SL-Class [Official] Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG (R231)

[Wolfgang]

Pricing in Germany released.

SL 65 AMG: 236.334 Euro
SL 65 AMG „45th ANNIVERSARY“: 272.034 Euro

http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http:///2012/10/markteinfuhrung-fur-den-mercedes-benz-sl-65-amg/&act=url

 

[Merc1]

The AMG SL is clearly the one to have, either 63 or 65. Looks soooo much better than the 550.

M

 

[Human]

Local SA launch has been the past week and local RPM and Ignition TV-programmes featured the cars. Admittedly the new SL has grown on me to such an extend that despite some awkward angles (all cars does have them, viewed from certain angles) that I have to say...she's one mighty fine GT car / Roadster as ever ...and does look best in black (As tested by RPM)

 

[Nicks]

The AMG SL is clearly the one to have, either 63 or 65. Looks soooo much better than the 550.

M

500 still looks amazing. Saw one today in my local dealer

 

[Pagani]

When are the press reviews rolling in on this one? The 65 was suposed to have hit the market by now and the press generally attends events before that. I am curious to know how journalists who have driven the 63 receive the v12.

 

[Merc1]

Asketh and you shall receiveth:

As pricey as a house—but much quicker.

As certainly as day follows night and Kreme follows Krispy, the launch of a new Mercedes-Benz model will be followed by the intro of its AMG version. It’s been almost a year since we first drove the new SL550, which was followed up a few months later by the SL63 AMG and its 5.5-liter direct-injected twin-cam 32-valve V-8 with twin turbos, 530 horsepower, and 590 lb-ft of torque.
Much of the SL63’s mechanicals carries over to the new SL65—except, of course, for the latter car’s 6.0-liter V-12. That engine is also fitted with two turbos, but it features a single cam atop each head and three valves per cylinder. Developed from the previous twin-turbo V-12, this one has new turbos and manifolds, better airflow through the wastegate, a new engine-management system, and “optimized” cylinder heads, which bring an increase of 17 horsepower over the previous SL65 engine. That adds up to 621 horses; the V-12 still makes 738 lb-ft of torque and, yes, fans of the metric system, that equates to 1000 newton meters. All this runs though a new seven-speed automatic with four performance maps: Manual, Sport Plus, Sport, and Controlled Efficiency. The latter incorporates an engine stop/start function for robber barons stricken by the faintest tinge of eco-guilt.

Mash the gas on an SL65 and the turbos take about as long to spool up as you need to think “What the?” The 4450-pound Mercedes then summarily blitzes for the horizon as if you’d engaged hyperdrive. We estimate the 60-mph run in 3.5 seconds, just a tenth slower than the gullwinged SLS AMG GT. Mercedes trims the top speed at 186 mph. Fuel-economy numbers are 14 mpg city/21 highway, which is a tad more efficient than the 12/20 EPA estimates for the Bentley Continental GTC.
Then again, the SL65 is even pricier than a Continental GTC. In fact, it’s the most expensive Mercedes sports car, not counting the hyper-limited SL65 45th Anniversary Edition, of which just 45 will be built. Only the $216,205 CL65 is dearer in the three-pointed star’s stable.
The SL65 has some external changes, although the SL550 is already fairly aggressive. The biggest upgrades are inside where you can enjoy them, relaxed in AMG sport seats with unique diamond stitching. In cooler climes, you can raise the side windows and rear wind blocker, turn on the Airscarf heating system behind your neck, and be comfy top down. Top up, the cockpit is well-sealed against the elements and noise, all the better to hear the Bang & Olufsen sound system. Above you is Magic Sky Control—who thinks up these names? But it’s cool, the glass ceiling going from near-transparent to near-opaque at a button’s touch thanks to electrochromatic technology.

