If you thought there were enough fast versions of the new Mercedes SL roadster, with
the V8 SL500
and SL63 AMG, Mercedes thinks you are wrong, because it's keeping twin-turbo V12 power at the top of the new SL range with the SL65 AMG.
Just as with the old model, the SL65 AMG gets a twin-turbo 6.0-litre V12, but this time the engine has become the M279 rather than the M275. To justify thee 'new' code designation, new exhaust gas turbochargers have been fitted, with an increased spiral cross-section, new manifolds and wastegate ducts.
The result is an extra 18hp, bringing the SL65's power to 630hp, with 738lb ft of torque. Combined with a serious spot of weight saving (a consistent theme across the new SL range, and 170kg in the case of new SL65 versus old), that brings a 0-62mph sprint in 4.0 seconds, and 0-125mph in 11.8 seconds. Top speed, as ever, is limited to 155mph.
Other points to note with the new SL65 AMG are the presence of the 7-speed Speedshift 7G-tronic plus auto (the first time this gearbox has been seen in an SL65, and stop-start functionality, another SL 65 first.
The new Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG will arrive in the UK this autumn, though UK pricing and specifications are still to be confirmed.