The
Stuttgart-based brand
Exhaustive
development in all the world's climate zones
Aufwendige Entwicklung in allen Klimazonen der
Erde
ZUR DEUTSCHEN VERSION |
The Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series - the
exclusive high-performance coupé for the discerning motorist
A spectacular
look, unique performance data, consistently lightweight design and the highest
degree of exclusivity - these attributes sum up the new 65 AMG Black Series
from Mercedes-Benz. The high-performance coupé features pure-bred
motor sports technology, and introduces sports car fans to a whole new world
in terms of dynamic performance.
The AMG 6.0-l V12 biturbo engine, developing a maximum output
of 493 kW/670 hp and maximum torque of 1,000 newton metres, guarantees the
dynamic performance of a super sports car. This high-performance two-seater
was developed in the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO by the same experts who were
responsible for designing the Official F1 Safety Car and Official F1
Medical Car. The SL 65 AMG Black Series is a continuation of the successful
Black Series strategy from Mercedes-AMG, the high-performance brand from
Mercedes-Benz Cars. As the new AMG top model, the SL 65 AMG Black Series
outstrips the other AMG SL models: both the SL 63 AMG with its 386-kW / 525-hp
AMG 6.3-l V8 engine and the SL 65 AMG, powered by an AMG 6.0-l V12 biturbo
engine, developing 450 kW/612 hp. Wide, solid and low - that is the new
Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series. The dynamic coupé inspires passion
even when it is stationary. The distinctive wide mudguards, extendable spoiler
and rear apron with diffuser fins are an unmistakable demonstration of the
transfer from the motor sports world that has been part of the company philosophy
at Mercedes AMG for over 40 years. In its appearance, the SL 65 AMG Black
Series is reminiscent of the successful AMG racing cars, such as the DTM
C-Class. Large cooling air vents in the front apron and bonnet give a clear
indication of the enormous power of the AMG biturbocharged twelve-cylinder
engine. From 5,980 cc, the AMG V12 develops a maximum output of 493 kW /
670 hp at 5,400 rpm, and an electronically limited torque of 1,000 newton
metres at between 2,200 and 4,200 rpm. Without limits, the AMG 6.0-l V12
biturbo engine, handmade at the AMG engine plant in accordance with the
traditional philosophy "one man - one engine", would develop a maximum torque
of 1,200 newton metres. Compared with the basic power train of the SL 65
AMG, which develops 450 kW / 612 hp, the turbochargers on the twelve-cylinder
engine of the SL 65 AMG Black Series have been redesigned. The spiral
cross-section of the turbocharger, which is twelve percent larger, together
with the optimised wastegate ducts enable a higher airflow rate and even
more impressive power development in all speed ranges. The modified intake
air duct produces an even more spontaneous vehicle response. Redesigned mufflers
in the AMG sports exhaust system reduce exhaust back pressure and help boost
performance. And there is an acoustic side effect: a typically evocative
AMG harmony is created by the distinctive twelve-cylinder sound that escapes
from the two trapezoidal exhaust pipe ends. The low-temperature charge air
coolers are about 30 percent more effective, enabling not only a maximum
power output under highly dynamic driving conditions, but also the greatest
possible stability in high external temperatures. This is also assisted by
the optimised water cooling system with a repositioned radiator, high-performance
aspirator and large vents in the bonnet. |
Attractive power/weight ratio delivers superb
performance
The extraordinary engine specifications which make the SL 65 AMG Black Series
the most powerful AMG model so far enable it to deliver superb performance
values. It can reach a speed of 100 km/h from a standing start in just 3.8
seconds, and takes 11.0 seconds to reach 200 km/h. The top speed is 320 km/h
(electronically limited).
