When AMG’s 450 kW twin-turbo V12 was first shoe-horned into a Mercedes-Benz CL body many were in awe… Now that the 1 000 N.m producing beast lurks in an SL – most will be smitten!
When AMG’s 450 kW twin-turbo V12 was first shoe-horned into a Mercedes-Benz CL body many were in awe… Now that the 1 000 N.m producing beast lurks in an SL – most will be smitten!
Following on the heels of the Mercedes-Benz tuning firm’s first twin-turbo V12 (the CL 65 AMG, which was photographed by CARtoday.com on its visit to AMG’s factory in Affalterbach last year), the SL 65 AMG delivers the colossal power of the tuned Maybach-sourced engine from within the engine bay of what is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cars currently in production – the Mercedes-Benz SL.
The SL 65 is claimed to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4,2 seconds and bolts past the 200 km/h mark in 12,9 seconds. Its top speed is electronically governed at 250 km/h, although some owners are expected to be maverick enough to have their vehicles’ limiters deactivated.
With its modified AMG sports suspension, mechanical differential lock and newly developed AMG high-performance brake system with composite discs, front and rear, the high-performance roadster’s promised handling is impressive.
Much of the credit for the AMG’s 6,0-litre V12 engine’s performance must go to the two turbochargers, which have been enlarged and feature water-type charge-air cooling. The maximum torque of 1 000 N.m remains on tap between 2 000 and 4 000 r/min.
In the SL 65 AMG power is transmitted by the AMG Speedshift five-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel gearshift controls and manual mode. To deal with the massive amounts of power and torque available, a number of measures have been taken to optimise its key components. There are also special drive shafts, larger hub carriers and wheel bearings and special spring links at the rear axle.
The SL 65 AMG comes standard with Active Body Control (ABC) and special AMG spring struts with firmer damping. The driver can select an even sportier mode at the touch of a button, reducing pitch and roll still further, according to .
Fully reworked dynamic handling control systems such as ABS, Brake Assist, ASR and ESP to complete the enhanced chassis set-up.
In order to cope with the high power output, there is a newly developed, combined brake system with internally ventilated cast-iron discs all round. Aluminium (front) and stainless steel (rear) brake disc bowls ensure optimum deceleration and fade-resistance.
The new AMG V12 flagship has several key features which distinguish it from other SL-Class models on offer. The redesigned front apron has been optimised in the wind tunnel, while the larger air intakes ensure a reliable supply of fresh air for water, engine oil and charge-air cooling. The independent, AMG-specific radiator grille is another feature which sets this model apart.
Keeping the car on the road are 19-inch AMG wheels painted in titanium grey, while at the rear, the AMG sports exhaust with its oval chromed twin tail-pipes ensures the throaty rumble remains authentic.
Inside, the wood or aluminium trim, and the leather arrangements (available in three colours) ooze exclusivity. Electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with AMG-specific seat fluting and perforation pattern, optimised lateral support, multicontour function, memory and seat heating make every journey a dream.
Further standard equipment in the SL 65 AMG includes the AMG instrument cluster with its Alcantara surround, the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with gearshift buttons, the door sill panels in etched and polished aluminium with the AMG logo, the bi-xenon headlamps, COMAND with DVD technology, the CD changer and the sound system.
