By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Mercedes-Benz USA
For 2017, Mercedes-AMG is further enhancing its SL65 high-performance roadster with updated technology and expressive design.
Exterior
The striking design emphasizes the high-performance roadster self-assured character. The front section is totally new and markedly more expressive. It is characterized by the newly designed twin-blade radiator grille, which is now wider at the bottom. The A-wing front apron, the large cooling air intakes with flics as an additional means of guiding air flows and the front splitter emphasize the vehicle’s width. The newly designed hood combines design and function in the guise of classic power domes and the vents which are required for technical reasons.
A new diffuser look immediately catches the eye at the rear. All-red tail lights underscore the stylish character. The side skirts also feature a new design, the SL65 is set apart by applications in high-gloss chrome. AMG Night Styling is optionally available for the first time, adding darkened trim elements around the body for a more sinister appearance. The AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber package has been extended to include inserts in the rear apron and in the side skirts.
In addition, the SL65 is fitted as standard with multi-spoke ceramic polished forged wheels. The front wheels come in size 9 J x 19 and are fitted with 255/35 R 19 tires, while the rear wheels in size 10 J x 20 are fitted with 285/30 R 20 tires.
Interior
The lavishly appointed interior covers every wish, the standard scope includes sports seats in Nappa leather with optimized lateral upport, multicontour function and seat heating. The driver has a good grip on the AMG SL always with the new 3-spoke Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather featuring a flattened bottom rim and silver-colored aluminum shift paddles.
An AMG performance steering wheel is also offered with DINAMICA inserts for additional grip during performance driving. Carbon-fiber trim and the analogue clock in IWC design highlight the high-performance roadster’s special standing. Newly optional AMG carbon-grain aluminum trim, one of eight available trims, lends the open-top two-seaters an even more personal touch.
Performance
The engine sets the benchmark on this high-performance roadster, the handcrafted AMG 6.0L V12 biturbo engine equipped on the SL65 generates an output of 621 hp and peak torque of 738 lb-ft.
The powerhouse incorporates numerous high-tech components for high power output combined with low fuel consumption, in addition to spray-guided Piezo direct fuel injection, further features include an all-aluminum crankcase, twin turbocharging, four valves per cylinder with camshaft adjustment and an air/water intercooler. The AMG sport exhaust system provides a striking engine sound with an individual character. Enlarged radiators in the front and special vents in the hood add an aggressive appearance for the AMG and feed the intercoolers with air to ensure the required heat balance for the engines.
AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes
The five different driving programs Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, Individual and RACE provide the driver with a broad scope for influencing the characteristics of the SL65. Numerous parameters can be modified, from throttle response to engine sound, enabling the utmost in individualization. In the Comfort program the driver experiences a gentle transmission characteristic with comfortable and early gear changes. In C mode, the car always starts in second gear for a fluid start. In the other driving modes, the engine and transmission demonstrate substantially greater agility, in addition to which gear changes are faster.
Sport suspension based on Active Body Control
The steering knuckles and spring links of the 4-link front axle and almost all the wheel control parts of the multi-link rear suspension are also produced in weight optimized aluminum. The reduction in unsprung masses benefits not only agility, but also, the response of the spring-damper elements.
Mercedes-AMG remains faithful to the Active Body Control active spring and damper system. For even greater agility and high cornering speeds, the AMG SL65 model has more negative camber all round and fully revised, substantially stiffer elastokinematics.Tthe performance suspension offers an emphatically sporty characteristic with reduced roll angles and taut body damping at the touch of a button (Sport) or a more comfort-oriented set-up for a high level of comfort on longer journeys (Comfort).
For improved traction and driving dynamics, the AMG SL65 is equipped with a mechanical rear-axle differential lock as standard. This reduces the slip on the inside wheel when cornering without any control intervention in the braking system, allowing the driver to accelerate out of corners earlier thanks to the improved traction offered by the differential. The car remains more stable when braking from high speeds and the limited-slip differential also improves traction when accelerating fast from a standing start.
Summary
The updated SL65 high-performance roadster offers a unique driving experience, combining hallmark AMG Driving Performance with the pleasures of open-air motoring and superior comfort on long journeys.
The all-new Mercedes Benz AMG SL65 Roadster starts at $219,850.00 the one I drove included, W69 designo Black Piano Lacquer Trim, B07 AMG Carbon Ceramic Brake System, X10 designo Sand Nappa Leather and 658 19 Inch / 20 Inch AMG Cross Spoke Forge Black Wheels, and it came in at $235,625.00 including the Gas Guzzler Tax, Destination and Delivery.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
