New Mercedes SL63 AMG revealed

Striking looks, less weight, more power

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Mercedes has lifted the wraps off the 2012 SL63 AMG in Spain.

The AMG treatment lends the controversially styled new SL an even more menacing air.

Rear diffuser and trapezoidal quad exhaust tips are among the highlights of the twin-turbo 5,5-litre V8 SL63 AMG.

Mercedes-Benz has lifted the wraps off its 2012 SL63 AMG during pre-season F1 testing in Barcelona, Spain.

The new SL63, which was shown off alongside Mercedes AMG’s MPG W03 F1 car in the pitlane, is based on the 2012 SL that was shown at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last month. This particular model’s construction is based around an aluminium/magnesium architecture that reportedly shaves 125 kg off the previous car’s kerb weight.

At the heart of the new SL63 AMG lies Mercedes’ twin-turbo 5,5-litre V8 tuned to develop 395 kW. Although Mercedes has not divulged any official performance figures, the reduced weight and increased power should translate to blistering performance, as well as a claimed 30 per cent reduction in fuel consumption.

The AMG treatment sees the SL gain a deep front bumper with enlarged air dams, model-specific LED daytime running lights, widened sills, a subtle rear spoiler and a rear valance punctuated by a diffuser and a quartet of trapezoidal quad exhaust tips. Like its predecessor, the new SL63 AMG features an electrically folding aluminium roof that can be raised and lowered in 20 seconds. Mercedes’s Magic Sky Control (a photochromatic glass roof panel first seen in the new SLK) is likely to be offered as an option.

Expect more details to emerge closer to the car’s official unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show early next month.