It all started in the U.S. with introduction of the Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series late last year; a luxury sports coupe that pushed the envelope of the standard version and gave even more power, performance, and exclusivity to even fewer people. The first car in the Black Series lineup was an overnight success, with hard-core enthusiasts the world over craving one for their own garage. In fact, the majority of the 350 cars bound for the U.S. were already spoken for even before they landed on American soil.
Then, earlier this year came rumors and spy photos of a new Black Series --- this version based on the venerable Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG. Motor Trend's very own Todd Lassa was among the first to confirm the car's existence after it was shown to him and a handful of other journalists at the 2008 New York auto show this past March, and now we have the full details on the latest bad-boy Benz. And what details they are.
Starting with the standard SL65 AMG (if you can call anything about that car "standard"), Mercedes' in-house AMG Performance Studio tweaks the 6.0L V-12 bi-turbo engine for a full 670 hp -- 58 horses more than the SL65 -- while the torque figure remains identical at an electronically limited 738 lb-ft for drivability reasons (AMG claims that 885 lb-ft would be available in derestricted form). To achieve these gains, larger turbochargers were developed specifically for this application, while a new AMG sports exhaust and optimized airflow tubing round out the power boost. The result is a heart-pounding 3.9 sec sprint from standstill to 62 mph and an electronically limited top speed just a single mph shy of the magical 200-mph mark.
Such an increase in performance isn't limited to the power increase alone. Weight savings paired with the horsepower boost provide less mass for the newfound muscle to push around. In fact, Mercedes claims a reduction of a massive 551 lb from the SL, though the total curb weight still comes in over the two-ton mark at 4123 lb. To achieve such weight loss, Mercedes constructed many of the SL65 AMG Black Series' body panels out of lightweight carbon-fiber composite (CFRP), while also giving the car a fixed roof made from the same material, with an integrated roll bar. The advantages of the new lightweight roof are two-fold: increased structural rigidity and a lower center of gravity.
As expected on a car of this type, various aerodynamic aids have been implemented to not only give the appearance of added performance, but to actually perform the task. A concealed CFRP rear spoiler will raise at speeds exceeding 75 mph, while a wider front apron incorporates new carbon splitters to direct airflow in an optimal manner. Out back, a carbon rear diffuser fits neatly between the outlets of the new sports exhaust system.
Brakes and suspension have also been tweaked for Black Series duty, with larger discs at all four corners, supplemented by six-pot calipers up front and four-pot items in the rear, covered by 19- and 20-in. black AMG wheels at each respective end. Rubber comes from Dunlop (AMG's DTM partner) in the form of a set of Sport Maxx GT tires. A new adjustable coil-spring suspension is fully adjustable for track duty, and the track has even been widened by 3.8 in. in the front and 3.3 in. in the rear. Meanwhile, weight has been reduced in the new aluminum wheel carriers and the spring links, camber struts, and pull/push rods at both axles are all of new design.
The standard AMG Speedshift Plus five-speed automatic transmission is retained from the standard SL65 AMG, likely deemed suitable as a result of the nonexistent torque increase. The transmission features four modes with varying degrees of comfort and performance and an automatic rev-matching feature on downshifts. Three-mode ESP is fitted in conjunction with a limited-slip differential with 40-percent locking capability to keep power delivery optimized and the car pointed in the right direction.
The Black Series SL appropriately receives all-black interior trim, with a few unique enhancements. New Nappa leather and Alcantara-wrapped sport seats feature AMG-embossed headrests, and a smaller diameter, flat-bottom steering wheel is trimmed in perforated leather. Silver-colored aluminum shift paddles, carbon-fiber center console trim, a carbon-fiber inlaid gearlever, carbon door panels, white gauge faces with LED shift lights, and Alcantara lining on the roof, A-, and C-pillars round out the special touches.
Pricing has not yet been announced for the new Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series, though the first examples of the limited-edition coupe will hit European showrooms in November.
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