Mercedes-Benz has digitally revealed its apex SL-Class model, the SL65 AMG, ahead of its official debut at next month’s New York International Auto Show. The new car is lighter, more powerful and more frugal than before and also ushers in the company’s 7-speed automatic transmission.
Power is provided by an uprated version of the outgoing car’s twin-turbo V12 engine, which features new manifolds, new turbos and revised wastegate channels. The power output climbs from an already imposing 450 kW to a staggering 463 kW while the maximum torque remains a tarmac-shredding 1 000 N.m. The biggest change under the bonnet, however, is the adoption of an uprated version of Mercedes’s 7-speed automatic transmission in favour of the robust 5-speed unit in the previous car. Like the transmission utilized in the SL63 AMG, this unit features four presets; Sport, Sport Plus, Manual and Controlled Efficiency.
Stopping power is provided by a set of 391 mm ventilated discs grasped by six-piston callipers up front and 360 mm items with single-callipers at the rear. SLS AMG-sourced carbon ceramic brakes will be made available as an option on this model.
AMG claims a 0-100 km/h time of 4,0 seconds and 200 km/h from standstill in just 11,8 seconds. The top speed limited to 250 km/h. fuel consumption stands at 11,4 L/100 km thanks, in part, to the standard fitment of a start/stop module.
Like all models in the new SL line-up, the SL65 AMG utilizes a great deal of aluminium in its construction and will consequently weigh around 170 kg less than its predecessor. The dynamics are managed by an active sports suspension set-up that tightens up the dampers during spirited driving and an electric power steering system with a faster ratio than the stock SL and variable power assist.
Stylistically, the SL65 AMG features an aggressive body kit with lowered skirts, a rear spoiler and diffuser, LED daytime running lights and 19-inch alloy wheels as standard. The nose is distinguished from lesser models by a horizontal gloss chrome bar in the radiator grille.
The cabin features leather upholstery with diamond stitching for the sports seats, headliner and door panels as well as carbon-fibre facia trim. Being the apex model, such features as the Airscarf neck-level heating vents and a range-topping Bang & Olufsen surround sound system linked to the footwell-mounted Frontbass woofer set-up are all standard on the SL65 AMG. The photochromatically dimming Magic Sky glass roof panel remains an optional extra.
More details will emerge closer to the car’s official unveiling in New York next month.
