The AMG 6.0-litre V12 "biturbo"(twin-turbocharged) engine develops a maximum output of 630 hp and maximumtorque of 1000 newton metres. The result: exceptional performance, impressivepower delivery and effortlessly superior dynamics. As with the SLS AMG supersports car, the use of an all-aluminium bodyshell results in a drasticreduction in weight. The new SL 65 AMG is some 170 kilograms lighter thanbefore. The expressive front section is dominated by the new "twinblade" radiator grille and the front apron's lower cross strut inhigh-sheen chrome.
"The combination of exclusive V12 dynamic performanceand a refined roadster driving experience was already the defining attribute ofthe predecessor model. We are convinced that, with the new SL 65 AMG, we havedeveloped an incomparably exciting high-performance vehicle for the small, butloyal community of fans," says Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
An important aspect of the new model is the intelligentlightweight construction which also contributes to improved fuel efficiency. At24.4 mpg (NEDC combined), the new car is 17 per cent more efficient than theprevious SL 65 AMG and simultaneously establishes a new benchmark in thetwelve-cylinder petrol engine segment. A major role in the reduced fuelconsumption figures is played by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONICtransmission, the ECO start/stop-function, in-engine measures to optimiseefficiency and alternator management. Despite the significantly reduced fuelconsumption, the maximum output of the AMG V12 6-litre biturbo engine is upfrom 612 hp to 630 hp. The maximum torque is 1000 newton metres.
The unrivalled performance figures of the new SL 65 AMGtranslate into an exceptional driving experience: acceleration from 0 to 62 mphtakes 4 seconds with the 125 mph mark attained after just 11.8 seconds. The topspeed is 155 mph (electronically limited). As well as offering stunningacceleration, the AMG twelve-cylinder biturbo engine impresses with its smoothrunning characteristics and its distinctive AMG V12 sound. It is a performancethat reconciles effortless superiority and stylishness to perfection.
AMG 6-litre V12 biturbo engine with new technology
The AMG 6-litre V12 biturbo engine with the designation M279 is based on the M 275 engine used previously and has been comprehensivelyrevised for the new SL 65 AMG. New exhaust gas turbochargers with an increasedspiral cross-section, new manifolds and wastegate ducts with optimised flowcharacteristics increase the engine output by 18 hp. The multi-spark ignitionwith twelve double ignition coils not only results in smoother running, butalso enables even more effective combustion in combination with a new enginemanagement system with higher performance and optimised cylinder heads.
The resulting reduction in exhaust emissions is also due toa large extent to the optimised catalytic converter system. The newly developedAMG sports exhaust system, which has a pipe layout with enhanced flowcharacteristics, is 3.2 kilograms lighter as a result of a reduction in thewall thickness.
But it is not just the inner qualities of the AMG 6-litreV12 biturbo engine that impress. The powerplant's looks are as inspiring as itsperformance: the high-quality carbon-fibre and aluminium engine cover reflectsthe exceptional character of the powerful twelve-cylinder unit.
New: AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC
For the first time AMG has combined the 6-litre V12 biturboengine with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC. The seven-speed automatictransmission with its wide gear ratio spread enables a significantly lowerengine speed and helps to reduce fuel consumption. A new fuel economy torqueconverter, bearings designed for reduced friction loss and the transmission-oilthermal management system are responsible for a further increase in theefficiency of the power transmission system.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC has four different drivingmodes – Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S), Sport plus (S+) and Manual (M) –which can be selected at the push of a button on the centre console. In"C" mode the ECO start/stop function is permanently active. Thecompelling, dynamic character of the driving experience is made all the morevivid by the automatic double-declutching function during downshifts andthrough the brief, precisely defined interruption of ignition and fuelinjection during upshifts under full load; the latter functionality has theadditional benefit of reducing the shift times.
Intelligent lightweight construction with all-aluminiumbodyshell and carbon fibre
Compared with the predecessor model's steel design, theall-aluminium bodyshell of the new SL 65 AMG delivers a significant weightsaving of around 110 kilograms as well as superior rigidity, safety andcomfort. Intelligent lightweight construction also means that the componentshave been optimised in line with their specific purpose. Various types ofprocessing are used for the aluminium components, for instance, which areproduced as permanent mould castings or vacuum die castings before beingprocessed into extruded sections or used in the form of sheet aluminium withvarying wall thicknesses. The result is high rigidity, high safety and improvedvibration characteristics. For the cover behind the tank, the designers useeven lighter magnesium material in certain areas. High-strength steel tubes areintegrated into the A-pillars for safety reasons.
The boot lid helps to further trim the weight. For the firsttime on a volume-produced model, the inner support is made from lightweightcarbon-fibre composite. The extremely rigid carbon-fibre component is bonded tothe plastic outer shell, resulting in a weight saving of five kilogramscompared with a conventional boot lid – an innovative solution that is beingpioneered with the AMG SL models. This raft of innovative lightweight-designmeasures means that, at an EC kerb weight of 1950 kilograms, the new SL 65 AMGis 170 kilograms lighter than the model it replaces.
AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control
Mercedes-AMG also makes systematic use of lightweightconstruction principles for the suspension. The steering knuckles and springlinks of the 4-link front suspension and almost all of the multi-linkindependent rear suspension components are made of aluminium. Both thevehicle's handling agility and the response of the spring and damper componentsare enhanced by the reduction in unsprung masses. Like the predecessor model,the new SL 65 AMG is equipped as standard with the ABC active suspensionsystem. The AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control fitted in theeight-cylinder SL 63 AMG has been enhanced and its setup optimised for this newtop-of-the-range model.
