Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Makes World Debut in New York
All-New V12 Engine Produces 604 HP and 738 lb-ft of Torque
NEW YORK, April 7 -- The power of a Mercedes-Benz has been redefined with the new 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine found in the CL65 AMG and SL65 AMG. The engine produces 604 horsepower and an astounding 738 lb-ft of torque resulting in a 0-60 mph time of approximately 4.2 seconds. Mercedes-Benz will unveil the new AMG models during the press days preceding the New York Auto Show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in April. The CL65 AMG is making its U.S. debut and the SL65 AMG is making its world debut.
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The CL65 AMG and SL65 AMG are equipped as standard with Active Body Control (ABC) and special AMG spring struts with firmer damping. Fully reworked dynamic handling control systems such as ABS, Brake Assist, ASR and ESP (Electronic Stability Program) complement the enhanced chassis setup. In order to cope with the high power output of the AMG twin-turbo engine, the front wheels of both the AMG V12 models are equipped with a newly developed, high-performance eight-piston compound brake system. Contact with the road is achieved by AMG 19-inch twin-spoke wheels equipped with 245/40 ZR 19 tires at the front and 275/35 ZR 19 tires at the rear.
6.0-Liter V12 AMG Engine Redefines Performance
The CL65 AMG and SL65 AMG's engine output reveals a new dimension of performance figures. Both the CL65 AMG and the SL65 AMG accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. However, the twelve-cylinder power plant is also ideally suited for relaxed cruising in high gear. Superbly responsive, yet smooth and refined, it guarantees the high level of touring comfort traditionally associated with Mercedes.
Exciting, high-tech features are revealed as soon as the hood is opened. The re-designed engine cover, which is made from deep-drawn aluminum and carbon-fiber reinforced plastic, is a visual treat. The twelve-cylinder engine is assembled by hand at the AMG engine facility, right next to the line where the supercharged AMG V8 for the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is produced. The "one-man, one-engine" philosophy is reflected by the characteristic signature plate on the engine which bears the name of the specialist who assembled the engine and guarantees the highest standards of quality and workmanship.
ABC Active Suspension
Launched in 2000, the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class was the very first series- production car to feature active-suspension technology. Today, the Mercedes- Benz CL-Class, S-Class, and SL-Class model series are the only vehicles in the world to offer this innovative system which reconciles the conflicting goals of safety, dynamic handling, and ride comfort. Active Body Control (ABC) uses high-pressure hydraulics, sophisticated sensors, and powerful microprocessors to adjust the suspension response to the current driving situation with split- second accuracy. ABC active suspension virtually eliminates body roll in cornering, squat under acceleration, and dive during braking.
The CL65 AMG and SL65 AMG are equipped as standard with Active Body Control and special AMG spring struts with a firmer damping response for highly dynamic handling. While normal active suspension has the potential to actually lean a car in every turn (like a motorcycle or airplane), Mercedes- Benz engineers use its interplay of hydraulic, electronic and mechanical parts to reduce body roll by 68 percent, still providing the driver with helpful feedback through the vehicle chassis. An ABC Sport switch on the dash (SL's switch is on the lower center console) can adjust it to 95 percent reduced roll if the driver prefers sportier handling.
Stopping Power To Match Performance
Designing the AMG high-performance braking system required engineers to draw on their extensive experience acquired through more than three decades of motor sports. The front wheels are equipped with a newly developed brake system featuring eight-piston fixed calipers with 15.4-inch internally ventilated and perforated discs. Compared with conventional brake systems, this technology, which allows for axial and radial expansion of the discs, offers a weight saving of some 20 percent and also has a greater thermal capability -- an attribute which has significant benefits with regard to durability. The rear wheels are equipped with four-piston fixed calipers with 13.7-inch internally ventilated and perforated discs. The combination of these two systems gives the CL65 AMG and SL65 AMG the stopping power to match their performance.
Design and Appointments Distinguish AMG
AMG's have picked up major awards in recent years for their fine styling which involves the combination of sporty elegance and long-term quality which is characteristic of Mercedes. The task facing the designers of the CL65 AMG and the SL65 AMG was to make subtle enhancements to the bodies of both models while remaining true to the fundamental design philosophy. Both models feature the characteristic AMG styling as standard. The front AMG apron with the large cooling air intake, and on the CL65 AMG, the integral front clear- lens fog lamps give the vehicles a distinctive appearance. The dynamic quality of the side view is emphasized by the side skirts, which pick up the line of the front apron, and by the chromed "V12 Bi-turbo" lettering on the front wings. Apart from eye-catching design highlights, the attractive 19- inch AMG light-alloy wheels with their twin-spoke design complement the overall picture. The rear is rounded off by two sets of chromed twin tailpipes and the powerful lines of the rear apron.
Safety Innovation
The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class and SL-Class feature groundbreaking automotive technology that leads the way for the rest of the auto industry. For example, both front air bags can deploy with partial force in a low-speed collision and full force at higher speeds. In addition to these front air bags, all CL- Class coupes come with head-protection side curtain air bags that span both sides of the car, as well as a side air bag mounted in each door and in the rear side panels. The curtain air bag deploys like an air mattress to protect the head and shoulders in a side collision, and it works in conjunction with the door-mounted side air bags, which help to protect the chest and hip area. The CL-Class coupes make extensive use of lightweight materials like high- strength aluminum and magnesium, and also have high-tech bi-xenon headlamps as standard.
AMG 35-Year Heritage of High Performance
From its beginnings 35 years ago as an independent racing and tuning firm for Mercedes cars, Mercedes-AMG has grown into a supplier of exclusive high- performance cars with some 600 employees, an extensive model range, and customers around the world.
Now an integral part of the Mercedes-Benz family, Mercedes-AMG has become synonymous with factory-developed high performance vehicles. Far more than a marketing or development division, Mercedes-AMG is a self-contained entity responsible for all aspects of its vehicles, from development and testing to marketing. Production of the vehicles is shared with Mercedes-Benz facilities.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA is headquartered near New York City in Montvale, NJ and is responsible for the U.S. sales, service and marketing of Mercedes-Benz cars and light trucks as well as the Maybach super-luxury sedan. MBUSA employs about 1,500 people in 20 different locations around the nation. In 2003, the company sold 218,717 vehicles through a nationwide network of over 300 retailers in the U.S., setting the highest-ever sales volume in its history.
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