If 805bhp isn’t quite enough in a hybrid sports car, Brabus has the answer. The latest model to wear the 1000 badge is based on the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance - the most powerful car available from Affalterbach - but with significant powertrain modifications to deliver a combined 986bhp to the tarmac. The V8 engine features a new crankshaft, connecting rods, forged pistons, head gaskets, enlarged turbochargers, 75mm downpipes, and ECU. The displacement is increased to 4.4-litres, and the engine produces 785bhp on its own, with torque limited to 774lb-ft (1,050Nm).

The V8 can develop up to 922lb-ft (1,250Nm), but this is capped to ensure longevity of the transmissions, and allow both parts of the drivetrain to work seamlessly. One 9-speed multi-clutch gearbox is housed behind the engine block, while the second gearbox is part of the rear-mounted electric motor. This two-speed unit allows for electrical assistance - up to 201bhp - to be given from a standstill up to the car’s top speed of 198mph.

With the combined outputs of 986bhp and 1,195lb-ft (1,620Nm), the Brabus 1000 makes short work of accelerating, reaching 62mph from rest in just 2.6 seconds, 124mph in 9.5 seconds, and 186mph in only 23.6 seconds. High-speed stability is aided by prominent aerodynamic elements - all finished in carbon fibre; an enlarged front splitter, bumper-mounted dive planes, a new diffuser, and the fixed rear wing generate downforce for both axles. Mechanical grip comes courtesy of adaptive dampers, new springs which can lower the car by up to 20mm, and tyres from Continental or Hankook that shroud staggered 21” and 22” forged wheels.

Alongside the functional elements, the car’s form is modified with carbon fibre trim on the front wings, the grille inserts, door sills, centre console, pedals, gearshift paddles, door locking pins, and door handles. The majority of the cabin is completely re-upholstered in leather - including the sun visors and parcel shelf, with the only exceptions being the infotainment screens, air vents, and headlining, speaker grilles, and seat control buttons - most of which are finished in Rocket Red.

Alongside the flamboyant finishing, the cabin offers heated and ventilated front seats, with a smaller pair of perches on the second row. Boot space comes in at 182 litres - almost half of what’s available in non-hybrid variants, but still bettering the Porsche 911 by 50 litres. The reduction is owing to the liquid-cooled 4.8kWh capacity battery being placed above the rear axle. No official all-electric range is quoted, but we expect a slight reduction from the 8 miles claimed in the regular AMG GT hybrid. 

While silent running can take place for short distances, the hybrid system is designed for performance rather than range, and we suspect most owners will want it to provide an instantaneous boost to the V8’s output, and let it be heard through the bespoke stainless exhaust system, with the butterfly valves set to wide open. After all, subtlety isn’t really the point of a Brabus, is it? Orders are being taken now, with no limit on production numbers specified. The model pictured is priced at Є445,900, or £388,482 before local taxes.