Mercedes has released the first details and images of the V12-powered SL 65 AMG ahead of its scheduled unveiling at the New York Auto Show next month.
You may have thought the 395 kW, 5.5-litre, twin-turbo, Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG would’ve had the top end of the convertible market covered, but that isn’t the case. It seems buyers are always willing to spend a little extra to get a little extra and for this reason Mercedes has created the new SL 65 AMG.
Beneath its bonnet the SL 65 AMG is hiding the recently upgraded version of the carmaker’s legendary 6.0-litre V12. Gaining the same upgrades featured in the CL 65 AMG, including new turbochargers, manifolds and a 3.2 kg lighter exhaust system, the V12′s output has been boosted from 455 kW to 463 kW. Peak torque is a monstrous 1000 Nm, available between 2 300 – 4 300 r/min. It is paired with the new AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic transmission system that has been developed with fuel efficiency in mind and has a choice of four different driver selectable modes: Efficiency (C), Sport (S), Sport plus (S+) and Manual (M).
As with the rest of the SL range, the use of an all-aluminium bodyshell results in a significant reduction in weight, with the new SL 65 AMG being some 170 kg lighter than before. Of course, with a curb weight of 1 950 kg the SL 65 AMG is no featherweight either, but still manages a 0 – 100 km/h acceleration time of 4.0 seconds with the 200 km/h mark attained after just 11.8 seconds. The roadster model’s top speed is electronically limited at 250 km/h. Somewhat of a mute point for potential owners, but nevertheless, the SL 65 AMG is capable of returning average fuel consumption of 11.6 L/100km.
Keeping the car on the straight-and-narrow (and in corners) is Mercedes’ active suspension pack, while braking is managed by six-piston calipers at the front and single-piston units at the rear. Carbon ceramic brakes can be fitted as an option.
The new 2013 Mercedes SL 65 AMG will launch in the German market in September. Mercedes-Benz South Africa hasn’t announced pricing, but as a reference, the outgoing model started from R2.46 million.
