Details Of The Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series Emerge

Posted by www.eMercedesBenz.com  As was the case prior to unveiling  
of the 2009 SL-Class, Mercedes recently granted a sneak peak of the  
new SL65 AMG Black Series to a limited group of journalists, finally  
ending speculation as to what the future holds for the model.

According to Inside Line - the first publication to detail their look  
at the SL65 Black - power for the new model will be abundant, with  
output from the 6.0-Liter twin turbo V12 being boosted to a  
staggering 670 horsepower.  Peak torque will remain unchanged at 738  
lb-ft, while two new Sport shift programs in tandem with the SL's  
five-speed automatic transmission will produce gearshifts in a mere  
250 milliseconds.

In terms of weight savings - a hallmark of the AMG's Black Series -  
the list of changes is extensive.  Gone is the retractable roof;  
airbag suspension setup; Active Body Control system and standard  
trunk, hood, front fenders and bumpers.  Instead, a fixed roof with  
fully integrated roll cage, a steel coil suspension system and  
numerous carbon fiber body components all serve to reduce the SL65  
AMG Black's weight by some 570 pounds, giving the SL a power-to- 
weight ratio of 1 horsepower per 6.1 pounds.

How exactly does this translate into real world performance?  Zero to  
sixty time for the model is said to be below 4 seconds, while top  
speed weighs in at more-than-suitable 198  mph.

If you're interested, only 350 units of the Mercedes SL65 AMG Black  
Series will be built, with pricing projected to be more than  
$225,000.  For more info, head over to Inside Line for the full details.

And before I go, a special thanks to both Monk and Filo, both of whom  
were kind enough to send us the tips. As always gentlemen, we  
sincerely appreciate it.

[UPDATE:  Autocar has also published an article detailing the SL65  
AMG Black Series, with specific measurements of the model given.   
According to Autocar, front and rear axles have been increased to  
1639mm and 1666mm, respectively; and the car itself is 4589mm long,  
1960mm wide and 1286mm tall.  For the sake of comparison, that's 57mm  
longer, 133mm wider and 12mm lower than a standard SL.]

To view the full story and photos, visit the following link or go  
straight to the eMercedesBenz home page for other MB posts at  
www.emercedesbenz.com

http://www.emercedesbenz.com/ 
Apr08/15_001106_More_Details_Of_The_Mercedes_Benz_SL65_AMG_Black_Series_ 
Emerge.html