First Test: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series

[Merc1]

Recession? What recession? Not in the cockpit of this $299,000 carbon-fiber bauble. Not in the engine bay stuffed full of 661 horses. Not anywhere near the sumo crouch of the new Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series, a limited-edition, twin-turbocharged two-seater that wards off any talk of "recession" like a mirror reflecting sunlight.

Does the world need such an extroverted, over-the-top vehicular plaything? Very much so, apparently. Of the 350 examples being built (half of which are headed to U.S. shores this year), a goodly portion were already sold well before the January release. Of course, there's no predicting how many of those buyers are overzealous, overmortgaged, and headed for a quick wheeled foreclosure, but you get the idea. The auto landscape's uppermost crust is apparently always hungry for new and extravagant playthings, financial "hiccups" be damned.

Base Price: $299,000
Price as tested: $299,000
Vehicle Layout: Front engine, RWD, 2-pass, 2-door coupe
Engine: 6.0L/661-hp/738-lb-ft twin-turbo SOHC 36-valve V-12
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Curb Weight: (dist f/r) 4221 lb (52/48%)
Wheelbase: 100.8 in
Length x Width x Height: 180.7 x 77.2 x 51.6 in
0-60 mph: 3.6 sec
Quarter mile: 11.6 sec @ 123.9 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph 105 ft
MT figure eight: 24.6 sec @ 0.81 g (avg)
Lateral acceleration: 0.96 g (avg)
EPA City/Hwy fuel econ: 12/19 mpg (MT est)
CO2 Emissions: 1.35 lb/mile
On Sale In U.S. - Currently

Motor Trend



M

 

[Zafiro]

ZR1 is faster around the figure eight track (23,7 sec) but the SL65 B:S looks more masculine with its wide shoulders

 

[Tarek]

^The SL65 is definitely not the best track tool out there but it's hell right the most aggressive looking of them all

 

[Merc1]

All I know is that they better have one of these at Detroit or the Chicago auto shows because I know I'll likely never see one at the dealer or on the road.

M

 

[Tarek]

^I'll pray for u bro

 

[GTA45E]

Its too damn heavy.. I can`t believe it more than 800lbs over the ZR1!

The BS should have been a 63 model.

 

[Tarek]

^But wouldn't u agree that it's immensely impressive considering it's weight?

 

[GTA45E]

That goes without question!

I love everthing else about it except the seats on the US versions which adds even more weight. MB should have done everything thay could to preserve those sport-seats which are considerably lighter.

I don`t think it would have been a problem stuffing airbag sensers and airbags in those thin seats. It would have cost a little extra which is obviously what MB wanted to avoid.

Heck, if your spending $300,000 on a sports car like this a little extra $2000 on sports seats isn`t gonna hurt.

 

[bmer]

I'd much rather have the CLK DTM. Among other things it's about 200 kg lighter.

 

[Pagani]

Its too damn heavy.. I can`t believe it more than 800lbs over the ZR1!

The BS should have been a 63 model.

I don't think the engine is the reason why its that much heavier, though it plays a role. It is the SL architecture, which is heavy to begin with. A 63 engine with this car would have resulted in a slower vehicle, despite any weight reduction. Seems to me a SLK 63 Black series is the car to think up. Perhaps in SLK's next generation. the car would be about 550 hp (tuned, NA) and around 3,300 lbs, with all the goodies that come from "blacking" it out. Not to mention it would have a heck of a transmission in MCT, and perhaps a much more palpable sub $150k price

 

[Zafiro]

This is not a beautiful car but it's raw, brutal and the cool factor is very high and the engine is insane, top on that this will be a rare car. But if I was going to buy a car in this price range, I rather buy something else and if I wanted a car for the track then there are better choices out there.

 

[GTA45E]

I don't think the engine is the reason why its that much heavier, though it plays a role. It is the SL architecture, which is heavy to begin with. A 63 engine with this car would have resulted in a slower vehicle, despite any weight reduction.

Your right about that.. I completely agree. That weight difference really blew me away for a moment, I shouldn`t smoke so much!

If the SLR 722 Drop Top was offered in the US compared to this BS I think Id go for the SLR722 I believe.

 

[Tarek]

I'd much rather have the CLK DTM. Among other things it's about 200 kg lighter.

Yeah that car is super but the SL65 just screams top of the line and the performance is just a force of nature

 

[bmer]

Yeah that car is super but the SL65 just screams top of the line and the performance is just a force of nature

Yeah, it's almost like Hulk Hogan on steroids (SL 65 BS) vs. Usain Bolt (CLK DTM).

 

[Tarek]

^Lol

 

[sako97]

Damn, the SL Black is almost 7 inches wider than the normal SL.

 

[Centurion]

Is that even a test? Reading it felt like I was reading a rehashed "First look".

 

[Merc1]

Its too damn heavy.. I can`t believe it more than 800lbs over the ZR1!

The BS should have been a 63 model.

Yeah there is no doubt that a V8 SL63 BS with about 550-580hp and the MCT gearbox would have been a much better track car. I guess they had to save something for the SLC.

M

 

[Tarek]

^I think it has to do with MB being just MB

They won't sleep at night if they didn't have the most powerful car rolling down the streets

 

[cawimmer430]

Its too damn heavy.. I can`t believe it more than 800lbs over the ZR1!

It's a Mercedes. What do you expect?

It's obviously well-fed and dressed - and still performs quite well.