AMG - High-Performance Perfection
Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series makes its Canadian Premiere at the
Canadian International Auto Show, held from February 13-22
Exclusive high-performance coup? for especially discerning customers
TORONTO, ON (February 11, 2009) - A spectacular look, unique performance
data, consistently lightweight design and the highest degree of exclusivity
? these attributes sum up the new SL65 AMG Black Series from Mercedes-Benz.
This high-performance coup? features purebred motorsports technology, and
introduces sports car fans to a whole new world in terms of dynamic
performance. The AMG 6.0 litre V12 bi-turbo engine, developing a maximum
output of 661 hp and maximum torque of 738 lb-ft, guarantees the dynamic
performance of a super sports car.
This high-performance two-seater was developed in the AMG PERFORMANCE
STUDIO by the same experts who were responsible for designing the Official
F1? Safety Car and Official F1? Medical Car. As the new AMG flagship model,
the SL65 AMG Black Series joins the line up with the other AMG SL models:
both the SL63 AMG with its 518-hp AMG 6.3 litre V8 engine and the SL65 AMG,
powered by an AMG 6.0 litre V12 biturbo engine, developing 604 hp.
Wide, solid and low ? that is the new Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series.
The dynamic coup? inspires passion even when it is stationary. The
distinctive wide wheel arches and fenders, extendable spoiler and rear
apron with diffuser fins are an unmistakable demonstration of the transfer
from the motorsports world that has been part of the company philosophy at
AMG for over 40 years. In its appearance, the SL65 AMG Black Series is
reminiscent of the successful AMG racing cars, such as the DTM C-Class.
Large cooling air vents in the front apron and hood provide a clear
indication of the enormous power of the AMG bi-turbocharged twelve-cylinder
engine. From 5,980 cc, the AMG V12 develops a maximum output of 661 hp at
5,400 rpm, and an electronically limited torque of 738 lb-ft between 2,200
and 4,200 rpm. Without limits, the AMG 6.0 litre V12 biturbo engine,
handmade at the AMG engine plant in accordance with the traditional
philosophy ?one man ? one engine?, would develop a maximum torque of 885
lb-ft.
Compared with the basic powertrain of the SL65 AMG, which develops 604 hp,
the turbochargers on the twelve-cylinder engine of the SL65 AMG Black
Series have been redesigned. The spiral cross-section of the turbocharger,
which is twelve percent larger, together with the optimized wastegate ducts
enable a higher airflow rate and even more impressive power development in
all speed ranges. The modified intake air duct produces an even more
spontaneous vehicle response. Redesigned mufflers in the AMG sports exhaust
system reduce exhaust back pressure and help boost performance. There is
also an acoustic side effect: a typically evocative AMG harmony is created
by the distinctive twelve-cylinder sound that escapes from the two
trapezoidal exhaust pipes.
The low-temperature charge air coolers are about 30 percent more effective,
enabling not only a maximum power output under highly dynamic driving
conditions, but also the greatest possible stability in high external
temperatures. This is also assisted by the optimized water cooling system
with a repositioned radiator, high-performance aspirator and large vents in
the hood.
Attractive power/weight ratio delivers superb performance
The extraordinary engine specifications which make the SL65 AMG Black
Series the most powerful AMG model so far enable it to deliver superb
performance values. It can reach a speed of 100 km/h from a standing start
in just 3.8 seconds, and the top speed is electronically limited to 320
km/h (199 mph).
Also responsible for the high dynamic performance is the attractive
power-to-weight ratio ? a result of the comparably low curb weight of 1,971
kgs (4,345 lbs). This makes the SL65 AMG Black Series 95 kgs (210 lbs)
lighter than the SL65 AMG ? a significant weight reduction derived from
specific lightweight design measures. A large number of bodywork components
are made from high-strength and especially lightweight carbon fibre
reinforced plastic (CFRP); a technology that has proved its value in
motorsports. The front wheel arches, which are 12.7 mm (.5 inch) wider, the
front apron with the visible carbon fibre front splitter, the hood and the
trunk lid are all made from CFRP. The ?V12 bi-turbo? lettering on the front
wheel arches also provides an indication of the engine?s potency.
