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Mercedes Reveals New SL 65 AMG, First-quarter 2013 Australian Launch Set

Mercedes has revealed the V12-powered hero in its convertible grand-tourer line-up, with the unveiling of the new SL 65 AMG today following February's debut of the SL 63 AMG.

Where the SL 63 packs AMG's new 400kW 5.5 litre bi-turbo V8 engin

Mike Stevens

21:4820 March 2012

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Mercedes Reveals New SL 65 AMG, First-quarter 2013 Australian Launch Set

Mercedes has revealed the V12-powered hero in its convertible grand-tourer line-up, with the unveiling of the new SL 65 AMG today following February's debut of the SL 63 AMG.

Where the SL 63 packs AMG's new 400kW 5.5 litre bi-turbo V8 engine, the SL 65 is hiding the recently upgraded version of the carmaker's legendary 6.0 litre V12.

Gaining the same upgrades featured in the CL 65 AMG, including new turbochargers, manifolds and a light new exhaust system, the V12's output has been boosted from 455k to 463kW. Peak torque is a monstrous 1000Nm, available between 2300 and 4300rpm.

Shifted by AMG's SpeedShift Plus 7G-Tronic automated manual transmission (replacing the old five-speed unit), the SL 65 AMG promises a 0-100km/h time of 4.0 seconds.

For the record, that's 0.2 seconds quicker than the SL 63, or 0.1 seconds quicker than the AMG Performance Pack-enhanced SL 63.

The 200km/h mark will come down in 11.8 seconds, AMG says, and top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h. Fuel consumption is listed at 11.6 l/100km.

Four shift modes are programmed into the new transmission: Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport plus and Manual.

Like its 63 sibling and the rest of the new SL range, the SL 65 AMG benefits from full aluminium construction, cutting the new model's weight by about 170kg, compared to its predecessor.

Kerb weight for the new model is still a hefty 1950kg, however.

Keeping the car on the straight-and-narrow (and in corners) is Mercedes' active suspension pack, and braking is managed by six-piston brakes at the front and single-piston units at the rear.

Carbon ceramic brakes can be tacked on as an option, of course.