|  The current Mercedes-Benz SL is arguably the best luxury roadster ever built. Despite the many challengers, from Cadillacs new XLR and Lexus SC 430 to the Aston Martin Volante or Maserati Spyder, theres no convertible finer on the market with or without a folding hardtop roof. Since its debut, the range has grown from the single-motor lineup. Alongside the 302 horsepower SL 500 is a new base model designated SL 350, which uses Benzs all-new 272 horsepower 3.5-liter V6. At the other end of the spectrum Benz offers the SL 600 with a twin-turbocharged V12 motor producing 493 horsepower and just short of 600 lb-ft of torque (590 to be exact). If harder-edged thrills are desired, Benz bridges the price gap with its SL55 AMG, a supercharged version of the SL 500. It produces the same 493 horsepower as the SL 600, but not quite as much torque at 516 lb-ft. Thats a pretty full lineup of top-tier sports cars, of which most enthusiasts who would no doubt be quite happy just to have a base SL parked in the garage. But M-Bs AMG division couldnt have been satisfied with a regular Mercedes product besting its SL55, so the SL65 AMG was created. The difference between the SL65 AMG and SL55 AMG is more than just 10 digits. Rather the number 10 better refers to the perfect score the judges should give AMGs new creation, as the SL65 stomps all over the supercharged V8 becoming the worlds most powerful mass production convertible. This is basically the same 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 that was first seen in the Europe-only CL65 AMG, with frightening specs at 604 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque in U.S. trim. Incidentally, the CL65 will be joining its drop-top sibling in the U.S. this fall as well. In the engines development, AMG engineers installed large turbochargers and an air-to-water type cooling system to the hand-built engine. Needless to say, this two-seat roadster is extremely quick taking an estimated 4.2 seconds to hit 62 mph, while limited to 155 mph. While diehard enthusiasts would enjoy a manual or a Formula 1-type sequential-manual transmission, Mercedes-Benz makes due with a conventional 5-speed automatic with manual actuation from the shift lever or steering wheel mounted buttons. The gearbox has been upgraded with new clutch pack discs, torque converter and revised shift mapping, necessary to handle the outrageous torque. Peak torque is made between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm therefore it reportedly pulls with amazing enthusiasm no matter what gear that it is in or how fast it is going. | To compensate for the driveline power other areas have been updated including drive shafts, hub carriers and wheel bearings. Every mechanical detail relating to the increased output has been altered accordingly. Of course the SL65 isnt just for shooting forward at incredible speeds, but rather its highly capable in the corners as well. While it is said the new Merc doesnt have the raw edginess of a pure sports car like a Ferrari 360 Modena or Porsche 911, its fully independent multi-link suspension receives standard Active Body Control (ABC) and specially tuned AMG springs and dampers. Activating the Sport mode stiffens the dampers to reduce body pitch and roll. This is especially important as AMG has attempted to make the much heavier SL65, weighed down by an additional four cylinders, two turbochargers and mechanical running gear, handle curves as well as the SL55. |
| This two-seat roadster is equipped with a hand built 6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V12 engine that generates a whopping 604 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and an incredible 738 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm. According to Mercedes, the 2005 SL65 AMG will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Given the power ratings, you’d think the car should be quicker, but it weighs nearly 4,500 pounds.
A five-speed Touchshift manually interactive automatic transmission delivers the power to the handsome five-spoke rear wheels, sized 19 inches and wearing 285/30 rubber. The front wheels are also 19s, but get slightly narrower and taller tires at 255/35. The four ventilated and cross-drilled disc brakes are upsized to 390mm fronts and 348mm rears, including ABS with EBD, brake assist (BA), and eight-piston calipers in the front. As with all Mercedes SL-Class models, the 2005 SL65 AMG includes stability and traction control systems; rides on an independent Active Body Control (ABC) suspension that acts to combat body roll, dive and squat; and is guided by speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering. Mercedes adds special spring struts with firmer damping response to the SL65 AMG, and the ABC comes with a Sport mode.
Styling modifications are subtle and tasteful. We prefer these AMG twin spoke wheels to the finned alloys of the SL55 AMG. Other changes include clear lens fog lights, a larger air intake, side skirts, and a rear apron. A chrome badge on the side of the 2005 SL65 AMG reads “V12 Bi-turbo.” The price has not been announced, but given the difficulty buyers had in obtaining the SL55 AMG, we cannot image that the MSRP matters much to begin with. If you’ve gotta have one, contact your local Mercedes-Benz retailer, plan to make a big deposit, and expect a long wait. |
