This is basically the same 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 that was first seen in the Europe-only CL65 AMG, with frightening specs at 604 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque in Canadian trim. Incidentally, the CL65 will be joining its drop-top sibling in Canada this fall as well. In the engine's development, AMG engineers installed large turbochargers and an air-to-water type cooling system to the hand-built engine. