Fresh from showing off the new SL63 AMG in Geneva, Mercedes has chosen the New York motor show as the location to launch an even more powerful, V12-engined version. That’s right, the SL65 AMG is back.
Highlights are pretty much as before. The new SL65 is powered by an evolved version of the previous car’s twin-turbocharged 6-litre V12, which puts out a walloping 621bhp along with – wait for it – 738lb ft of torque. That’s an increase of nearly 20 percent over the previous ’65, and mean that it will be the quickest SL yet. The official 3.9-second 0-62mph time and limited 186mph top speed only tell part of the story – we can anticipate that, in straight lines at least, this SL will likely have the ability to show its posher SLS sister a clean pair of heels. Ceramic brakes will be optional, and Mercedes has finally managed to engineer a seven-speed automatic transmission capable of handling the SL65’s astonishing torque figure – the previous car had to make do with the older-tech five-speeder.
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Although pricing hasn’t been announced the SL65 will – as before - carry a towering pricetag – Mercedes was hinting that US buyers will be looking at finding the thick end of $200,000 for one. And the car that was actually shown on the stand in New York will be even rarer, it’s a limited-to-45 ‘45th Anniversary Edition’ (see what they did there?) with unique Magno Graphite matt paint, a ‘twin blade’ radiator grille and a natty carbonfibre rear spoiler.
We’ll bring you more details – and UK prices – as soon as they’re announced.