SL65s are so loaded that the only major options are $12,625 carbon-ceramic brakes, a $3570 exterior carbon-fiber appearance package, and AMG Performance Media, which converts the COMAND screen into a race-car-like info center for $2500. Mercedes also offers black-painted wheels, red caliper paint, and a wood-trimmed steering wheel too.
We didn’t get to drive the SL65 on a track, but then again—and horsepower aside—it is more of a cruiser aimed at buyers who prefer to spend whatever it takes to have the top-rung model. At $148,005, the V-8 SL63 is maybe 0.3-second slower to 60. And even factoring in $2500 for the magic roof and $4300 to buy an option package that includes the Airscarf, it still rings in under $155,000. But as tempting a (relative) bargain the SL63 might seem, for the buyer who wants nothing less than all the boxes checked in the two-seat AMG realm, the SL65 exists. Mightily.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG First Drive – Review – Car and Driver



M

 

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

It's ok to drool, right?

 

[Pagani]

Design still leaves me cold. But this car has the right ingredients for hedonism. Only fly in the ointment is a 680-hp new 12 waiting in the wings. Also, rear 285mm tires are ridiculously skinny on that kind of torque. Give it a quazi-black series 305mm at least (I know 325mms are wayyy too noisy on the freeway and tramline like hell).

 

[Wolfgang]

The Brabus 800 is coming to Geneva.

Brabus 800 Roadster based on Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG revealed

800 HP and 1,420 Nm

BRABUS 800 Roadster - based on the Mercedes SL 65 AMG, BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, fax + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, Internet www.brabus.com) builds the world's most powerful roadster. The two-seater is powered by a 12-cylinder Biturbo engine uprated by BRABUS T65 RS tuning. It produces 588 kW / 800 hp (788 bhp) of power and a peak torque of 1,420 Nm. A sprint time of 3.7 seconds from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) and of 9.8 seconds to 200 km/h (124 mph) are impressive testaments to the car's special status that is further bolstered by an electronically limited top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph). The exclusive equipment features also include BRABUS carbon-fiber bodywork components designed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency

, custom-tailored BRABUS wheels with diameters up to 20 inches and exclusive options for the cockpit.

BRABUS T65 RS tuning unleashes the latent power reserves of the six-liter V12 engine. To this end, the BRABUS engine professionals have developed a BRABUS high-tech Biturbo system with custom high-performance manifolds that feature integrated turbine housings and high-performance turbochargers. The tuning also includes four water-to-air intercoolers, housed in space provided by the BRABUS carbon-fiber hood scoop. Another custom development for the SL 65 power upgrade is the special BRABUS stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system. It features free-flow metal catalysts and ceramic-coated tailpipes with distinctive BRABUS design. An integrated butterfly valve in the exhaust provides an active sound management on the steering wheel: at the push of a button the driver can chose between a discrete "coming home" and a markedly sporty exhaust note.

The newly calibrated engine electronics complete with high-performance mapping for injection and ignition coordinate the perfect interaction of the high-end components while also ensuring compliance with EURO V emission standards. The high-tech lubricants for the entire powertrain are supplied by technology partner MOTUL.

The BRABUS T65 RS engine produces 588 kW / 800 hp (788 bhp) of power at 5,500 rpm and an even more impressive peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), available from a low 2,100 rpm. In the car, peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

In conjunction with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission, whose gears can be shifted automatically or manually with the BRABUS aluminum shift paddles on the steering wheel, the BRABUS 800 Roadster rises to the become the most powerful of its kind. From rest the sports car weighing in at about two metric tons (2.2 tons) sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds. The two-door car reaches a speed of 200 km/h (124 mph) after just 9.8 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 350 km/h (217 mph).

To master these enormous speeds at all times, a BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement kit for the SL 65 was developed in the wind tunnel. All components are manufactured from carbon fibers and are available either with a matt or high-gloss surface finish. It goes without saying; they can also be painted in the car's exterior color.

The BRABUS front spoiler attaches to the lower section of the bumper. It lends the roadster a more sporty appearance and reduces lift on the front axle. BRABUS covers for the side air vents round out the striking front for the SL 65 AMG.