Brief summary of the most important facts and figures:
|
SL 65 AMG Black Series |
Cylinder arrangement,
no. of valves per cylinder
|
V12
3 |
Engine displacement cm3 cm³ |
5,980 |
Bore x stroke mm |
82.6 x 93.0 |
Compression ratio |
9.0:1 |
Output kW/hp
at 1 rpm |
493/670
5,400 |
Max. torque
Nm at 1/rpm |
1,000*
2,2004,200 |
Acceleration 0100 km/h s
0200 km/h s |
3.8
11.0 |
Top speed km/h |
320* |
* Electronically limited
Also responsible for the high dynamic performance is the attractive power/weight
ratio of just 2.79 kg/hp - a result of the comparably low curb weight of
1870 kg, which complies with the EU standard. This makes the SL 65 AMG Black
Series 250 kg lighter than the SL 65 AMG - a significant weight reduction
derived from specific lightweight design measures. A large number of bodywork
components are made from high-strength and especially lightweight
carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), a technology which has proved its
value in motor sports. The front mudguards, which are 14 cm wider, the front
apron with the visible carbon fibre front splitter, the bonnet and the boot
lid are all made from CFRP. The "V12 biturbo" lettering on the front mudguards
give an indication of the engine's potency.
New CFRP roof with integrated roll bar
The roof cladding, made completely from CFRP, is presented in
an all-new design. Not only does it feature an integrated roll bar, but by
foregoing the Vario roof typical for SL-Class vehicles, the roofline has
been made considerably flatter. This is obvious from the rear window, which
is at a flatter angle to the boot lid. The CFRP spoiler incorporated in the
boot lid automatically extends by 12 cm from a speed of 120 km/h, increasing
the rear axle power take-off at 200 km/h by 50 kg. Viewed from behind, the
rear apron with its visible carbon fibre diffuser insert is conspicuous:
this incorporates the active cooling system for the rear axle limited slip
differential. New, optimum-weight AMG forged wheels with a double spoke design
-19" at the front, 20" at the back - sit impressively in the wheel housings.
With the black paintwork, the high-sheen surfaces and matt finish lend an
opulent look to the side profile. |
Power transmission with four drive programmes
and double clutch function
In keeping with its outstanding potential and high dynamic performance, the
power development and chassis of the SL 65 AMG Black Series are also presented
at their best. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel via an AMG SPEEDSHIFT
PLUS five-speed automatic gearbox. There are four drive programmes to choose
from: "C", "S" and "M1", as well as "M2", which has a 20-percent quicker
response time than "M1". Both manual programmes, "M1" and "M2", allow the
driver to benefit from the extreme tractive power of the V12 biturbo engine,
since the gears will not automatically change down, even on full throttle;
the AMG SPEED-SHIFT PLUS five-speed automatic gearbox stays reliably in the
selected gear, even during kick-down shifts. In addition, a power train which
is extremely direct in all driving conditions supports the torque converter
bypass coupling from first gear onwards. The automatic double clutch function
provides an extra thrill when changing down, as well as reducing the load
alteration effects - which has an exceedingly positive effect, especially
when braking to corner on the race circuit, and also improves driving safety
in wet and icy conditions. In keeping with this vehicle's tremendous power
and torque, the power train features especially high-performance components:
not only the various gearbox components, such as the clutch discs and switching
and converter bypass logic, but also the drive shafts, wheel carriers and
bearings, and also the spring links on the rear axle, are made to an extremely
resilient design. |
Completely new design for AMG coil-over sports
suspension
When it comes to the chassis, the AMG experts have put their
faith in a new design. The AMG sports chassis has been designed with coil-over
suspension - this solution, which has been proven in the realm of motor sports,
makes it possible to adjust the pressure and flow rates of the shock absorbers
and vehicle level, as well as the track and camber. Drivers can configure
their own personal suspension setup, especially for use on the race circuit.
Both axles feature newly developed spring links and thrust, camber and tension
rods, as well as optimum weight aluminium wheel carriers. Compared with the
series production SL 65 AMG, the Black Series has 115 mm more track width
on the front axle, and 103 mm more on the rear axle. The new front axle
kinematics creates a steering ratio which is eight percent more direct, and
the completely revised elasto-kinematics ensures greater steering precision.
