First pics: Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG

Mercedes-Benz has released official images and specifications for the new SL 65 AMG — the company's V12-engined two-seat powerhouse.

"The combination of exclusive V12 dynamic performance and a refined roadster driving experience was already the defining attribute of the predecessor model," Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-AMG was quoted as saying in a press release issued by Benz. "We are convinced that, with the new SL 65 AMG, we have developed an incomparably exciting high-performance vehicle for the small, but loyal community of fans."

Those fans will be stoked to unleash the 463kW and 1000Nm performance of the SL 65 AMG when it arrives in Australia next year. And that engine output, relayed to the rear wheels by the Speedshift 7G-TRONIC transmission with wet-plate clutches, is 13kW up on the engine of the R230 model. Since top speed is limited to 250km/h, the SL 65's forte is acceleration. Benz claims that the new car can reach 100km/h from a standing start in just four seconds and double that mark in 11.8 seconds.

But the performance, while enhanced by the engine upgrade, is also assisted by the car's lower weight. Sitting on the new R231 platform, the SL 65 AMG is as much as 170kg lighter than its R230 predecessor, through the increased use of aluminium throughout the body. Weight, combined with the transmission and auto-stop function, has lowered the NEDC combined-cycle fuel consumption figure to 11.6L/100km, an improvement of up to 17 per cent on the previous car's fuel use.

No word at this stage on price, but somewhere around the current car's price of $508,500 seems like a good starting point.

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