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Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG: the most powerful roadster in the world

Starter: Hemi Posted: 21 years ago Views: 574
#163350
Lvl 19
Affalterbach, Germany, April 07, 2004

12-cylinder AMG biturbo engine, an output of 450 kW/612 hp and a maximum torque of 1000 Nm – the new SL 65 AMG is the world's most powerful and highest-torque series-produced roadster. The open-top two-seater not only maintains Mercedes-AMG’s impressive V12 tradition; it also offers a level of per-formance previously unheard of in this engine size class: the SL 65 AMG acceler-ates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and passes the 200 km/h mark after just 12.9 seconds; its top speed is 250 km/h (electronically governed).

With its modified AMG sports suspension, mechanical differential lock and newly developed AMG high-performance brake system with composite discs, front and rear, the ultra-powerful high-performance Roadster's dynamic handling is certainly impressive. And the exclusive standard equipment on-board this open-top dream car underlines the technological ambition behind it. The new AMG V12 flagship model extends the number of SL-Class engine versions to five. The market launch of the SL 65 AMG is scheduled for June 2004.

Much of the credit for the AMG 6.0-litre V12 engine's extraordinary performance must go to the biturbo system, which features larger turbochargers and powerful water-type charge-air cooling. The remarkable maximum torque of 1000 Nm remains constantly on tap between 2000 and 4000 rpm. The 570-Nm torque which the AMG V12 biturbo engine delivers to the crankshaft at just 1000 rpm rises to 830 Nm 500 rpm later.

The AMG 12-cylinder is as ideally suited to powerful acceleration in the highest engine speed range as it is to relaxed cruising in high gear. Superbly responsive, yet smooth and refined, it guarantees the high level of touring comfort traditionally associated with Mercedes. Exciting high-tech features are revealed as soon as the bonnet is opened. The redesigned engine cover, which is made from deep-drawn aluminium and carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) is a visual treat.

The 12-cylinder engine is assembled by hand at the AMG engine facility – right next to the line where the supercharged AMG V8 for the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is produced. The "one man, one engine" philosophy is reflected by the characteristic signature plate on the AMG V12 which bears the name of the specialist who assembled the engine and guarantees the highest standards of quality and workmanship.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT with steering-wheel controls and asymmetric differential lock
In the SL 65 AMG power is transmitted by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 5-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel gearshift controls and manual mode. In keeping with the tremendous levels of power and torque available, a number of measures have been taken to optimise key transmission components – including the adoption of newly developed clutch pack discs and modified shift and torque-converter-lockup logic. There are also special drive shafts, larger hub carriers and wheel bearings and special spring links at the rear axle.

In the reinforced rear axle differential case, fitted with a heat sink, is a mechanical, asymmetric, multiple-disc limited-slip differential with a lock factor of 40 percent under load. This ensures good traction, particularly with a very sporty driving style. With the modified acceleration skid control system, which is equipped with traction logic, the high engine output can always be optimally transmitted to the road.
ABC with AMG sports suspension and new composite brake system
The SL 65 AMG is fitted as standard with Active Body Control (ABC) and special AMG spring struts with firmer damping. The driver can select an even sportier mode at the touch of a button, reducing pitch and roll still further. Fully reworked dynamic handling control systems such as ABS, Brake Assist, ASR and ESP® (Electronic Stability Program) complete the enhanced chassis setup. In order to cope with the high power output, there is a newly developed, high-performance, composite brake system with 390 x 36 mm brake discs at the front and 360 x 26 mm brake discs at the rear. Internally ventilated cast-iron discs all round, with aluminium (front) and stainless steel (rear) brake disc bowls ensure optimum deceleration and fade-resistance. The SL 65 AMG is fitted, as are all other SL-Class Roadsters, with the electrohydraulic high-pressure brake, SBC™ (Sensotronic Brake Control).
AMG bodystyling and exclusive nappa leather appointments as standard
Where looks are concerned, the new AMG V12 flagship model has several key features which set it apart from other SL-Class models. The redesigned front apron, optimised in the wind tunnel, has a striking contour which is based on the look of the Formula 1 Safety Car. The significantly larger air intakes ensure a reliable supply of fresh air for water, engine oil and charge-air cooling; like the rear apron and side skirts, it is part of the powerful AMG bodystyling package, which blends harmoniously with the award-winning design of the Mercedes Roadster. The independent, AMG-specific radiator grille is another feature which sets this model apart.
Contact with the road is taken care of by multi-piece, 19-inch AMG twin-spoke wheels, painted in titanium grey, with size 255/35 R 19 tyres at the front and size 285/30 R 19 tyres at the rear. The chromed "V12 Biturbo" lettering on the front wings indicates the exceptional dynamic qualities of this vehicle, while highlights at the rear include the dark-tinted tail lights and the AMG sports exhaust with its two oval, chromed twin tail-pipes. The new composition of the typical AMG, V12 sound provides a special acoustic charm, particularly when driving with the vario-roof open.
Inside, the high-quality trim in fine wood or aluminium and the leather appointments, available in three colours, exude an exclusive flair. Electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with AMG-specific seat fluting and perforation pattern, optimised lateral support, multicontour function, memory and seat heating make every journey in the SL 65 AMG a delight, whether it involves winding country roads or long-distance motorway cruising. Further standard equipment in the SL 65 AMG includes the AMG instrument cluster with its Alcantara surround, 360-km/h scale and "V12 Biturbo" lettering, the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with gearshift buttons, the door sill panels in etched and polished aluminium with the AMG logo, the bi-xenon headlamps, COMAND with DVD technology, the CD changer and the sound system.
The new SL 65 AMG will make its debut at Mercedes-Benz sales and service outlets and dealerships from June 2004.