The result: light-footed, predictable handling. |
3-stage
ESPÒ provides distinctive
driving dynamics
3-stage ESPÒ with sports
function is synonymous with the greatest possible driving pleasure and
distinctive driving dynamics: the driver can use the
ESPÒ button on the centre
console to switch between "ESP ON", "ESP SPORT" and "ESP OFF" - the selected
mode is displayed on the central screen of the AMG instrument panel. In "ESP
ON" mode, in the advent of unstable driving conditions, brakes are automatically
applied to one or more wheels, and the engine torque is reduced. Briefly
pressing the ESPÒ button
activates the "ESP SPORT" function. In this mode, automatic oversteer and
understeer control as well as the accompanying engine torque adjustment allow
for more dynamic driving conditions, more or less corresponding to the drift
angle - which clearly means a lot more driving enjoyment for SL 65 AMG Black
Series drivers. Depressing the brake pedal fully reactivates
ESPÒ. Holding down the
ESPÒ button activates
the "ESP OFF" function. This means there are no more automatic adjustments
to the driving dynamics, and in general the engine torque will no longer
be reduced - for even more driving excitement. "ESP OFF" should be used only
by experienced drivers on closed-off race circuits. Even in this mode, it
is still possible to reactivate all of the
ESPÒ functions by depressing
the brake pedal. Traction logic is active in all three
ESPÒ modes. If a drive
wheel starts to spin, specific automatic brake control is used to improve
traction. Working together with the multiple-disc limited-slip differential,
which has over 40 percent of its barrier effect in deceleration, this ensures
that the enormous power of the engine is transferred to the road surface
with minimum loss. |
Sports tyres and compound disc brakes for top
performance
The selected wheel/tyre combination is responsible for ensuring the best
possible performance of the SL 65 AMG Black Series on the race circuit: on
the front axle, 265/35 R 19 tyres are fitted onto 9.5" AMG light alloy wheels.
On the rear axle, the impressive format is AMG 11.5 x 20 light alloy wheels
with 325/30 R 20 tyres. The Sport Maxx GT tyres are supplied by DTM Motor
Sports partner Dunlop; they provide especially good grip and amazing coornering
speeds. Peering through the filigree double spokes on the AMG light alloy
wheels will reveal the generously dimensioned AMG high-performance brake
system. Vented, perforated disc brakes featuring especially high-performance
compound technology are fitted all round. On the front axle, the deceleration
load is borne by 6-piston fixed callipers and 390 x 36 mm brake discs, with
4-piston fixed callipers and 360 x 26 mm discs on the rear axle.
Brief summary of the brake specifications:
|
SL 65 AMG Black Series |
Front axle: |
|
Brake calliper
Brake disc
Diameter
Thickness |
6-piston aluminium fixed calliper
Compound technology, internal vents, perforated
390 mm
36 mm |
Rear axle: |
|
Brake calliper
Brake disc
Diameter
Thickness |
4-piston fixed calliper
Compound technology, internal vents,
perforated
360 mm
26 mm |
Functional yet charming interior design
Nappa leather, alcantara and carbon - the interior of the SL 65 AMG Black
Series creates the perfect ambience to get sports car enthusiasts' hearts
racing. The all-black interior exudes the functional atmosphere of a genuine
racing car, while at the same time captivating with its charming details.
Newly developed AMG bucket seats in CFRP (ECE version only) provide occupants
with perfect lateral support when cornering at speed. The seats without side
airbags are covered with fine, black nappa leather and charcoal alcantara,
and feature the distinctive AMG logo on the headrests. Fifteen mm smaller
in diameter and with a perforated lateral grip area, the AMG high-performance
steering wheel, with its flattened underside, provides optimum vehicle control.
Silver-coloured aluminium switch paddles enable manual gear changing. More
highlights featured on the centre console are the premium quality carbon
body trim, the matt-lustrous start/stop button, the new AMG gear stick with
carbon insert and the AMG logo with the words "Black Series" on the ashtray.
To match these, there are carbon centre panels on the door with the AMG logo,
and the roof lining and A and C columns are in charcoal alcantara. The AMG
instrument panel has a completely new design: the black speedometer indicates
up to 360 km/h and has been completely redesigned, as has the white rev counter
with its four integrated LEDs, which indicate to the driver the optimum moment
to change gear. When the ignition is switched on, the speedometer and rev
counter needles move in synch to the end of their ranges then return
simultaneously to their resting positions, giving the driver a clear signal
to start the engine. The AMG main menu displays more than just the selected
drive programme. The driver can also view the selected
ESPÒ mode, the engine
oil temperature and the battery voltage. The integrated "RACETIMER" stores
information on the race cicuit lap times. Further standard equipment for
the SL 65 AMG Black Series includes the COMAND APS. The new multimedia device
with a 6.5"-colour screen combines a car radio with double tuner, telephone,
CD-/DVD changer, Bluetooth interface, drive for SD memory cards and a Europe-wide
navigation system. The 40-GB hard drive ensures extra fast route calculation.