Driving dynamics and performance were the key objectivesduring the design, development and testing phases. It is possible to choosebetween two suspension settings at the touch of a button: distinctly sportycharacteristics with reduced roll angles and firm body damping("Sport") or a mode for high comfort on long journeys("Comfort"). More negative camber on both axles and fully revisedelastokinematics result in greater agility and faster cornering speeds.
New electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering
Equipped with the newly developed electro-mechanical AMGspeed-sensitive sports steering, the V12 top model impresses with high dynamicqualities and eloquent feedback at the critical limits. The steering has aconstant, more direct ratio and variable power assistance which adjusts in linewith the suspension mode. Further standard equipment includes 3-stage ESP®, a specialfeature exclusive to AMG with "SPORT Handling" mode for particularlykeen drivers, and an AMG rear axle differential which helps ensure that thephenomenal engine output is put down on the road as effectively as possible.
All the qualities expected of an AMG high-performancebraking system – excellent deceleration characteristics, optimum sensitivityand high resistance to fading – are delivered to perfection by the newlydeveloped brake system of the SL 65 AMG. It features 390 x 36 mm compound discswith six-piston fixed callipers at the front and 360 x 26 mm integral discswith single-piston sliding callipers at the rear. An electric parking brake isfitted as standard. Red-painted callipers, as well as the even more powerfulweight-optimised AMG ceramic high-performance compound brake system as seen onthe SLS AMG, are available from the AMG Performance Studio as options.
New AMG brand face with two blade-like louvres
The new SL 65 AMG lives up to its stylish and exclusivehigh-performance roadster claim not only with its engineering but through itslooks, too. The SL 65 AMG is the first model to feature the new AMG brand face.The two elements which dominate the form – the radiator grille and the lowercooling air intake – are retained but in reinterpreted form which gives them amore distinctive identity in terms of dynamism and the sense of perceived valuethey convey. The central styling feature is the new "twin blade"radiator grille in high-sheen chrome. The Mercedes star is mounted on two blade-likelouvres whose profile recalls that of an aircraft wing. The more pronouncedV-shape of the radiator grille optimises the longitudinal proportions of thevehicle and so adds even greater visual emphasis to the attributes ofaerodynamics and purism.
Below the "twin blade" radiator grille, thestylised "A", a characteristic feature of AMG vehicles, is retained.A gap formed below a fine black fin at the lower edge of the cooling airopening allows an optimum airflow over the cooling modules – a perfectcombination of aesthetics and high technology. The lower cross strut in thefront apron is finished in high-sheen chrome and is given a perceived sense ofdepth by the gap above it – a distinctive note which adds the perfect finishingtouch to the front of the vehicle. The "twin blade" radiator grilleand lower cross strut are the two complementary styling elements whichunderline the new AMG brand face – a look which will be picked up by thestyling of future AMG models and so further increase the recognition value ofthe AMG performance brand.
The V12 top model is distinguished from the SL 63 AMGthrough the strategic use of high-sheen chrome highlights: along with the"twin blade" radiator grille and the lower cross strut, the surroundsof the special AMG daytime running lamps as well as the fins on the bonnet andthe side of the wings have the same finish. Further characteristic AMG stylingcues to be found on the SL 65 AMG include the front apron with large openingsfor the engine oil, water, charge air and transmission oil coolers, thespecially shaped side sill panels, the AMG spoiler lip and the diffuser-lookrear apron with a vehicle-colour insert.
In addition to the two special chromed twin tailpipes of theAMG sports exhaust system, the characteristic V12 features include the"V12 BITURBO" legend on the front wings and the AMG 5-spokelight-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish andequipped with 255/35 R 19 and 285/30 R 19 tyres at front and rear respectively.AMG multi-spoke forged light-alloy wheels from the AMG Performance Studio with255/35 R 19 front tyres and 285/30 R 20 rear tyres reduce the unsprung masses.The forged wheels are also available in matt black with a high-sheen rimflange.
Vario-roof: MAGIC SKY CONTROL as an option
The sixth-generation SL retains the electrohydraulicallyoperated vario-roof which can be retracted to save space, enabling the SL 65AMG to be transformed into a roadster or a coupé, as the mood takes the driverand depending on the weather, in under 20 seconds. In contrast to thepredecessor model, there are two versions to choose from for the new SL: thepanoramic vario-roof or the unique panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL.The transparency of the latter can be switched to light or dark at the push ofa button.
Interior: a feast for all the senses
Inside, too, the SL 65 AMG has exclusive design andequipment features which differentiate it from its eight-cylinder sister model.The electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with single or two-tone upholsteryin Exclusive nappa leather with a special AMG diamond pattern are a particularhighlight. This distinctive upholstery is also to be found on the door centrepanels. Embossed AMG emblems on the seat backrests are standard, as areAIRSCARF neck-level heating, multicontour functionality, seat memory andclimatised seats. The designo headlining in leather with partial AMG V12diamond-design quilting provides the perfect visual and tactile finishingtouch.
The design of the cockpit recalls the SLS AMG: the four airvents styled like jet engines, the E-SELECT lever and the AMG DRIVE UNIT areall reminiscent of the super sports car's styling. The choice of exquisitematerials and the first-class workmanship which characterise the interior ofthe SL 65 AMG indulge all the senses. Highlights include the AMG carbon-fibretrim elements, the IWC-design analogue clock, the chromed AMG door sill panelsilluminated in white and the AMG Performance steering wheel which isembellished by an AMG logo in the lower metal insert. A speedometer calibratedto 360 km/h in the AMG instrument cluster and the AMG start-up display with anexclusive AMG V12 BITURBO animation hint at the exceptionally dynamicperformance of the SL 65 AMG.
Source: automotivetv.net