2015 Rocket Speedster Concept was today unveiled at the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Galpin Auto Sports and Henrik Fisker demonstrated the convertible carbon fiber-bodied Mustang, which is intended for low-volume production.
The Rocket edition underwent through a special transformation which results on converting the four-speed vehicle into a two-seat speedster. And along with the elegant visuals the revised Mustang comes also and with some stunning power. the Concept can produce a total of 725-hp via the V8 engine. It is also geared with a special engine and brake cooling system.
Furthermore, the vehicle, constructed by GFMI Metalcrafters, Inc. offers and numerous aerodynamic elements and special engineering solutions for optimal efficiency and aerodynamic features. For example, there are two additional air scoops, mounted on the rear fenders and special oversized 15-inch Brembo Gran Turismo high performance brakes.
As you can see, the vehicle has some influences from the ’60s era, but it also contains some modern additions. For example, the carbon fiber elements and the modern cooling system. The Concept’s exterior comes with a sweet deep metallic finish and demonstrates some aggressive and massive stance. As you might know, the original design was first unveiled bacin in 2014 at the Los Angeles Auto Show and since then it has been receiving some nice positive feedback both from media and vehicle fans. And just four and a half months later, the first production model was proudly unveiled at the 2015 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.
But there is and another good news for buyers. The vehicle can be purchased directly from Galpin Ford or through one of several hand-picked dealers across the country.
Let’s tell you a story about a guy, who decided to build an incredibly awesome bike, no, motor, almost, he calls it trike. And what is so special about it? Let’s tell the story first.
Tim Cotterill, better known as Frogman was born back in 1950 in England. Nothing interesting so far. But here we go. At the age of fifteen he left school, so he can complete a six-year engineering apprenticeship and when he was ready, he became sort of obsessed with metal working. Badass to the bone. Some years later, he began to feel a deep desire to own his personal motorbike. At this time Hells Angels and Easy Rider were influenced by the British motorbike scene and Tim envied their custom made machines. And the passion and love of motorbikes and curving metal led him in a long and interesting journey.
Frogman has always loved the top speed and the dragster races, so he started building his so called Rockets. At the moment he constructed Rocket I and Rocket II. And he is working on a project, that will eventually present the Rocket III. For the latest Rocket available, the II model, Tim cooperated with designer and builder Michael Leeds. It took more than three years, but the beast finally roared with power and passion. Interesting is that, when Frogman got it for registration, the female cop looked the machine and instantly said “ok”. Nice and easy. So, what does the ROCKET II offers?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozZ_UfSRYS4
The mighty ROCKET II
Weight: 2500lbs
Motor: John Arruzza – Arruzza High Performance, North Carolina
16 plug, 426 Hemi 1 of only 50 cast blocks, 1000hp 871 blower
0-100mph 4.5 seconds
Top Speed: “Who knows?”
Headers: Bassett Racing, Anaheim, CA (Speedboat headers)
Transmission: 3 speed Torqueflite
Body: Randy Grubb, Oregon
Electrical: Dave Nelson MSD ignition
Wheelbase: 12ft
Wheels: Front wheel is homage to Bonneville Salt Flats
Front rim made out of a block of aluminum 18×26 – 50lb rim inspired by the Viper
Tomahawk 2 front tires – 24in Metzler
Back axle: Kugel Komponents – La Habra, CA
20 inch rims on back
Mickey Thompson tires 18×31
9” inboard brake pistons
Custom speedometer: Classic Instruments
Back lights: ’59 Cadillac
My whole life has become a fantasy.
Throughout his life, Tim has created numerous vehicles and sculptures of metal: animals, birds and there is even his golden bird and animal sculptures in some art collections around the world. Back in 1990 he emigrated to California and devoted himself to the creation of bronze sculptures. And when he went out on a street to participate in affair, there were so many orders, that he couldn’t even answer them all! He now has 180 designs and offers some casting to ship all over the world.
The Rocket is a project which you probably remember from the L.A. Auto Show, when it was unveiled only in a prototype form. It is based on the latest Mustang and designed by Henrik Fisker and Galpin Auto Sports. What’s new is that the first production carbon-fiber infused 725 HP super-Mustang made debut this weekend at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.
L.A. impressed us with the fact that the car was inspired by those very iconic pony cars of the 1960s and early 1970s, like the 1968 Shelby GT500. The next thing was the extensive use of carbon fiber including the body panels and some additional performance and visual upgrades.
Now, it was officially announced that the limited series will be offered in various exterior colors like the “Eminence Grise” which is actually a combination of back, Ingot silver and Magnetic (grey). The other colors in the range include Oxford White, Race Red, Deep Impact Blue and Competition Orange. Although these shades catch the eye immediately we must say that there are other exterior options that can’t be left unmentioned: exposed carbon fiber hood stripe, mirror covers and lower front fascia.
