Mercedes prepares SL65 AMG Black Series
AMG versions of Mercedes' top-of-the-line SL-Class roadster keep on getting more and more powerful, with virtually no end in sight as the scenery continues to rush by at unprecedented speeds from the well-appointed cabin. As if the 538-hp SL63 AMG and 604-hp SL65 AMG weren't time-warping enough, word on the street has it that Mercedes' in-house tuning division is working on a yet more powerful SL to headline its supercar-rivaling Black Series, spy shots of which we've seen popping up for months now.
Little is known at this point as to what features will distinguish the Black Series model from its only-by-comparison "lesser" stablemates, but reports indicate an even more thoroughly massaged version of the twin-turbo V12 in the – now this is a stretch – "standard" SL65 AMG. Sources suggest that while Affalterbach could have easily extracted 720 hp from the powerplant, the production version will be held back to only 680 horses. Performance will reportedly be further enhanced through the use of carbon-fiber body panels and a fixed roof, while upgraded brakes, suspension and rolling stock are sure to round out the package that promises to eclipse every performance Mercedes that came before it, including AMG Black Series versions of the SLK and CLK, and even exclusive supercars like the 574-hp CLK DTM and the company's current fastest model, the 650-hp SLR McLaren 722.
Production of the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series, whose name takes far longer to pronounce than the car itself would need to hit 60, will likely be extremely limited and command a considerable premium, and we look forward to bringing you more as details emerge.
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Print | posted on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 11:29 AM