#163351
Lvl 13
Hang on just a mo there tiger - what about the TVR Speed 12? That's a thousand horsepower! Or there's a mad Rover something or other thats about 800hp too..
#163352
Lvl 13
I was slightly off with the stats above, but have a look at this!

http://www.whatboyswant.com/forum_read/168138
#163353
Lvl 12
I think the CL 65 AMG is a little more powerful, but its not offered in America.

http://caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=19&article_id=7273&page_number=1
#163354
Lvl 11
Too bad the CL's are not known for good handling. Hell, neither are the W211 E55's, the S600's, the SL55, and Sl600's. M-B needs to make a car that can hang with the old E39 BMW M5 on a track, and then my eyes will be open.
Dont forget the upcoming E60 M5; 500+ Hp, suberb handling, and a 0-124mph speed of 13 seconds (A Porsche 911 GT2 does it in 12.5sec for comparison). That's a car to watch out for.
M-B makes some fast cars indeed, and I applaud them for that. Once they make them handle and once they get their quality control issues figured out, then we have a winner on our hands.
#163355
Lvl 11
mercedes makes cars for comfort and luxury, not neccesarily for gear-jamming adrenaline rides. you're comparing apples and oranges.
#163356
Lvl 11
[QUOTE=fevor] mercedes makes cars for comfort and luxury, not neccesarily for gear-jamming adrenaline rides. you're comparing apples and oranges. [/QUOTE]
Agreed on comfort and luxury, but in the case of the W211 E55, wouldnt you tend to assume that a 4.4 second sprint to 60 and a 12.5sec 1/4 run would be an adrenaline packed ride? How about the CL65 we are talking about here?
BMW to M-B is apples to oranges, but IMHO before you start ripping around that fast, make the car handle much better than they do. Poor feedback when cornering and a lot of HP (and a hard time controling the power with the autobox) can mean disaster for many people.
The SL's are damn good looking though...
#163357
Lvl 11
points well taken. it's just that i get the impression that AMG is directed towards old businessmen who want a comfortable ride, not the "young," more attentive performance maniacs of the 30-40 crowd. MB puts power there IF you need it; BMW makes power and track performance a more central focus.

i can tell you i've been in my friend's C32 AMG and the feeling is completely different than sitting in an M3.

i'm glad there are people willing to discuss these issues here.
#163358
Lvl 11
It interesting on who the target buyers are. On the M5 webboard I am a part of, we saw many BMW guys sell their E39 M5's to get into W211 E55's, just b/c they were faster. Then 3 months later they would be back. Happened to about 10 people. Others left and never came back, and most didnt go to the "darkside."
I agree completely on who the cars are targeted at fever; that is exactly the demographics both companies want to sell to. But plenty of young guys have been getting E55's as they are tire shredders, and are faster than hell. Same with the C32.
It seems that people who want to cruise around and be chill, then wax the Corvette next to them at the stoplight get the M-Bs, where as those who want to go beat said Corvette on an offramp while hanging the ass out get the BMW.
Different strokes for different folks, and thats great, as not everyone has the same tastes. I am just a little biased towards BMW, as their cars cater to my wishes a bit more. As I posted before though, if M-B could infuse a tiny bit more fun in a lot of their AMG products, I think I would be sold on them.
#163359
Lvl 13
MB are trading a lot on past glory. Some of their recent stuff has had poor reliability and build quality compared with their cars from say 20 or 30 years ago. This has come up in JD Powwer (which btw is far more thorough and informative in the UK than the US)
#163360
Lvl 11
Agreed Captain, M-B has been going way downhill with their reliability in the last 5 years. They used to be overbuilt tanks that justified their cost with reliability, but now many cabbies out in Europe arent usuing them as they arent as solid as they used to be. My conjecture on it is that the Japanese can make lower cost cars just as reliable and with the same amount of luxury, and MB had to cut corners they didnt cut before. It is sad, but that's economics on a global scale, so it will be interesting to see what they will do in the coming years, as their reputation is getting tarnished as a result. Maybe if they lightened up on the gadgets and worked on quality control they would do better...
#163361
Lvl 13
A lot has to do with cutting down on materials I think. They have thinned out the panels and cut out the "overbuilding" you mentioned that made them last so long. Saab are going the same way. Even the original superb designed saab turbos are being phased out by GM. Cross brand platforms and engineering is killing individuality.
#163362
Lvl 11
GM = trash