AMG, the official performance division of Mercedes-Benz, has a long history of producing high-performance derivatives of Mercedes' standard production vehicles, and these improved versions enjoy an enthusiastic following worldwide.
When the stunning SL 55 AMG was introduced in 2003 with its 5.4-litre V8 producing 476 BHP and a tree stump pulling 520lbs/ feet of torque it was naturally assumed it would remain top of the range, however, AMG had a further party-trick. A year later the SL 65 AMG arrived and was the new 'King of the Castle'. It retained the stylish looks and civilised manners of the rest of the range but was powered by a V12 leviathan capable of crushing the competition at a push of the accelerator. It's visually similar but an AMG Performance Pack "F1 Pace Car" front air dam is added.
The twin-turbo, 6.0-litre engine delivers a remarkable 612hp which is tamed through an intricate network of safety features and keep-you-alive electronics. At 1000 Nm, the torque output is sufficient to keep you pinned in the immaculately stitched leather seats, in any gear at any time, whilst the five-speed automatic transmission with manual capability provides a good level of control. Distinctive 19" dual-spoke AMG-signature alloys camouflage the eight-piston calliper performance brakes and the suspension has been subtly tweaked to deal with the general increase in numbers. Performance is documented at 0-60mph in 3.6 secs and 0-100 mph in 7.5 seconds. All in all, a beautifully packaged amalgam of huge power, sumptuous comfort and window-rattling noise.
This hand-built 6-liter twin-turbo V12 delivers an incredible engine torque of 1250 Nm unrestricted. However, Mercedes had to electronically limit the torque to 1000 Nm because at the time of launch, there wasn't a transmissions on the market strong enough to withstand more than 1000 Newton Meters of torque. This really shows the world how ambitious the project was for AMG. The performance of this Mercedes is just stunning, without a limiter, it can easily reach a remarkable top speed of 338 km/h.
This iconic 12-cylinder Mercedes SL has all the prerequisites to become a future classic.
BACKGROUND AND HISTORY:
Seeking to push the cosmetic and performance boundaries of their flagship SL-Class roadster, Mercedes-Benz debuted the SL 65 AMG in June of 2004. Assembled on a special line at Affalterbach using shells ferried over from Stuttgart, the ultra-performance oriented roadster was to be produced in extremely limited quantities for just four model years (2005-2008) and offered at the exorbitant base price of $183,000 USD.
Power was derived from a hand-built, twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12 engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission utilizing AMG’s “Speed-Shift” technology; the SL 65 AMG rockets to 60 mph from a standstill in just 3.8 seconds. Considering that the most closely related, limited-production, open-top vehicle provided with such an impressive V-12 AMG powerplant is the 2003 Pagani Zonda Roadster, it should serve as no surprise that the SL 65 AMG is a uniquely raw and desirable offering from Mercedes-Benz's 21st century portfolio.
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