynamics are crucial at the extremely high speeds so effortlessly attained by the BRABUS ROCKET 900. To minimize aerodynamic lift on the front and rear axle and bring them into perfect balance, the BRABUS designers developed a sporty-elegantly styled bodywork conversion kit. Like in Formula 1 racing, the components are manufactured from carbon fiber and give the luxury sedan a dynamic visual upgrade while optimizing aerodynamic efficiency.
The front bumper of the S 65 is upgraded not only visually with the BRABUS front spoiler lip and the front bumper attachments with a markedly sporty clear-coated carbon-fiber finish. The shape optimized in the wind tunnel also reduces lift on the front axle. This measure contributes to further improved handling stability at high speeds.
The front fenders are upgraded visually with a clear-coated carbon-fiber BRABUS design element. The integrated BRABUS logo is optionally available with lighting, which is activated with the keyless-entry remote or by pulling on a door handle. The BRABUS clear-coated carbon-fiber mirror covers represent a further sporty upgrade of the sides.
The BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement concept is rounded out with the BRABUS rear spoiler lip and the rear bumper with integrated clear-coated carbon-fiber diffusor and tailor-made cutouts for the BRABUS sports exhausts system with two dual designer tailpipes.
Tailor-made BRABUS Monoblock alloys with diameters of 21 and even 22 inches also play an essential role in the thrilling looks and the even more dynamic and safer handling.
Forged BRABUS “PLATINUM EDITION” wheels of sizes 9Jx21 on the front axle and 10.5Jx21 at the rear are available as a 21-inch tire/wheel combination. Customers can choose from three different designs: mirror-polished Monoblock VI wheels with six double spokes, the Monoblock F cross-spoke styling and the new Monoblock R wheel with dimensionally offset pairs of spokes. High-performance tires from Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA of sizes 255/35 ZR 21 at the front and 295/30 ZR 21 on the rear axle were selected as the perfect rubber.
There is also a 22-inch BRABUS tire/wheel combination. In concert with size 255/30 ZR 22 tires on the front axle and 295/25 ZR 22 tires at the rear, the BRABUS Monoblock G “Platinum Edition” forged wheels of sizes 9Jx22 and 10Jx22 make full use of the available space in the wheel wells.
To be able to enhance the high level of driving dynamics of the high-performance luxury sedan further still, the BRABUS AIRMATIC SPORT unit was developed, a special control module for the air suspension of the luxury sedan. It lowers the ride height of the BRABUS ROCKET 900 by about 15 millimeters (.6 inches) without compromising the outstanding ride quality.
BRABUS is one of the pioneers in the development of innovative, functional and stylishly integrated multimedia systems for cars. The classy ambiance of a BRABUS fine leather interior with perfect finish down to the last detail also allows the stylish integration of a state-of-the-art multimedia system.
The BRABUS ROCKET 900 is also available with the innovative BRABUS “iBusiness” multimedia system. It uses the latest generation of Apple computer technology for entertainment and global communication via phone and internet.
The BRABUS “iBusiness” multimedia system integrates an iPad mini tablet computer perfectly into the rear compartment. To this end, a special center console was developed, which is positioned between the two individual seats in the rear. It features a docking station and holds the tablet securely in place when not in use. It also recharges the battery of the computer.
The iPad mini is not only used for communicating with the outside world. The tablet computer can also be used to control all functions of the BRABUS “iBusiness” system and the COMAND on-board information system. In addition, the mobile computer is connected via InCar hotspot to the Mac Mini, which serves as the host computer.
The ultra-small and yet especially powerful computer is housed securely in a power-retractable drawer tailored to the design of the Mac mini in the trunk of the luxury liner. The BRABUS programmers developed an innovative BRABUS Remote app for the secure communication between the various components of the multimedia equipment.
A 15.6-inch TFT display with an aspect ratio of 16:9 serves as the central monitor for the iPad mini and the other devices of the multimedia system. The power-retractable screen is integrated elegantly into the chic Alcantara headliner. The standard screens in the back of the front head restraints can also be used for watching TV via DVBT or other programming sources in addition. The BRABUS ROCKET 900 is connected to the internet via 4G mobile telecommunications technology.
The music of course comes from an Apple iPod touch of the latest generation, whose 64GB memory can store more than 14,000 songs. The sound is reproduced via the sound system of the S-Class.
The entire system is stylishly integrated into the BRABUS fine leather interior. It is finished to perfection down to the last detail and sports a tasteful combination of light-colored vellum and black. The passengers are welcomed to the interior by stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo, whose color alternates between red and white.
The BRABUS instrument cluster with 400-km/h (250-mph) scale is also part of the conversion, as are markedly sporty highlights such as aluminum door-lock pins and pedals.
The BRABUS ROCKET 900 can be ordered as a complete car starting at EUR 347,719. Of course the conversion can also be retrofitted to any existing Mercedes S 65.
Fuel economy, CO2 emissions and efficiency class:
BRABUS ROCKET 900 based on the Mercedes S 65: city 17.1 l/100 km, highway 8.6 l/100 km, combined: 11.9 l/100 km. CO2 emissions, combined: 279 g/km, efficiency class F.
BRABUS 2015.
Please note: additional BRABUS information is available on our website at www.brabus.com
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.