Inside, the car is as special as it should be, because it is equipped with the Rocket Interior Package. Outstanding about it are the seats wrapped in Italian leather. The same material is used for the upholstery of various other elements like the dash board and center console, and even A, B and C pillars.
In terms of performance we mentioned that the muscle car can produce 725 hp (533 kW), and this is due to the addition of the Mustang performance package. Brembo 6-piston front brake calipers with larger rotors take care for the stopping power, and they are hidden behind the ADV1 10-spoke 21-inch wheels. And you won’t definitely miss the presence of this Rocket if it’s near because Bassani ensured that there is a very loud cat-back exhaust system with quad tip, which produces rigorous sound.
The Rocket has price tag starting at $109,100 USD.
Galpin Auto Sport(GAS) and Fisker have collaborated to create unique Ford Mustang Rocket, which is inspired by those pony cars of the 1960’s and early 1970’s. The most accurate example is the 1968 Shelby GT500. The car is characterized by hexagonal carbon fiber grill, split by a polished aluminum bar and wild horse running across the horizon. The Rocket features elongated lines, sculptured flared fenders and new rear spoiler. This tuning is definitely athletic and we must confirm that it surely pays homage to those iconic Mustangs of the 60s.
The renowned concept car builder GFMI Metalcrafters constructed the handmade carbon-fiber bodywork. It includes various functional scoops and vents that direct airflow. The front splitter draws out hot air from and makes better the engine cooling. In fact, it works simultaneously with the rear spoiler, enlarged rear diffuser and polished carbon fiber aero skirts.
As you can see Rocket’s sculptured hood has two large air intakes. Of course, they were designed to channel cooler outside air through the engine compartment. Speaking of the engine, it is the 725 hp (533 kW) V8 unit. There are also two additional scoops, mounted on the rear fenders ahead of the wheels, which help channel air to cool oversized 15-inch Brembo Grand Turismo high performance brakes.
The exterior of the muscle car looks amazing thanks to the custom mixed silver paint dubbed Éminence Grise. This design scheme is strengthened by the large 21-inch ADV.1 wheels with Pirelli P-Zero extreme performance tires. The rubbers are supported by a front and rear independent and adjustable suspension.
And the most exciting news is that this is not a one-off concept but the first example of a low-volume series. The production of the car is scheduled to begin this month and the first deliveries are expected in the beginning of 2015.
BRABUS has been building the world’s fastest street-legal sedans for many years. This tradition started in 1996 with the BRABUS E V12 that had a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph), and continued in 2003 with the E V12 Biturbo that reached 350.2 km/h (217.6 mph). In 2006 the BRABUS ROCKET, built in small-series production based on the first edition of the Mercedes CLS, improved the world record to 365.7 km/h (222.7 mph). The BRABUS E V12 “one of ten” based on the latest E-Class, pushed the record to 370 km/h (230 mph).
The world debut of the new BRABUS ROCKET 800 from BRABUS at the 2011 IAA in Frankfurt/Main now continues this unique success story. The high-performance automobile based on the new Mercedes CLS generation is powered by a BRABUS 800 V12 Biturbo engine that produces 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW of power and a peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), which in the car is limited to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft). The exclusively appointed BRABUS ROCKET 800, built to order starting at EUR 429,000, reaches a top speed in excess of 370 km/h (230 mph) and accelerates from 0 to 300 km/h (186 mph) in just 23.8 seconds.
Like its predecessors the new BRABUS ROCKET 800 is also powered by a 12-cylinder high-capacity engine that was converted to 800 V12 Biturbo specifications in the BRABUS engine-building shop. Using state-of-the-art machining processes and with utmost precision in every last detail the engine, based on the latest Mercedes 600 engines, underwent a displacement increase from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 384 cu. in.).
The displacement increase comprises a special crankshaft with longer stroke, larger, forged pistons and an increase in cylinder bore across the board. Intake and outlet ports of both cylinder heads are optimized for mixture flow, and fitted with sports camshafts.
BRABUS ROCKET 800
The intake side was also completely reworked: the hood of the ROCKET 800 features a carbon-fiber ram-air intake system that gets its combustion air through slits in the BRABUS front element.
Another custom development is the BRABUS 800 Biturbo system. It comprises two special exhaust manifolds with integrated high-performance turbochargers, and four water-to-air intercoolers. The stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts and butterfly valve was also created specifically for the CLS floorpan.
Just as elaborate was the implantation of the V12 engine and all its peripherals into the modified engine bay of the sedan. Numerous components such as the engine mounts had to be custom designed.
