CLS-Class

Brabus Rocket 800 Based on Mercedes-Benz CLS Makes World Premiere

Words John Clark | September 19, 2011
The Brabus Rocket 800 is the world’s fastest street-legal sedan with 800 hp and a top speed in excess of 230 mph
Words John Clark September 19, 2011

Over the years, German tuner Brabus has brought us the world’s fastest street legal sedans, like the Brabus Rocket back in 2006 and the Brabus SV12R from 2009.  At this year’s Frankfurt International Motor Show, Brabus has once again set a new precedent in the speed department, premiering their latest iteration of the world’s fastest street legal sedan:  the 2012 Brabus Rocket 800. Capable of reaching speeds of 230 mph, the Rocket 800 (based on the Mercedes-Benz CLS) is an ungodly fast monster that redefines the meaning of speed in a luxury vehicle.

Helping achieve such asphalt-melting speeds, the new Brabus Rocket 800 is powered by a 12-cylinder high-capacity engine that has been converted to the 800 V12 Biturbo specifications. Using state-of-the-art machining processes, the Mercedes 600 engine underwent a displacement increase from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 384 cu. in.).  Ultimately, this helped Brabus bump the 800 V12 Biturbo engine’s total output to 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW at 5,500 rpm. Peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft) is available from a low 2,100 rpm, but is limited electronically in the car to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

To cope with the added power, the Brabus Rocket 800 received numerous exterior updates that included large air intakes, widened wheel arches, a rear wing and a rear diffuser, in addition to other aerodynamic updates.  Inside the Brabus Rocket, drivers are welcomed by an all-leather grey interior combined with high-gloss-polished black piano wood. Also giving the driver a more comfortable driving experience is the ergonomically shaped Brabus sport steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles, pedals and footrest. Throughout the interior is the Rocket 800 logo, reminding you of the ample power at your disposal.

All of this adds up to one hell of a great ride.  The Brabus rocket notes a top speed of more than 370 km/h (230 mph), easily making  it the world’s fastest street-legal sedan, just one of the impressive figure offered up by the Brabus Rocket 800. In addition, the Rocket 800 accelerates from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds, 0 – 200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.8 seconds, and 0 – 300 km/h (186 mph) in 23.8 seconds.

Want more details?  Expand the official press release below for more in-depth details, and check out the Brabus Rockets 800 in the photo gallery to see it in all its unadulterated visual glory.