If you look in the dictionary under ‘tough’ you will now see a new definition – the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series. The first pictures of Merc’s super-SL have emerged and we can confirm that it looks like a bit of an animal.
The extended wheel-arches, automatic rear wing and other bulges are all there for a purpose, which is to keep this 661hp SL on the tarmac. The scoops and intakes all over the car are to cool the mighty twin-turbo 6.0-litre V12.
Mercedes started with a SL65 and stuck on larger turbos, a more efficient intercooler, and a new AMG sports exhaust with less back pressure. The result is an increased 57hp over the SL65. Torque remains limited to 738 lb ft but would be around 885 lb-ft derestricted.
The engine is mated to a beefed-up version of Mercedes’ five-speed automatic transmission, featuring the latest evolution of AMG’s Speedshift software. Although the car still weighs a hefty 1,870kg, it is 250kg lighter than the SL65 thanks to weight-saving measures such as removing the folding hard-top and replacing it with a fixed carbon fibre roof.
Final figures have yet to be announced, but top speed is limited to 199 mph, although the new car is geared to hit 220 mph at the engine’s 6200-rpm cut-out in fifth gear. 0-60mph takes 3.9 seconds and the rear wing will raise at around 62mph. Other features include a new adjustable suspension set-up, a wider track, larger brakes, and a host of aerodynamic improvements.