Mercedes->ke187 warmed the crowds up at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show by displaying the SL 63 AMG, but next month at the 2012 New York Auto Show, things will be heating up as the company will be bringing an even more powerful version for the current SL-Class->ke950: the SL 65 AMG.

While the current SL 63 AMG is powered by a 5.5-liter V8 engine that delivers a total of 537 HP and 590 lb-ft of torque, the SL 65 AMG will be powered by a AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine that delivers a total of 621 HP and a maximum torque of 738 lb-ft. With this amount of power the SL 65 AMG will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, while top speed goes up to an impressive 186 mph (in Europe it will be limited to 155 mph).

In Germany, the new SL 65 AMG will go on sale in September 2012 at a starting price of 236,334 euro (about $310,000 at the current exchange rates). Prices for the US market will be announced at a later date.

UPDATE 04/24/2012: Mercedes has unveiled a new promo video showing off the brand new SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG as they drive through the beautiful Tenerife. Enjoy!

Hit the jump to read more about the new Mercedes SL 65 AMG.

2013 Mercedes SL65 AMG

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Mercedes SL65 AMG
  • Engine/Motor: V12
  • Horsepower: 621 @ 4800
  • Torque: 738 @ 2300
  • Transmission: 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Just like all of the other models launched recently, the new SL65 AMG has received the new AMG brand face. This is immediately recognizable in the car's new "twin blade" radiator grille in high-sheen chrome and the lower cooling air intake, as well as in the gap formed below the fine black fin at the lower edge of the cooling air opening that allows an optimum airflow over the cooling modules.

High-sheen chrome was also used for the lower cross strut in the front apron, the surrounds of the special AMG daytime running lamps, the fins on the bonnet, and the side of the wings. The new SL65 AMG will be further distinguished thanks to its front apron with large openings for the engine oil, water, charge air and transmission oil coolers, the specially shaped side sill panels, the AMG spoiler lip, and the diffuser-look rear apron with a vehicle-color insert.

The "V12 Biturbo" logo on the front wings will let people know what the driver is working with under that hood, but if there is any question about the power in this ride, the two special chromed twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system will offer further assistance. The car will sit on a new set of 19" AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish. If customers opt for the AMG Sport Package, then they will receive a set of 20" AMG multi-spoke forged light-alloy wheels.

Interior

The same sporty and aggressive feeling of the exterior was continued throughout the interior. The cockpit was inspired by the SLS AMG and features four air vents styled like jet engines, an E-SELECT lever, and the AMG DRIVE UNIT. Next to these items, the SL65 AMG gets electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with single or two-tone upholstery in Exclusive nappa leather with a special AMG diamond pattern, AMG carbon-fiber trim elements, an IWC-design analogue clock, chromed AMG door sill panels illuminated in white, and an AMG Performance steering wheel embellished by an AMG logo in the lower metal insert.

Other Standard Equipment:

-AIRSCARF

-Active Parking Assist incl. PARKTRONIC

-ATTENTION ASSIST

-Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system

-COMAND Online with 6-disc DVD changer

-Anti-theft alarm system

-Frontbass

-Remote-unlocking boot lid incl. power closing for boot lid

-Intelligent Light System ILS

-KEYLESS-GO Convenience package (incl. remote-closing boot lid and HANDS-FREE ACCESS system)

-Convenience telephony

-MAGIC VISION CONTROL

-NECK-PRO head restraints

-Panoramic vario-roof

-PRE-SAFE system

-Door power closing

-Automatic, pop-up roll-over bars for driver and front passenger

The AMG Performance Studio Package adds:

-AMG forged light-alloy wheels

-AMG forged light-alloy wheels, painted matte black, rim flange with a high-sheen finish

-AMG ceramic high-performance compound brake system

-AMG Exterior Carbon package (cross strut in front apron, exterior mirror housings and spoiler lip in genuine carbon fiber)

-AMG Performance Media with telemetry function

-AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA microfiber

-Brake calipers, painted red

Engine

The Mercedes SL65 AMG is powered by an AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine (M 279) based on the previous M 275 unit. The new engine has received an enlarged spiral cross-section, new manifolds, and wastegate channels optimized for airflow to deliver an additional 17 hp. The result is an output of 621 HP and 738 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-Speed transmission with four individual drive programs that can be selected at the touch of a button on the center console – Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S), Sport plus (S+), and Manual (M).

The new SL65 AMG will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, while top speed goes up to 186 mph.

Overview of key data:

SL65 AMG

Displacement

5,980 cm3

Bore x stroke

3.25 x 3.66 inches

Compression ratio

9.0 : 1

Power

621 hp @ 4,800 r/min

Max. torque

738 lb-ft @ 2,300-4,300 r/min

Vehicle weight

1950 kg/4299 lbs

Fuel economy

TBD

Acceleration 0-60 mph

3.9 s

Top speed

186 mph (US market)


Like all of the other SL models, the SL65 AMG has also received an all-aluminum body-in-white construction that helped reduce its total weight by about 254 lbs. The new SL65 AMG is also fitted with the Active Body Control active suspension system and an all-new, electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering wheel.

Prices

In Germany, the new SL 65 AMG will go on sale in September 2012 at a starting price of 236,334 euro (about $310,000 at the current exchange rates). Prices for the US market will be announced at a later date.

Competition

Finding a real competitor for the new SL65 AMG isn't that difficult, but the car was developed as a direct response to the Porsche 911 Turbo - a model that is about to enter its new generation. The new 911 Turbo is powered by the same 3.8L turbocharged flat six engine as the current 911 Turbo, but massaged to deliver more than the current 500 HP for the standard Turbo and 530 HP for the Turbo S. Models like the Jaguar XKR-S may also serve up some decent competition. The Jag is powered by a 5.0-liter supercharged AJ-V8 engine that delivers a total of 543 HP and a peak torque of 502 lbs-ft. Top speed also sits at 186 mph.