Brabus Just Built a 1,000-HP Mercedes-AMG GT That’s Too Powerful for Its Own Transmission

The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance already produces a fairly ridiculous 805 horsepower from its hybrid powertrain. Most rational people would call that more than enough for any road-going vehicle. Brabus is not most people. Their latest creation, aptly named the Brabus 1000, cranks that figure up to exactly what the name suggests – 1,000 metric horsepower (986 bhp) with so much torque that they had to electronically limit it to prevent the transmission from exploding.

And this isn’t just a basic software tune with some bolt-on parts – not even close. Brabus completely rebuilt the engine, increasing displacement from 4.0 to 4.5 liters through larger bore, forged pistons, billet aluminum crankshaft, and upgraded turbochargers. The result is a road-bending 1,342 lb-ft of peak torque, which is a figure so absurd they had to dial it back to 1,195 lb-ft to help save the drivetrain from certain death.

Numbers That Defy Physics

The performance figures truly read like something from a video game. Zero to 62 mph happens in just 2.6 seconds, 0-124 mph takes 9.5 seconds, and the car will hit 186 mph in 23.6 seconds. Top speed remains electronically limited to 199 mph, and we imagine that’s because anything faster would require a complete redesign of the aerodynamics and cooling systems.

What makes these numbers even more impressive is that Brabus achieved them while maintaining Euro emissions compliance. The hybrid system combines the enlarged V8 (producing 796 hp and 922 lb-ft on its own) with the stock 204-hp electric motor, all managed through Mercedes’ 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system and nine-speed MCT transmission.

Form Follows Function

Brabus really took the engineering process serious here, even taking their aero package to the wind tunnel. While that carbon fiber kit certainly looks good, it’s more than a pretty face. Every piece generates functional downforce while maintaining the AMG GT’s fundamental proportions. New front canards and splitter manage airflow, while the rear wing and diffuser work together to keep 1,000 horsepower planted at high speeds.

The signature Brabus Monoblock Z wheels measure 21×10.5 inches up front and 22×12 inches at the rear, wrapped in Continental or Hankook rubber sized 305/30 and 335/25 respectively. KW sport springs drop the ride height by 20mm while maintaining the sophisticated suspension tuning that makes the AMG GT civilized enough for daily use.

Interior Theater

Inside, Brabus went full luxury with their Masterpiece treatment. Every surface gets covered in black leather with their signature “Shell” quilting pattern, while carbon fiber trim and red accents (dubbed “Rocket Red”) provide visual drama. The attention to detail extends to illuminated door sills, custom floor mats, and even a quilted trunk liner.

Subtle “Heritage” embossing featuring “77” – Brabus’s founding year – adds historical context to the futuristic interior. It’s everything you’d expect from a brand charging six-figures (and beyond) for their vehicles.

Engineering Madness

Back to the R&D process here. The engine work alone represents months of development. Brabus machined a custom crankshaft, installed forged connecting rods, fitted new pistons for the larger bore, and developed upgraded turbochargers specifically for this application. The exhaust system features active valve control, allowing drivers to choose between civilized whisper and full-throated V8 roar – a feature we’re sure your neighbors will appreciate.

Perhaps most impressive is that despite the extreme modifications, the car retains all of Mercedes’ driver assistance systems and hybrid functionality. You can still run in electric-only mode for short distances, assuming you can resist the temptation to unleash all 1,000 horses.

Spec Sheet

Pricing & Availability

The Brabus 1000 is available now through Brabus dealers, with each car built to order and fully customizable. Given the extensive modifications required, expect significant lead times for delivery and, of course, that half-million dollar price tag to boot.