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As stolen from http://www.carbc.com/Car-News-781.html
The Mercedes-Benz SL is the brand's best effort today on producing a comfortable luxury sports car. There's no convertible finer on the market with or without a folding hardtop roof. Since its debut, the range has grown from the single-motor lineup. Along side the SL 500 is base model called the SL 350, which uses Benz's 3.5 liter V6, as well as a series up high end motors. As if 302 horsepower isn't enough, Benz offers the SL with a twin-turbocharged V12 motor producing 500 horsepower and just short of 600 lb-ft of torque. If harder-edged thrills are desired, Benz offers the SL tuned sporting perfection with the SL55 AMG, a supercharged version of the SL 500. Normally, ranges are limited to only one AMG but this rule will be held off for the all-new SL65 AMG.
The difference between the SL65 AMG and SL55 AMG is more than just '10'. The SL65 stomps all over the supercharged V8 becoming the world's most powerful and torquiest mass production convertible in the world. Benz has broken through on old records with the 6.0 liter V12 twin-turbocharged motor that was first seen in the CL65 AMG. The specs on the motor are frightening: 612 horsepower and 738 lb-ft (1000 nm) of torque. But to get from 500 horsepower to 612 took a fair deal of work. AMG engineers installed larger turbochargers and an air-to-water type cooling system on the hand-built engine. Needless to say, this two-seat roadster is extremely quick taking just 4.2 seconds to hit 100 km/h, but it is limited to 250 km/h. With all the power and torque on board, expect speed to rise just as quickly as the revs.
We have sufficient reason to believe that AMG engineers could have created a more powerful motor - the 5-speed transmission that this powerplant is mated to limits the potential output. It's true that the gearbox has been uprated with a new clutch pack discs, torque converter and revised shift mapping but power and torque are limited to these figures. Without a limit we don't have a doubt that this engine could see the sunny side of 700 horses. But the cap on power isn't all too bad as it will help preserve the easy-going nature as seen in any other SL. Peak torque is made between 2000 and 4000 rpm so no matter what gear you are in, or how fast you are going, the SL will always pack enough punch to surprise you on the lunge forward. Other areas of the SL's driveline have been updated including drive shafts, hub carriers and wheel bearings. Every mechanical detail related to the increase of power has been altered accordingly.
The SL65, Benz's proverbial 'silver arrow' isn't just for shooting forward with incredible speed - it is a highly capable cornering machine. While it lacks the edge of a pure sports car like a Ferrari or Porsche, it isn't a lumbering log that detests curves. On top of the standard multi-link, the SL65 AMG will receive special-tuned AMG springs and dampers specially engineered for the top of the line SL. Activating the Sport mode stiffens the dampers, to reduce body pitch and roll. It is important to consider every feature of the SL65 AMG, especially the suspension. Also, do not expect the SL65 corner better than the less powerful 55 model; the extra four cylinders, two turbochargers and mechanical running gear make the nose much heavier. We see the 65 as more of a long distance tool capable of shrinking continents. Traction control and a mechanical locking differential make for fuss-free starts though both will be hard at work keeping the tires from lighting up in smoke and melted rubber.
Zoom out from the engine and you'll be greeted with an otherwise familiar car. Not much has changed in appearance from the common SL to this seemingly nuclear-powered roadster. As is the custom of AMG models, the 65 AMG is fitted with new front, rear and side skirts revised to feature larger intakes. Composite disc brakes are showcased behind 19-inch 'titanium gray' alloy wheels wrapped in 255/35ZR19 rubber up front and 285/30ZR19 in back. Other subtle appearance features to the 65 are tinted tail lamps, twin oval exhaust pipes and of course new badging. On the inside, the SL65 features most optional luxuries as standard including multi-function massaging leather seats and COMMAND navigation/hi-fi system. The SL65 AMG will go on sale shortly and will be built to order.
Now, I don't know about you, but I'm drooling already.
The Mercedes-Benz SL is the brand's best effort today on producing a comfortable luxury sports car. There's no convertible finer on the market with or without a folding hardtop roof. Since its debut, the range has grown from the single-motor lineup. Along side the SL 500 is base model called the SL 350, which uses Benz's 3.5 liter V6, as well as a series up high end motors. As if 302 horsepower isn't enough, Benz offers the SL with a twin-turbocharged V12 motor producing 500 horsepower and just short of 600 lb-ft of torque. If harder-edged thrills are desired, Benz offers the SL tuned sporting perfection with the SL55 AMG, a supercharged version of the SL 500. Normally, ranges are limited to only one AMG but this rule will be held off for the all-new SL65 AMG.
The difference between the SL65 AMG and SL55 AMG is more than just '10'. The SL65 stomps all over the supercharged V8 becoming the world's most powerful and torquiest mass production convertible in the world. Benz has broken through on old records with the 6.0 liter V12 twin-turbocharged motor that was first seen in the CL65 AMG. The specs on the motor are frightening: 612 horsepower and 738 lb-ft (1000 nm) of torque. But to get from 500 horsepower to 612 took a fair deal of work. AMG engineers installed larger turbochargers and an air-to-water type cooling system on the hand-built engine. Needless to say, this two-seat roadster is extremely quick taking just 4.2 seconds to hit 100 km/h, but it is limited to 250 km/h. With all the power and torque on board, expect speed to rise just as quickly as the revs.
We have sufficient reason to believe that AMG engineers could have created a more powerful motor - the 5-speed transmission that this powerplant is mated to limits the potential output. It's true that the gearbox has been uprated with a new clutch pack discs, torque converter and revised shift mapping but power and torque are limited to these figures. Without a limit we don't have a doubt that this engine could see the sunny side of 700 horses. But the cap on power isn't all too bad as it will help preserve the easy-going nature as seen in any other SL. Peak torque is made between 2000 and 4000 rpm so no matter what gear you are in, or how fast you are going, the SL will always pack enough punch to surprise you on the lunge forward. Other areas of the SL's driveline have been updated including drive shafts, hub carriers and wheel bearings. Every mechanical detail related to the increase of power has been altered accordingly.
The SL65, Benz's proverbial 'silver arrow' isn't just for shooting forward with incredible speed - it is a highly capable cornering machine. While it lacks the edge of a pure sports car like a Ferrari or Porsche, it isn't a lumbering log that detests curves. On top of the standard multi-link, the SL65 AMG will receive special-tuned AMG springs and dampers specially engineered for the top of the line SL. Activating the Sport mode stiffens the dampers, to reduce body pitch and roll. It is important to consider every feature of the SL65 AMG, especially the suspension. Also, do not expect the SL65 corner better than the less powerful 55 model; the extra four cylinders, two turbochargers and mechanical running gear make the nose much heavier. We see the 65 as more of a long distance tool capable of shrinking continents. Traction control and a mechanical locking differential make for fuss-free starts though both will be hard at work keeping the tires from lighting up in smoke and melted rubber.
Zoom out from the engine and you'll be greeted with an otherwise familiar car. Not much has changed in appearance from the common SL to this seemingly nuclear-powered roadster. As is the custom of AMG models, the 65 AMG is fitted with new front, rear and side skirts revised to feature larger intakes. Composite disc brakes are showcased behind 19-inch 'titanium gray' alloy wheels wrapped in 255/35ZR19 rubber up front and 285/30ZR19 in back. Other subtle appearance features to the 65 are tinted tail lamps, twin oval exhaust pipes and of course new badging. On the inside, the SL65 features most optional luxuries as standard including multi-function massaging leather seats and COMMAND navigation/hi-fi system. The SL65 AMG will go on sale shortly and will be built to order.
Now, I don't know about you, but I'm drooling already.