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2005 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Preview

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The Worlds Most Powerful Roadster

The current Mercedes-Benz SL is arguably the best luxury roadster ever built. Despite the many challengers, from Cadillacs new XLR and Lexus SC 430 to the Aston Martin Volante or Maserati Spyder, theres no convertible finer on the market with or without a folding hardtop roof.

Since its debut, the range has grown from the single-motor lineup. Alongside the 302 horsepower SL 500 is a new base model designated SL 350, which uses Benzs all-new 272 horsepower 3.5-liter V6. At the other end of the spectrum Benz offers the SL 600 with a twin-turbocharged V12 motor producing 493 horsepower and just short of 600 lb-ft of torque (590 to be exact). If harder-edged thrills are desired, Benz bridges the price gap with its SL55 AMG, a supercharged version of the SL

Many have tried to challenge the Mercedes-Benz SL, but it still remains the best luxury roadster ever built, and its just about to get even better. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

Thats a pretty full lineup of top-tier sports cars, of which most enthusiasts who would no doubt be quite happy just to have a base SL parked in the garage. But M-Bs AMG division couldnt have been satisfied with a regular Mercedes product besting its SL55, so the SL65 AMG was created.

The difference between the SL65 AMG and SL55 AMG is more than just 10 digits. Rather the number

Not happy being beaten by the SL 600, Benzs AMG division has created the SL65 AMG, the worlds most powerful mass production convertible. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

This is basically the same 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 that was first seen in the Europe-only CL65 AMG, with frightening specs at 604 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque in U.S. trim. Incidentally, the CL65 will be joining its drop-top sibling in the U.S. this fall as well. In the engines development, AMG engineers installed large turbochargers and an air-to-water type cooling system to the hand-built engine. Needless to say, this two-seat roadster is extremely quick taking

The same 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine found in the Europe-only CL65 AMG has found its way into the new SL65 AMG. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

While diehard enthusiasts would enjoy a manual or a Formula 1-type sequential-manual transmission, Mercedes-Benz makes due with a conventional 5-speed automatic with manual actuation from the shift lever or steering wheel mounted buttons. The gearbox has been upgraded with new clutch pack discs, torque converter and revised shift mapping, necessary to handle the outrageous torque. Peak torque is made between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm therefore it reportedly pulls with amazing enthusiasm no matter what gear that it is in or how fast it is going.

To compensate for the driveline power other areas have been updated including drive shafts, hub carriers and wheel bearings. Every mechanical detail relating to the increased output has been altered

AMG has worked hard to make the heavier SL65 handle similarly to the lighter SL55. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

Of course the SL65 isnt just for shooting forward at incredible speeds, but rather its highly capable in the corners as well. While it is said the new Merc doesnt have the raw edginess of a pure sports car like a Ferrari 360 Modena or Porsche 911, its fully independent multi-link suspension receives standard Active Body Control (ABC) and specially tuned AMG springs and dampers. Activating the Sport mode stiffens the dampers to reduce body pitch and roll. This is especially important as AMG has attempted to make the much heavier SL65, weighed down by an additional four cylinders, two turbochargers and mechanical running gear, handle curves as well as the SL55.