Mercedes-Benz has revealed its new SL 63 AMG ahead of the official unveiling at Geneva.

It follows quickly on from the recently announced SL roadster, which was first displayed at the LA Auto Show in November. The new car benefits from a lightweight all-aluminium body shell and mates it to Mercedes' latest twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 engine that delivers 537hp and 800Nm of torque in standard guise. Opt for the AMG Performance Package and these figures jump to 564hp and 900Nm; enough to propel the 1,845kg car from 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 186mph (the standard car is electronically limited to 155mph).

Power is transmitted via a seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT sports transmission that has four modes to choose from: "C" (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus) and "M" (Manual). A reworking of the ESP system now means that it features three stages with the AMG 'Sport Handling' mode designed for particularly keen drivers. Such drivers can also opt for the AMG rear axle differential lock and AMG performance suspension, which are both available as optional extras.

Advanced technologies such as spray-guided direct petrol injection and alternator management combine with stop-start to deliver up to 30 per cent better fuel economy over the previous generation SL 63 AMG.

Further details on the new SL 63 AMG are expected over the coming days with details on pricing to be confirmed when the car is officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on 6 March.

Paul Healy - 22 Feb 2012