German car maker Mercedes-Benz has officially released the SL 63 AMG ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2012 in two weeks time.
The key characteristics of the new roadster feature a systematic lightweight construction, a boost in output and driving dynamics, and thirty percent lower fuel consumption and emissions.
Thanks to an all-aluminium bodyshell, similar to that of the SLS AMG super sports car, the vehicle weight has been reduced by 125 kilograms. With kerb weight of 1845 kilograms and an output of 537hp or 564hp, the new model has the powerful power to weight ratio.
An enhanced AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control, new AMG speed-sensitive sports steering, AMG high-performance compound brake system and AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed sports transmission are added to the setup of the AMG version of the all-new 2013 SL, which made its official debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January.
The SL 63 AMG is available with a choice of two power outputs for the first time. The AMG 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine delivers 537hp and 800Nm of torque. If the AMG Performance package is specified, these figures rise to 564hp and 900Nm – more power than any other competitor in this segment. The result is an acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in 4.3 or 4.2 seconds, and to 200km/h in 12.9 or 12.6 seconds respectively. Top speed is an electronically limited 250km/h, although this rises to 300 km/h likewise electronically limited with the AMG Performance package on board.
In addition to spray-guided direct petrol injection, the engine boasts an all-aluminium crankcase, twin turbochargers, four valves per cylinder with camshaft adjustment, air/water intercooling, alternator management and an ECO start/stop function. The weight-optimised AMG sports exhaust system with two chromed twin tailpipes produces a distinctive engine sound.
A newly developed AMG high-performance compound brake system features 390 x 36 mm compound discs with six-piston fixed callipers at the front and 360 x 26 mm integral discs with single-piston floating callipers at the rear. As option you can get red-painted callipers to denote the AMG Performance package and the even more high-performance, weight-optimised AMG ceramic high-performance compound brake system as seen on the SLS AMG.
The SL 63 AMG leaves the factory fitted with five-twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, shod with 255/35 R 19 front and 285/30 R 19 rear tyres. Multi-spoke AMG forged wheels from the AMG Performance Studio with 255/35 R 19 front and 285/30 R 20 rear tyres are also available in matt black including a rim flange with a high-sheen finish.
The new Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG will be launched in May 2012. Prices at a glance including local 19 percent VAT are € 157,675 for the standard SL 63 AMG and € 189,269.50 for the SL 63 AMG “Edition 1”. The AMG Performance package is available for € 4,280.