New CFRP roof with integrated roll bar
The roof cladding, made completely from CFRP, is presented in an all-new
design. Not only does it feature an integrated roll bar, but by foregoing
the convertible roof typical for SL-Class vehicles, the roofline has been
made considerably flatter. This is obvious from the rear window, which is
at a flatter angle to the trunk lid. The CFRP spoiler incorporated in the
trunk lid automatically extends by 121.9 mm (4.8 inches) from a speed of
120 km/h (75 mph), increasing the rear axle power take-off around 190 km/h
(120 mph) by 50 kgs (110 lbs.) Viewed from behind, the rear apron with its
visible carbon fibre diffuser insert is conspicuous: this incorporates the
active cooling system for the rear axle limited slip differential. New
optimum-weight AMG forged wheels with a double spoke design ? 19? at the
front and 20? at the rear ? sit impressively in the wheel housings. The
black paintwork, high-sheen surfaces and matte finish lend an opulent look
to the side profile.
Powerful transmission with four drive programmes and rev-matching function
In keeping with its outstanding potential and high dynamic performance, the
power development and chassis of the SL65 AMG Black Series are also
presented at their best. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel via an AMG
SPEEDSHIFT PLUS five-speed automatic transmission. There are four drive
programmes to choose from: ?C?, ?S?, ?M1?, and ?M2?, with ?M2? featuring a
20-percent quicker response time than ?M1?. Both manual programmes, ?M1?
and ?M2?, allow the driver to benefit from the extreme tractive power of
the V12 bi-turbo engine, since the gears will not automatically change
down, even on full throttle. The AMG SPEED-SHIFT PLUS five-speed automatic
transmission always stays reliably in the selected gear, even during
kick-down shifts. In addition, a powertrain which is extremely direct in
all driving conditions supports the torque converter bypass coupling from
first gear onwards. The automatic rev-matching function provides an extra
thrill when down-shifting, as well as reducing the load alteration effects.
This has an exceedingly positive effect, especially when braking to corner
on the race circuit and when driving in wet or icy conditions.
In keeping with this vehicle?s tremendous power and torque, the powertrain
features especially high-performance components made with an extremely
resilient design. This advanced design is not limited to the various
transmission components such as the clutch discs and switching and
converter bypass logic, it also includes the drive shafts, wheel carriers,
bearings and the spring links on the rear axle.
Completely new design for AMG coil-over sports suspension
The AMG sports chassis has been designed with coil-over suspension. This
solution, which has been proven in the realm of motorsports, makes it
possible to adjust the pressure and flow rates of the shock absorbers and
vehicle level, as well as the track and camber. Drivers can configure their
own personal suspension setup when using the vehicle on the race circuit.
Both axles feature newly developed spring links and thrust, camber and
tension rods, as well as optimum weight aluminum wheel carriers. Compared
with the series production SL65 AMG, the Black Series has a 114 mm (4.5
in.) wider track on the front axle, and a 101 mm (4 in.) wider track on the
rear axle. The new front axle kinematics creates a steering ratio which is
eight percent more direct, and the completely revised elasto-kinematics
ensures greater steering precision. The result is light-footed and
predictable handling.
3-stage Electronic Stability Program (ESP) provides distinctive driving
dynamics
3-stage ESP with sports function is synonymous with the greatest possible
driving pleasure and distinctive driving dynamics. The driver can use the
ESP button on the centre console to switch between ?ESP ON?, ?ESP SPORT?
and ?ESP OFF?, with the selected mode always displayed on the central
screen of the AMG instrument panel. In ?ESP ON? mode, in the event of
unstable driving conditions, brakes are automatically applied to one or
more wheels, and the engine torque is reduced.
Briefly pressing the ESP button activates the ?ESP SPORT? function. In this
mode, automatic oversteer and understeer control as well as the
accompanying engine torque adjustment allow for more dynamic driving
conditions, corresponding to the drift angle ? which creates even more
driving enjoyment for SL65 AMG Black Series drivers. Depressing the brake
pedal fully reactivates ESP.