An iPod, USB stick or other external audio devices can be plugged into into
the COMAND system via the media interface.
Complex development process in all of the Earth's
climate zones
The complex development and testing process for the SL 65 AMG Black Series
began in 2006. The AMG engineers and technicians test-drove ten prototypes
and development vehicles in all of the Earth's climate zones. Whether this
involved fast laps of the Nürburgring racetrack, high-speed test drives
in Nardo, Italy, wind tunnel tests, extensive test drives in the summer heat
and arctic cold or real-life crash tests - the new AMG high-performance
Coupé had to prove that it was up to series production standard in
every regard. In total, the SL 65 AMG Black Series notched up around 30,000
test kilometres on various circuits - 15,000 km of which were on the northern
loop of the Nürburgring racetrack, acknowledged as the most difficult
race circuit in the world. Just like the SLK 55 AMG Black Series and the
CLK 63 AMG Black Series, the SL 65 AMG Black Series was developed in the
AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO, opened in 2006. The sale price is 327,250 euros (incl.
19% VAT), and the first models will be delivered to customers in November
2008. |
SL 63 AMG: high-performance roadster with AMG
MCT sports transmission
Besides the SL 65 AMG Black Series, there are two more SL models
from AMG to choose from: the SL 63 AMG and the SL 65 AMG. Both high-performance
roadsters, launched in March 2008, offer extraordinary driving dynamics,
a stand-alone design and exclusive fittings. The SL 63 AMG stands for passionate
performance rendered by a technological tour de force: powered by an AMG
6.3-l V8 engine, developing 386 kW / 525 hp and 630 newton metres, it is
currently the highest performing model with a naturally aspirated V8 engine
in its class. The innovative AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission
is completely new, and exclusive to the SL 63 AMG. Instead of the traditional
torque converter, the newly developed power transmission system uses a compact,
wet starting clutch. The resulting direct connection with the drive train,
combined with the double clutch and RACE START functions, provide for an
exciting and highly dynamic driving experience. With this extraordinary power
train combination and with the new, fine-tuned, more agile AMG sports suspension
on an Active Body Control basis, the SL 63 AMG is setting new standards in
the open sports car segment. The SL 63 AMG accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h
in 4.6 seconds, and has a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).
With a displacement of 6,208 cc, the high-torque induction engine develops
386 kW / 525 hp at 6,800 rpm, and has a maximum torque of 630 newton metres
at 5,200 rpm. The combination of the high-torque design and large engine
displacement brings together the best of both worlds: high tractive power
at low speeds and exciting high speeds of up to 7,200 rpm. |
SL 65 AMG with the superior AMG V12 biturbo
engine
The SL 65 AMG is top of the range in the exclusive twelve-cylinder roadster
segment. Its AMG 6.0-l V12 biturbo engine develops 450 kW/612 hp and a maximum
torque of 1000 newton metres - a performance which is unrivalled, even four
years after its launch on the market. Impressive proof of the AMG twelve-cylinder
engine's extraordinary power is given by its accelerating power, reaching
100 km/h from standstill in 4.2 seconds; its top speed is 250 km/h
(electronically limited). These exclusive drive train dynamics are made possible
by the V12 power train with 5,980 cc developed by Mercedes AMG: its maximum
output of 450 kW/612 hp is always achievable between 4,800 and 5,100 rpm,
while the electronically limited maximum torque of 1,000 Newton metres can
be reached between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm. The AMG V12 biturbo engine develops
a torque of 570 newton metres at the crankshaft at just 1,000 rpm, and 1,500
rpm takes it to 750 newton metres. As with the SL 63 AMG, the AMG sports
suspension on an Active Body Control basis in the SL 65 AMG has been even
further refined. |
READER COMMENTS
Daimler Communications, 70546
Stuttgart, Germany
Mercedes-Benz - a brand of Daimler AG, November 2008 |
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