The sides are refined with custom-tailored attachments for the air vents integrated into the front fenders and with rocker panels.

To achieve an optimal aerodynamic balance, the rear section is upgraded with a diffuser insert for the fascia.

As an alternative to the 19-inch stock tires of the SL 65, the BRABUS suspension engineers have developed an exclusive 20-inch high-tech variant. The new BRABUS Monoblock R "Platinum Edition" forged wheel offers the perfect symbiosis of lightweight construction and maximum strength thanks to state-of-the-art manufacturing technology. In addition to the innovative construction, this wheel design also offers unique looks with ten double spokes arranged in two matt titanium and fully polished planes. The front axle is fitted with wheels in size 9Jx20 shod with size 255/30 ZR 20 tires. In the rear, tires in size 305/25 ZR 20 mounted on size 10.5Jx20 wheels transfer the BRABUS 800 Roadster's power of 800 horses to the asphalt. BRABUS recommends high-performance tires from Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA.

To give the two-seater even more agile handling, BRABUS developed a special control module for the ABC suspension of the SL 65 AMG. It lowers the ride height by about 25 millimeters (1.0 inches).

The BRABUS limited-slip rear differential with a locking rate of 40 percent can enhance handling performance further still.

BRABUS adds even more luxury and custom features to the two-seat interior upon request as well. The product portfolio ranges from scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo and a speedometer with 360-km/h dial (220 mph) to carbon-fiber and wood trim sets in any color imaginable and with a variety of surface finishes.

The company upholstery shop crafts exquisite BRABUS interiors from especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara. A prime example for the precision craftsmanship is the leather-clad trunk of the show car at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show that features meticulous and precise honeycomb stitching throughout.

Brabus 800 Roadster based on Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG revealed

 

[mini_cooper4]

^And this should cost 400.000EUR ?
Another mighty car from Brabus

 

[LaArtist]

Hah pushing nearly 1500nm now..

Insanity!

 

[Pagani]

The 1,500 NM are theoretical at this point. The transmission cannot put down more than 1,100 at this point, and that is not nearly enough to differentiate it from the stock tune. So, if this is $500k, it is one expensive interior and exterior appearance package. IMO.

 

[Kowalski]

I don't see the point of this car. I mean if you want a really fast Mercedes SL, what's the matter with the SL 63 AMG?

It's already pretty fast and probably much more fun to drive.

 

[LaArtist]

^The point is to have the best thing available.

Some people find it shameful to drive anything below a V12.

Pointless?? Maybe.. Excessive?? Yes indeed.

But there is a market for it obviously.. at least for brands like Mercedes and Above

 

[Pagani]

SL 65 vs SLS GT drag race:

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[Soup]

What is it?

It’s hope. And it’s proof. Proof that there are certain corners of the new car market that can’t be modernised, downsized, streamlined or greenwashed out of existence. Proof that, demanding as they may be, European emissions regulations will never snuff out the balls-to-bones enthusiasm at the heart of the car business.

Proof that, even as plug-in hybrids and lightweight economy cars bring fleet car emissions to an unprecedented low, there’s still room for the odd monster, and for choice to prevail. This is the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG. And it’s 12 turbocharged cylinders of utter fabulousness.

It’s the fastest and most powerful version of the R231-generation SL roadster introduced to the UK market in 2012. Like any AMG-equipped SL, it’s part-cruiser, part-performance machine.

And the reason that Mercedes can charge a £60k premium, even over a 530bhp SL63? That’ll be the twin-turbocharged, 6.0-litre V12 engine, which produces 621bhp and 737lb ft. The latter portion makes Stuttgart’s just-launched SLS AMG Black Series (with just 468lb ft) look decidedly under-endowed. It’s as much pulling power as the last Bentley Azure had, in a package that weighs a full tonne less.

What is it like?

‘Cataclysmically brisk’ about covers it. The car has no more urge than the last SL65 and a bit less than the wonderful SL65 Black Series. But it has every bit as much performance as it needs. It feels like it could probably power Mercedes itself, come to mention it.