Holding down the ESP button activates the ?ESP OFF? function. This means
there are no more automatic adjustments to the driving dynamics, and in
general the engine torque will no longer be reduced. ?ESP OFF? should be
used only by experienced drivers on closed race circuits. Even in this
mode, it is still possible to reactivate all of the ESP functions by
depressing the brake pedal. Traction logic is active in all three ESP
modes. If a drive wheel starts to spin, specific automatic brake control is
used to improve traction. Working together with the multiple-disc
limited-slip differential, which has over 40 percent of its barrier effect
in deceleration, ensures that the enormous power of the engine is
transferred to the road surface with minimum loss.
Sports tires and compound disc brakes for top performance
The selected wheel/tire combination is responsible for ensuring the best
possible performance of the SL65 AMG Black Series on the race circuit: on
the front axle, 265/35 R 19 tires are fitted onto 9.5? x 19? AMG light
alloy wheels. On the rear axle, the impressive format is AMG 11.5? x 20?
light alloy wheels with 325/30 R 20 tires. The Sport Maxx GT tires are
supplied by DTM Motorsports partner Dunlop; they provide especially good
grip and amazing cornering speeds. Peering through the filigree double
spokes on the AMG light alloy wheels will reveal the generously dimensioned
AMG high-performance brake system. Vented, perforated disc brakes featuring
especially high-performance compound technology are fitted all around. On
the front axle, the deceleration load is borne by 6-piston fixed callipers
and 388/38 mm (15.3/1.5 in) brake discs, with 4-piston fixed callipers and
360/25 mm (14.2/1.0 in) discs on the rear axle.
Functional yet charming interior design
Featuring Nappa leather, Alcantara and carbon, the interior of the SL65 AMG
Black Series creates the perfect ambience to get sports car enthusiasts?
hearts racing. The all-black interior exudes the functional atmosphere of a
genuine racing car.
Fifteen millimetres smaller in diameter and with a perforated lateral grip
area, the AMG high-performance steering wheel, with its flattened
underside, provides optimum vehicle control. Silver-coloured aluminium
shift paddles enable manual gear changing.
More highlights featured on the centre console are the premium quality
carbon body trim, the matte-finish start/stop button, the new AMG gearshift
with carbon insert and the AMG logo with the words ?Black Series? on the
ashtray. To match these, the roof lining, A and C columns are finished in
charcoal Alcantara. The AMG instrument panel features a completely new
design with a black speedometer showing up to 360 km/h, and a new white rev
counter with four integrated LEDs that indicate the optimum moment to
change gears. When the ignition is switched on, the speedometer and rev
counter needles move in synch to the end of their ranges and then return
simultaneously to their resting positions.
The AMG main menu displays more than just the selected drive programme. The
driver can also view the selected ESP mode, the engine oil temperature and
the battery voltage. The integrated ?RACETIMER? stores information on the
race circuit lap times.
Further standard equipment for the SL65 AMG Black Series includes the
COMAND system. This new multimedia device with a 165 mm (6.5?) colour
screen combines a car radio with double tuner, CD/DVD changer, Bluetooth
telephone interface, integrated drive for SD memory cards and a
hard-drive-based navigation system. The 40-GB hard drive ensures extra fast
route calculation, and an iPod, USB stick or other external audio devices
can be plugged in to the COMAND system via a universal media interface.
Complex development process in all of the Earth?s climate zones
The complex development and testing process for the SL65 AMG Black Series
began in 2006. The AMG engineers and technicians test-drove ten prototypes
and development vehicles in all of the Earth?s climate zones. Whether this
involved fast laps of the N?rburgring racetrack, high-speed test drives in
Nardo, Italy, wind tunnel tests, extensive test drives in the summer heat
and arctic cold or real-life crash tests ? the new AMG high-performance
coup? had to prove that it was up to series production standard in every
regard. In total, the SL65 AMG Black Series notched up nearly 30,000 test
kilometers (18,641 miles) on various circuits ? of which, 15,000 kilometres
(9,321 miles) were on the northern loop of the N?rburgring racetrack,
acknowledged as the most difficult race circuit in the world.
