Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series To Post 670 Horsepower – New Details

Posted by Admin on April 20, 2008

“We strive to supply American customers with what they want,” Thomas Rappel, the CEO of AMG said. “And in this case what they want is performance.” And while the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series won’t make its official debut until this summer, the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series is already staking its claim as one of the most extreme Mercedes Benzes ever built. Period.

As with previous AMG Black Series offerings from Mercedes-Benz, the SL65 AMG Black Series will promise (and deliver) supercar performance, thanks to large helpings of power and a lighter curb weight.

She will start with a 6.0 liter twin turbocharged V12 engine. In the “standard” SL65 AMG, you command a healthy 604 horsepower, but in this ferocious Black Series, that 6.0L V12 engine gets cranked up to 670 hp. Torque won’t increase, but seeing as it’s already at an earth moving 738 pound-feet, there’s really not much need for more. Mercedes’s famous five-speed automatic transmission, will remain, but will get two Sport shift programs, with the 2nd delivering gearchanges timed at just 250 milliseconds.

On top of adding more power, the SL also underwent a hefty diet to become the SL65 AMG Black Series. Through extensive use of carbon fiber for the car’s front fenders, hood, and new fixed roof, the SL shed approximately 570 pounds! That brings her curb weight down to about 4,080 pounds. One interesting note, the decision to make the roof fixed wasn’t strictly a weight-saving measure. Apparently, the roof wouldn’t retract because of the car’s enormous rear tires.

Along with more power, and less weight, Mercedes will also equip the SL Black Series with an adjustable suspension, a wider track, larger brakes, a deployable rear spoiler and a lower hood for the exterior.

Inside, the SL Black Series will feature carbon fiber shell racing seats(for europe), a flat bottom steering wheel and plenty of Alcantara leather. The SL’s back seat has been removed to save weight. However, the carbon fiber seats won’t make it to the U.S. as they do not have side airbags.

It all adds up to a coupe that will be able to go from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.0 seconds and have a top speed of 198 mph. A retractable spoiler will help to generate 77 pounds of downforce above 60 mph, where it will rise from the deck lid.

Interior changes will be minimal. It will get the same AMG seats as the “standard” AMG models (the carbon seats have no side airbags, so they won’t make it into U.S. spec’ed cars). The Black Series will also get a flat-bottom steering wheel, Alcantara headliner, and the navigation system. This Black Series will also only be available with a black interior, and the carbon-fiber trim on the door panels and console is appropriate. The price for this beauty is anyone’s guess at the moment, but it’s safe to say it’ll be more than $200,000. Expect to see the official unveiling this summer, with sales starting this fall.

Yup, I’ll take mine in Black please.