2012 Mercedes-Benz SL AMG

We have always said, never hire an automaker to keep a secret, because they can’t. They can’t even keep their new cars from being seen by photographers. This time, Mercedes-Benz has let its, what we think is the new 2012 SL 63 AMG out into the public.

From the start, it’s fairly easy to tell that this is all AMG. The long hood, AMG wheels, cross-drilled brakes, and folding metal roof give it away. The front of the car takes some design elements from the SLS, with a more upright front fascia. The interior will likely have a redesigned steering wheel, SLS-like center console, and a much improved computer system.

Powering this beast will be a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 with 536 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Need more torque to shred those tires into dust, AMG will offer the AMG Performance Package that will bump up the torque rating to 664 pound-feet.

UPDATE 12/15/2011: Check out our rendering of the future SL AMG!