The Brabus Rocket GTC is a 986bhp convertible version of a shooting brake that used to be a convertible

Remember the Brabus Rocket GTS? You might not by name alone, but what if we recap on the fact that it was the German tuner’s clown shoe shooting brake version of the Mercedes-AMG SL? Now you’ve got it.

And now, Brabus has decided that not everyone wants a proper roof and extra luggage space, so it has turned that GTS into a GTC. Yep, the SL is back to being a cabrio again.

Unveiled at Monterey Car Week recently, Brabus describes this thing as a ‘hyper gran turismo cabrio’, which is a new one on us.

Should certainly be hyper though, because it uses the hybridised and hugely powerful SL63 S E Performance as its base. Not content with the standard car’s 805bhp, Brabus bores out the twin-turbo V8 engine to 4.5 litres, upping the total power output to 986bhp. Yikes. Torque shoots up to 1,342lb ft too, although it’s electronically limited to 1,195lb ft to “protect the vehicle’s drivetrain components”. Probably wise.

All that power is sent to all four wheels of course, and there’s a nine-speed auto gearbox. Apparently the 0-62mph sprint now takes just 2.6 seconds.

Looks like Brabus wasn’t satisfied with the standard SL’s body either, because it has been completely reskinned in colourful carbon fibre. Note the massive arches, new bumpers, many air intakes and that ducktail-style rear spoiler.

The wheels are also new. They’re forged, centrelock five spokes with carbon aero blades and are 21in at the front and 22in out back. There’s also a Brabus stainless steel exhaust system and a cockpit that’s chock full of red leather. Even the floor mats are made from a cow’s largest organ.