| Two AMG Mercedes SLs | ||
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(Fri 08 Feb 08) Shortly after giving details of its new SL-Class (see previous story), Mercedes-Benz has provided news of the two high-performance AMG models in the range.
The less powerful of the two is actually the more sportier - the sportiest SL-Class ever, in fact, according to Mercedes. The SL 63 AMG uses a high-revving naturally-aspirated 6.3-litre V8 engine which produces 525bhp. The resulting 0-62mph time is 4.6 seconds, and top speed is limited to 155mph. Mated to this engine is a seven-speed twin-clutch manual transmission in which all the gearchanging is performed automatically, though you can control when the shifts happen. There are four modes (C for Comfort, S for Sport, S+ for Sport Plus and M for Manual), and in each of these modes the shifts are faster, and the throttle response sharper, than in the one below. The suspension is driver-adjustable, too, and can provide a relatively docile ride to something a bit more serious. The other new car is the SL 65 AMG. This has a 6.3-litre engine, too, but it's a twin-turbo V12 producing a maximum of 612bhp. Slightly quicker than the SL 63, it has a 0-62mph time of 4.2 seconds, which is certainly quick, but Mercedes is placing less emphasis on its performance than on that of the SL 63. Both cars can be ordered with optional extras from the AMG Performance Studio. In the case of the SL 65 these are largely cosmetic; the SL 63's list of extras includes uprated front brake discs and a limited-slip differential. UK prices will be announced nearer the car's launch in April. |
