Merc S65 not powerful enough? Meet the Brabus Rocket 900

Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG have revealed the latest iterations of the S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet. Right on cue, Brabus has hit back with its take on the S65 Cab, and as expected, it's a little bit mad.

So where the 'regular', V12-engined S65 Cab is no normal S-Class, this Brabus version is no normal S65 AMG. It’s called the Brabus Rocket 900 Cabrio, and it produces a ballistic 888bhp and 1,106 lb ft of torque, though it's been pegged back to 885lb ft; still considerably more than that pesky, underpowered S65.

Before we get to the fast bit, first we'll give you the 'what'. Brabus has increased the AMG V12 from 6.0-litres up to 6.3, there's a new exhaust manifold with turbochargers featuring a larger compression unit, a special crankshaft with a longer stroke and forged pistons. Precision-balanced billet-steel conrods are also installed as well as a high performance exhaust system with actively controlled flaps, the noise (relatively) controllable via a button on the steering wheel.

The new ECU, says Brabus, is able to 'coordinate the perfect interaction of the high-performance components'. Thank heavens for that. Said interaction is completed via a modified seven-speed automatic transmission, and a Brabus high-performance limited-slip differential, so the rear-wheels stand at least a fighting chance.

Speaking of which, the 0-62mph time is now 3.9 seconds – 0.2 seconds quicker than the regular S65 AMG Cabriolet – and flat out, you'll top 217mph. (Interestingly, the new 4.0-litre biturbo S63 Cab will hit 62mph in just 3.5s...)

There have been visual tweaks, too: a new front spoiler and bumper, naked-carbon surrounds, rear diffuser, rear spoiler, and 21in forged wheels (with the option of going up to 22s). The whole thing sits 15mm lower thanks to Brabus' lowering module, to accomodate the lower profile tyres. Inside, it is as you would expect a Brabus car - extensively tailored with the only limitation being your wallet.

Price? On application, but it's available either as a complete car, or you simply swing your current S65 Cab in for treatment. Hands up who's tempted?

Words: Callum Alexander