RE: Mercedes launches new SL63 AMG in Barcelona

RE: Mercedes launches new SL63 AMG in Barcelona

Tuesday 21st February 2012

Mercedes launches new SL63 AMG in Barcelona

537hp version of Merc's high-end roadster gets F1 test unveil, but we can't tell you all about it just yet



Mercedes has (sort of) unveiled its new SL63 AMG at today's F1 test at the Circuit de Catalunya in Spain.

We say sort of, because although it has released a couple of pictures of the new twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8, the full gen and picture set is under embargo until tomorrow. Even though we already know about it.

Then again, the SL63 AMG is a pretty important car for Mercedes, so perhaps it deserves two embargoes.

So we can't show you pictures of the new car (though you can pop over to see them on Autocar's story). We can tell you, however, that the new 'R231' SL63 will go on sale in the UK this June, with an aluminium and magnesium body that helps to save 125kg over its predecessor.

Engine-wise it's a return to the 5.5-litres and forced induction of the SL55 AMG and farewell to the much-loved 6.2-litre normally aspirated unit that shares its roots with the SLS's thunderous V8. As featured in cars like the E63, S63, CLS63 and others, it's turbos rather than the Kompressor of old providing the boost, power up to 537hp while fuel consumption drops by nearly a third over the old 6.2.

To make sure everybody knows you've got an AMG, there's a chunky, aggressive bodykit, including bespoke LED DRLs, a deep front bumper, a bootlip spoiler, tweaked sills and a rear bumper with an inbuilt diffuser. Oh, and quad tailpipes.

As for the rest of the detail on the car and more pics, well, you'll have to wait until tomorrow morning.

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Dave_ITR

Original Poster:

834 posts

199 months

Tuesday 21st February 2012
quotequote all
That looks very smart indeed.