Mercedes-Benz released the new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG today. It follows the recent launch of the SL 63 AMG and its official debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The SL 65 AMG adds a V12 roadster to the line-up of the Stuttgart-based manufacturer.
The twin-turbocharged (M 279) AMG 6.0-litre V12 engine develops a maximum power output of 630 hp between 4800-5400 rpm and torque of 1000 newton metres from 2300rpm-4300rpm. The result is a 0-100km/h sprint of 4.0 seconds, 200 km/h in 11.8 seconds and a top sepeed electronically limited to 250 km/h. The Sl 65 AMG gets an AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic tansmission with a stop-start function.
To increase the power outputs, AMG engineers used new exhaust gas turbochargers with increased spiral cross-sections, new manifolds and improved wastegate ducts to optimise the flow characteristics.The new multi-spark ignition with twelve double ignition coils contributes to the car’s smoother running. The AMG exhaust system offers a new pipe layout an a 3.2kg reduction in weight thanks to reduced wall thickness.
The gearbox, an AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic tansmission – or a seven-speed automatic to you and me, offers four different driving modes; Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S), Sport plus (S+) and Manual (M), each of which can be selected at the push of a button on the centre console. The suspension also features two settings, distinctly sporty characteristics with reduced roll angles and firm body damping (“Sport”) or a mode for high comfort on long journeys (“Comfort”). The steering rack is a newly developed electro-mechanical AMG unit.
The brakes are 390 x 36 mm compound discs with six-piston fixed callipers at the front and 360 x 26 mm integral discs with single-piston sliding callipers at the rear. Ceramic high-performance brakes are available as an extra option. These are hidden by 19 inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey
As with the SLS AMG, the use of an all-aluminium bodyshell results in a drastic reduction in weight. The new SL 65 AMG is 170 kilograms lighter than the outgoing model which mean total weight is now down to 1,950kg. For the first time on a volume-production model, the bootlid’s inner support is made from lightweight carbon fibre. This contributes to the reduced fuel consumption, cut by 17 percent.
The front section is dominated by the new “twin blade” radiator grille and the front apron gets a lower cross strut finished in chrome. AMG say this is the new AMG brand face. The front apron gets larger openings for the engine oil, water, charge air and transmission oil coolers, a specially shaped side sill panel, an AMG spoiler lip and a diffuser-look rear apron with a vehicle-colour insert. At the back it has a set of quad-exhausts.
The V12-powered SL 65 AMG will make its official debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show next month. Prices start at 236,334 euros in Germany (incl. 19 percent VAT) and the car will be available from September onwards.
Old man’s car. Very old. And blind.