MERCEDES-BENZ SL65 AMG BLACK SERIES
Mercedes has extended the Black Series treatment to the SL roadster to make it the most powerful front-engine two-seat sports car
Engine yields class-leading 670hp. |
- Is this the meanest Merc ever?
You bet. The SL65 AMG Black Series is now the king of all Mercedes' sports cars, getting the same lightweight accorded to the CLK and SLK models.
- And just how mean is it?
The 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 now pumps out 670hp to enable the car to crack the 0-100kph time in 3.9sec and reach an electronically limited top end of 320kph, although it is geared to hit 350kph.
- So it's the maddest of all front-engined cars?
Yup. Other two-seaters that have been eclipsed by this Black SL include the 620hp Ferrari 599 and America's Chevrolet Corvette Z01 and Dodge Viper ACR (as driven on page M2) both developing some 600hp.
- And what about the SLR?
As you may already know from the accompanying sidebar, the SLR still has a 20hp power deficit over the Black Series. But the SLR is faster to 100kph by 0.3sec since it's lighter in weight.
- But isn't Black Series about lightweight?
It is. Compared to the regular SL65 AMG, the Black Series is 250kg lighter at 1,870kg, apart from being 58hp more powerful than the stock car. The increase in power has been achieved by modifiying the entire turbo system.
- How has the Black Series shed weight?
By using carbon fibre composites on the bonnet, boot lid and roof, as such. The chunky wheels housing the composite disc brakes are also claimed to be weight-optimised. And just look at those bulging wheelarches...
- Awesome. And what's the inside like?
Sorry for not publishing a picture of the cabin... Mercedes-Benz hasn't released any, although it only says that the Black Series get racy bucket seats, carbonfibre trimmings, redesigned panel dials and four integral LED lights on the revcounter to advise the driver when to shift gears in manual mode.
- Oh, and what's the gearbox like?
The draconian five-speed automatic transmission, although Mercedes claims that it has quicker shift times than the more conventional ones in other mainstream models. Insiders say the firm's 7G-tronic seven-speed automatic is not capable of handling the mighty 1,000Nm of grunt the Black Series has.
- And clever chassis electronics?
Nothing outstanding, although the tweaks are extensive over the regular SL including 97mm and 85mm wider front and rear tracks, adjustable suspension, limited diff at the rear axles and three-stage ESP system that can be switched off completely, as first used in the C63 AMG saloon.
- And when can I get one?
Deliveries start in November this year, although you need to be quick in getting one as only 350 units will be made each costing close to B42m, including taxes.
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