Not that it’s imposing. The three-valve V12 is incredibly smooth and well behaved at bumbling speeds. Bumbling is what most SLs do best; it wouldn’t do if this one let the side down. The secondary ride is a touch more abrupt than the most refined SLs, but the long-travel accelerator is superbly easy to modulate, and allows you to waft your way forward as suavely as you like.

Torque is key. That 737lb ft dollop of wallop is available with as little as 2300rpm on the tacho. Turbo response is remarkably good, so you find that half-throttle is enough for any day-to-day need. This is the first time that engine has been teamed with Mercedes’ seven-speed automatic gearbox – a transmission that shifts beautifully under part load and is always ready with a ratio for every speed and occasion.

The SL65 comes with Active Body Control suspension as standard. This continually adjusts the length of the spring and the hydraulic damping to keep the car’s body flat and the ride simultaneously isolated and controlled. In a car with this kind of performance, it’s a process requiring some serious computing power.

Yet while the suspension works well enough, it isn’t perfect. For starters, as we’ve mentioned, there isn’t quite enough operational range to give the SL65 the ideal secondary ride. Even at fairly low speeds, you’ll feel sharper ridges and bumps much more clearly than you would in an SL500.

At the same time, there’s a bit more grip and roll control than in a lesser SL. You can exercise the V12 engine up to about seven tenths of its true potential on a British B-road. Although the steering is light and surprises you with apparent hyper-responsiveness from time to time, there’s enough handling composure here to convince that straight-line shove isn’t the car’s only trick.

But what a trick. You’ll want to be somewhere wide and derestricted before you sample the fullest awesomeness of it. Start in second gear, bury the right-hand pedal and prepare to extend your focal point interminably into the distance.

Third goes by before the car has really settled into its charge; fourth takes you from 90mph to about 140mph in the time it takes a hot hatch to get from standing to 60mph, just as you begin to understand how much urge those turbos are ready to supply. And then into fifth and you’ll hit the 155mph speed limiter like Wile E Coyote running into a gigantic rubber band.

It is frightening speed – mostly because it’s so easily achieved. There’s little howling from the engine as it builds, no waiting for the revs to rise. Just instant, stupendous urge, delivered as calmly as afternoon tea.

Should I buy one?

If you’re an indulgent sort and only the flagship will suffice, then why not?

For most of us, an autobahn test drive would be enough. All you really want to do is feel the incredible punch of this car above 100mph, and marvel for a moment. Wonder how long you’d keep your discipline, and your licence, if it was yours.

Wonder what else you could afford if you could afford a cruiser that does a real-world 15mpg. Thank the gods that the car market hasn’t become too straight-laced to make cars such as this.

And then head back to the showroom, safe in the knowledge that an £84k 4.7-litre V8 SL500 is much better at most of the things that an SL is intended for.

Mercedes SL65 AMG
Price: £168,250; 0-62mph: 4.0sec; Top speed: 155mph; Economy: 24.4mpg; Co2: 270g/km; Kerb weight: 1950kg; Engine type, cc: V12, 5980cc, twin-turbocharged, petrol; Power: 621bhp at 4800rpm; Torque: 737lb ft at 2300-4300rpm; Gearbox: 7-spd automatic

 

[Pagani]

Indeed tough to see the case for the V12. The regular SL already is a torque monster, and the medium option (SL 63) has some pretty serious potential (soon to get 585+ hp and possibly AWD??).

 

[tennmb]

Hey, I know, there really is no 'reason' when it comes to money and these super cars, but good grief. We recently delivered our first SL65, which was customed ordered. Great car, no question. But on the showroom we have an SL550 that list for nearly $100k less. Yes, that's right, $100k less. The 65 was $206k.
You can actually buy an SL550 and a nice 911 for that.

 

[Merc1]

Whats the word on the S-Class anything, anything, anything????

M

 

[tennmb]

It is tight lipped.