| All-new supercar | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series |
Mercedes-Benz has released full details of the next model from the AMG Performance Studio. The SL 65 AMG Black Series is the most powerful car yet produced by AMG.
At the heart of the Black Series SL is a modified version of the regular SL 65's twin-turbo V12 featuring bigger turbochargers and revised intake and exhaust systems to boost power from a hardly puny 603bhp to a staggering 661bhp at 5,400rpm. That's nothing next to this engine's torque output, which apparently has to be electronically limited to 738lb.ft between 2,200 and 4,200rpm. Presumably AMG doesn't make a gearbox that could cope with the full 885lb.ft this engine would otherwise produce...
The benchmark 0-62mph sprint takes just 3.9 seconds, but it's the 0-124mph time of 11.0 seconds that's even more impressive, and no doubt this SL will feel untouchable in the mid-range. Top speed is electronically limited to 199mph (320km/h).
Assisting in those performance figures is a massive 250kg drop in kerb weight. A major part of that will be the doing away with the SL's regular folding hard top. In place is a carbon fibre fixed roof, which has a slightly different profile to the regular car's. Carbon fibre is used extensively throughout the Black Series model, with the massive wheelarches, deep front apron, vented bonnet and boot lid all featuring the lightweight material. The rear bumper also features an aerodynamic diffuser and an automatic boot spoiler, both finished in carbon fibre.
The wider track dominates the new SL's appearance, but it also accommodates a completely new set of chassis components, which include a fully adjustable coil spring set-up. Complementing the physical changes is an ESP system with three modes of operation. Drive is to the rear wheels via a five-speed AMG Speedshift Plus transmission and limited slip differential. Drivers can choose from Comfort, Sport or two Manual modes of operation, the more extreme setting quickening shifts by 25%. The gearbox also features a double-declutch function to smoothen downshifts.
Inside, the two-seater is fittingly all-black and European buyers will get hip-hugging carbon fibre bucket seats trimmed with leather. Bespoke trim and instruments also feature.
It'll be a while before the new car is displayed in public, with a likely debut at one of the US
motorshows this winter and UK sales starting well into 2009. We expect a price well in excess of £200,000.
Shane O' Donoghue - 11 Jul 2008