Mercedes SL65 AMG with Biturbo V12 Tops Range

Mercedes makes some great roadsters, but its naming scheme is incredibly confusing. At the end of February,  it revealed the new SL63 AMG, now Mercedes to topping the model range with the SL65 AMG. From the naming, it would understandable to think that the new car is only two digits better, but it is so much more than that. Instead of the bi-turbo 5.5l V8 in SL63 AMG, the SL65 AMG carries a bi-turbo 6.0l V12. That seems like Mercedes should have given it a higher number in its nomenclature. 

The SL65 AMG is the first car to get what will be the new standard AMG nose. It features a single, round Mercedes emblem with what Mercedes is calling twin chrome "blades" leading into the emblem. 

The new 6.0l V12 is the car's main selling point. Of course the car has the aluminum suspension and new, lighter aluminum monocoque from the rest of the new SL-Class, but that bi-turbo engine is what really sells this car. It produces 630hp and 1,000Nm of torque (738lb-ft), compared to 537hp and 800Nm of torque in the standard SL63 AMG. 

All cars get Mercedes' seven-speed AMG Speedshift Plus transmission with an eco mode, stop/start and alternator management. 

Mercedes claims that it will accelerate to 100km/h in 4 seconds, which is two-tenths faster than the previous generation, and will get to 200km/h in 11.8 seconds. The top speed in limited to 250km/h. 

Despite the high power, the new SL chassis cuts 170kg from the SL65 AMG compared to the previous model to bring total weight down to 1,950kg. Fuel consumption is 17% lower than previous generation too bringing it to a combined 11.6l/100km (20mpg). That is also partially due to the new electromechanical steering. 

The brakes are 390x36mm in the front and 360x26mm in the rear. Buyers can also option carbon-ceramic brakes from AMG. 

Otherwise the car is very similar to the SL63 AMG. It has the same Active Body Control and ESP found in the less expensive car. The Magic Sky Control roof is also optional. 

"The combination of exclusive V12 dynamic performance and a refined roadster driving experience was already the defining attribute of the predecessor model. We are convinced that, with the new SL 65 AMG, we have developed an incomparably exciting high-performance vehicle for the small, but loyal community of fans", said Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The car will launch in September at the New York Motor Show, according to announcement by Mercedes on Twitter. The car will cost in Germany including the 19% VAT €236,334.