| In 2006, the engineers at AMG, Mercedes Benz’ sports division, were given the job of designing a car that would surpass anything that they had produced before. Thus was born the SL 65 AMG Black Series, so exclusive that annual production will be limited to just 350.
So have the designers managed to produce their best car ever? The answer is clearly yes, both in appearance and technology. The SL 65 represents a step forward for Mercedes’ sports range, and is based on experience gained over the years that they have been responsible for providing cars for the McLaren Formula 1 racing team.
The mere presence of the SL 65 is enough to make you stop and look. It is strong, precise, overpowering, with its fittings and bodywork of carbon fiber, used to reduce the car’s weight by 250kg compared to previous models in the line. However, this isn’t the only change to the exterior. The roof also embodies innovations - the previous retractable roof has now been replaced with a fixed one, which also incorporates a roll bar that is invisible to the driver. This not only stiffens the car’s structure but also provides better protection for its occupants.
Another eye-catching detail is the folding rear wing, which deploys when the car reaches 120 kph. Thanks to this addition, the car grips the road better at higher speeds. The chassis is also worth a mention, redesigned to achieve a more sporty style. This ensures that the car calls to mind such successful race cars as the DTM C-Class.
Once we have got over its appearance, the SL 65 AMG Black Series also surprises us with its engineering and technology. Perhaps the biggest surprise is the V12 Biturbo engine generating 670 horse power. This output allows the car to accelerate to 100kph in just 3.8 seconds and to reach a top speed of 320kph. It is even more powerful than the Mercedes SLR McLaren 722!.
An engine of this sophistication needs a gear box of equal distinction, and in this regard the SL 65 does not disappoint. It is equipped with a five speed automatic AMG Speedshift Plus, which offers 4 driving programs: C, S, M1 and M2. The latter two are manual and allow the driver to really enjoy the benefits of the V12 engine.
A third aspect that will certainly thrill devotees of the brand is the 3 Stage ESP technology, which adjusts the driving dynamic using three different systems: “ESP On” is useful for uneven driving conditions. This setting applies the brakes automatically to one or more of the wheels and reduces the torque.
The “ESP Sport” alternative provides more dynamic driving conditions, while “ESP Off” dispenses with any type of automatic intervention and guarantees a more exciting ride.
If the SL 65 AMG Black Series’ design and technology pay tribute to sports cars, the interior is no less impressive. Here carbon fiber is also used, this time on the dash board and instrument panel. In addition, the speedometer has been calibrated to show the car’s top speed of 320 kph and includes four LEDs that light up at the optimum time for changing gear.
The design of the seats is aerodynamic and ultra modern, giving the feeling that you are sitting comfortably in a single sweater. Among the gadgets, the Command APS stands out, a 40GB multimedia system that combines AM/FM radio, CD or DVD changer, telephone, Bluetooth connection and satellite navigation, with connections for both iPod and USB.
Thanks to this rich menu of characteristics, the SL 65 AMG Black Series is without doubt a unique model in its class, and so exclusive that only a few will be able to own one. It is a vehicle born to make history and destined to become a legend: the latest legend of a brand with 40 years of tradition behind it.
www.mbusa.com |
