Brabus Turns Mercedes-AMG S65 Cabriolet Into A Rocket 900

Brabus introduced its latest jet-like offering in the aptly named Brabus Rocket 900, and like its other metallic sculptures, this one’s job is pure, unadulterated speed. Based off the already stupendously powerful Mercedes-AMG S65 Cabriolet, Brabus takes the twin-turbocharged 6.3-liter V-12 engine, enlarges the bore, ups the size of both turbochargers, installs a new exhaust manifold, and a new ECU. This ups the S65’s power from 621 to an eye-watering 887, or as much horsepower as Porsche’s 918 Spyder hypercar. Yet, it’s the Rocket 900’s torque that is truly astounding. Claimed at achieving 1,106 lb-ft of torque, the Rocket 900 seems to have enough to stop the Earth’s rotation and potentially reverse it. Forgive the hyperbole, but 1,106 lb-ft of torque is truly deserving of it. Going from 0 to 62 mph takes just 3.9 seconds because the tires can’t seem to find enough grip. Once it finds grip, the Rocket 900 can then go on to a top speed of 217 mph or the same top speed as the sultry and aerodynamic Ferrari LaFerrari. Not bad for a brick without a roof.

Mercedes relaunched the Maybach brand on the S-Class under the Mercedes-Maybach sub-brand, with its first endeavor being an extra-luxurious version of the S600. This V-12 mega-sedan and the S550 Maybach added for 2017 were stretched compared to the long-wheelbase S-Classes we normally get, with the back-seat passengers benefiting from the extra room. Finishes and appointments of all Maybachs are a step above those found in standard S-Classes, and the Maybach badge appears in several places inside and out, while the exterior remains very close to the S-Class sedan's look. An even longer version of the Maybach, dubbed Pullman, will also be available for a true, personal limo experience. Further changes for 2017 included a new Magic Sky Control sunroof option and the mbrace2 Connect package as standard equipment. The Magic Sky Control panoramic sunroof can be adjusted for opacity front and rear. The mbrace 2 Connect package comes with five years of service and includes a mobile app, non-streaming apps, web services, a roadside connection, and diagnostics data.

The W220's debut in 1999 marked a change in direction for the S-Class, shrinking in overall exterior size while offering more interior space than the W140. Unfortunately, despite—or perhaps because of—extensive safety, technology, and performance options, the W220 S-Class suffered from a poor reputation for reliability. Nonetheless, it marked the introduction of some of Mercedes-Benz's most innovative safety technology, including the debut of the PreSafe system, a collision avoidance and response system. The W220 led directly to the W221, introduced in 2005, the fifth S-Class generation. New technology advances included night-vision cameras, the most advanced iteration of Mercedes collision avoidance systems, and, as of 2010, daytime LED running lights. A facelift included LED tail lights and restyled front and rear fascias. Reliability and quality were not been an issue with the W221 the way it was with the W220, with the S-Class winning numerous comparison tests against its competition from BMW and Audi.

This generation of S-Class also spawned the Maybach cars, a revived lineup of ultra-luxury sedans that were sold in very limited numbers in the U.S. Six variants of the sixth-generation S-Class were available, including the S350 turbodiesel and the S400 Hybrid, both with six-cylinder engines; the S550 and the S63 AMG, both twin-turbo V-8s; and the S600 and S65 AMG, both turbocharged V-12s. The S350 BlueTEC made 240 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque, and offered standard all-wheel drive. The S400 Hybrid was the first production lithium-ion hybrid to go on sale in the world, further entrenching the S-Class's reputation for advanced technology. Its 3.5-liter V-6 engine and electric motor combined for a total output of 295 hp. A 7-speed automatic sent the power to the rear wheels. The S550 sedan was available with all-wheel drive, and featured a 429-hp, 4.6-liter V-8 engine paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. The S63 had a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 with 536 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, with thrilling acceleration and all kinds of adaptive electronics for ride and steering.