Another engineering masterpiece of the BRABUS engineers is the newly configured on-board electronics system. It includes newly programmed engine mapping that contributes equally to achieving maximum power yield and to meeting the current EURO V emission standards. Just as important is the adaption to the driving dynamics systems such as traction control, ESP, ABS and Brake Assist.
The BRABUS 800 V12 Biturbo engine is lubricated with high-tech motor oil from technology partner ARAL and produces 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW at 5,500 rpm. The even more enormous peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), available from a low 2,100 rpm, is limited electronically in the car to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).
For the first time the BRABUS engine specialists combine this high-end engine with a seven-speed quick-shift gearbox. Gears are shifted by means of shift paddles on the steering wheel or automatically. The BRABUS limited-slip differential, available with various final drive ratios, optimizes traction of the rear-wheel-drive car.
The BRABUS 800 V12 Biturbo engine and the entire powertrain are operated with high-performance lubricants from technology partner ARAL.
With the longest available final-drive ratio the BRABUS ROCKET 800 reaches a top speed of more than 370 km/h (230 mph), making it the world’s fastest street-legal sedan. But this exclusive high-performance automobile is tops in other areas as well: 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 are figures that are as unique as this BRABUS automobile itself.
To keep the enormous performance of the world’s fastest sedan safely in check at all times, the vehicle’s aerodynamic properties, suspension and brakes were modified extensively.
Like all other BRABUS body components for the new CLS, the ROCKET 800 front element that includes the front spoiler and the radiator frame was developed in the wind tunnel. The aerodynamic-enhancement components for the ROCKET 800 are manufactured form ultra-light yet high-strength carbon fiber.
The front spoiler features large air inlets and side air vents to ensure optimal air supply of radiators, oil coolers and front brakes. Just as important is that it also minimizes lift on the front axle while improving drag. The air inlets above the radiator cutout provide the ram-air intake system of the 12-cylinder engine with ample combustion air.
The air vents in the front fenders are part of the sporty-elegant yet understated appearance of the four-door car. BRABUS side skirts with integrated LED entrance lights calm the airstream along the vehicle’s sides. They also form a transition to the carbon-fiber fender flares on the rear axle, which add 40 millimeters (1.6 in.) to the width of the ROCKET 800 compared to a stock CLS.
To achieve an optimal aerodynamic balance, the BRABUS design studio has developed a rear wing and a rear diffuser for the CLS body. Side air vents in the rear bumper round out the sporty appearance.
A high-performance vehicle such as the BRABUS ROCKET 800 naturally also has a precisely calibrated high-end suspension. A height-adjustable coilover suspension was developed in cooperation with technology partner BILSTEIN. In addition to an adjustable ride height the gas-pressure shocks on front and rear axle feature ten selectable settings each for bound and rebound. Sport sway bars give the car even more agile turn-in and reduce body roll during fast cornering.
Maximum stopping power and absolutely fade-resistant brakes are further active safety features of the ROCKET 800. The BRABUS high-performance brake system was adapted to work with the Brake Assist system of the CLS. On the front axle it consists of vented and grooved steel brake discs that measure 380 x 37 millimeters (15.0 x 1.45 in.) and 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers. Vented and grooved steel discs measuring 360 x 28 millimeters (14.2 x 1.1 in.) and six-piston fixed aluminum calipers on the rear axle complete the extremely efficient and durable brake system.
The immense top speed of the BRABUS ROCKET 800, for street operations limited electronically to 350 km/h (217 mph), necessitates special high-performance tires. Technology partners Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA mount the 19-inch one-piece BRABUS Monoblock F wheels with high-speed-capable tires. The front axle features size 9.5Jx19 wheels and tires in size 255/35 ZR 19. Tires in size 285/30 ZR 19 mounted on identically sized wheels on the rear axle provide excellent traction.
The ergonomically shaped BRABUS sport steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles always guarantees perfect, close contact with the suspension. Aluminum pedals, footrest and shifter add further sporty highlights. The BRABUS speedometer with 400-km/h (250-mph) dial is also part of the custom-tailored interior as are stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit ROCKET 800 logo.
They welcome driver and passengers to the exclusive atmosphere of a BRABUS fine leather interior. The company upholstery shop has created an all-leather gray interior crafted with utmost precision from the finest supple leather. The leather is combined with high-gloss-polished black piano wood and a headliner made from black Alcantara. The headrests are embroidered with a BRABUS and a ROCKET 800 logo. BRABUS ROCKET 800 – Technical Data
Body
Four-door sedan based on C 218-series Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.
Steel unibody welded to floorpan, widened by 40 millimeters with BRABUS carbon-fiber fender flares.
BRABUS ROCKET 800 aerodynamic-enhancement kit for reduced lift on front and rear axle and reduced drag. Consists of front element with integrated front spoiler and air inlets for the ram-air intake, air vents in the front fenders, side skirts with integrated entrance lights, rear wing and rear diffuser, rear fascia with side air vents.
BRABUS hood with integrated ram-air intake system.
Dimensions:
Length 4.996 mm (196.7 in.)
Width 1.881 mm (74.1 in.)
Height 1.371 mm (54.0 in.)
Curb weight 1.980 kg (4,365 lbs.)
Gross vehicle weight 2.415 kg (5,324 lbs.)
Tank capacity/reserve 66 l / 14.0 l (17.4 / 3.7 gal.)
Engine
BRABUS 800 V12 Biturbo high-capacity engine based on Mercedes 600.
BRABUS 800 V12 Biturbo engine conversion consisting of:
Displacement increase to 6.3 liters (384 cu. in.) by means of a special crankshaft with longer stroke, larger cylinder bore and corresponding larger pistons. Mixture-flow-optimized intake and outlet ports of both cylinder heads, including installation of high-performance camshafts.
BRABUS 800 V12 Biturbo system with two high-performance turbochargers with optimized exhaust manifolds and integrated turbine housings, more efficient intercooling system with four water-to-air intercoolers and ram-air intake integrated into hood.
BRABUS stainless-steel twin exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts and butterfly valve. Newly programmed mapping for engine and on-board diagnostics.
V12-cylinder three-valve alloy engine with two turbochargers
Displacement 6.233 cc (380.4 cu. in)
Compression ratio 9.0 : 1
Rated power output 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW at 5,500 rpm
Peak torque 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft) from 2,100 rpm (electronically limited to 1,100 Nm / 811 lb-ft)
max. CO2 emissions 372 g/km (595 g/mile)
Fuel type: Super plus (98 ROZ)
Motor oil: ARAL
Power Transfer
Rear-wheel drive with limited-slip differential and ESP
BRABUS limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent
Final drive ratio 2.65 : 1
Suspension
Independent front and rear suspension with height-adjustable BRABUS coilover sport suspension developed in cooperation with BILSTEIN.
Front axle:
Three-link suspension, anti-dive geometry, Height-adjustable BRABUS struts with gas-pressure shocks with 10-way adjustable bound and rebound, coil springs, BRABUS sport sway bar.
Rear axle:
Multi-link suspension, anti-dive and anti-squat geometry. Height-adjustable BRABUS struts with gas-pressure shocks with 10-way adjustable bound and rebound, coil springs, BRABUS sport sway bar.
Wheels:
One-piece BRABUS Monoblock F alloy wheels with YOKOHAMA ADVAN Sport high-performance tires.
Front: 9.5J x 19 H2 with size 255/35 ZR 19 tires
Rear: 9.5J x 19 H2 with size 285/30 ZR 19 tires
Brake System
Dual circuit brake system with Brake Assist and BRABUS high-performance brake system.
Front: BRABUS 12-piston fixed aluminum calipers with vented and grooved steel discs measuring 380 x 37 mm (15.0 x 1.45 in.)
Rear: BRABUS six-piston fixed aluminum calipers with vented and grooved steel discs measuring 360 x 28 mm (14.2 x 1.1 in.)
Performance
0 – 100 km/h (62 mph): 3.7 sec.
0 – 200 km/h (124 mph): 9.8 sec.
0 – 300 km/h (186 mph): 23.8 sec.
Top speed: more than 370 km/h / 230 mph (for on-road operations electronically limited to 350 km/h / 217 mph due to tires)
Fuel Economy
Max. city 23.8 l / 100 km (9.9 mpg)
Max. highway 11.1 l / 100 km (21.2 mpg)
Max. combined 15.7 l / 100 km (15 mpg)
2015 Rocket Speedster Concept was today unveiled at the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Galpin Auto Sports and Henrik Fisker demonstrated the convertible carbon fiber-bodied Mustang, which is intended for low-volume production.
Let’s tell you a story about a guy, who decided to build an incredibly awesome bike, no, motor, almost, he calls it trike. And what is so special about it? Let’s tell the story first.
The 
BRABUS has been building the world’s fastest street-legal sedans for many years. This tradition started in 1996 with the BRABUS E V12 that had a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph), and continued in 2003 with the E V12 Biturbo that reached 350.2 km/h (217.6 mph). In 2006 the BRABUS ROCKET, built in small-series production based on the first edition of the Mercedes CLS, improved the world record to 365.7 km/h (222.7 mph). The BRABUS E V12 “one of ten” based on the latest E-Class, pushed the record to 370 km/h (230 mph).
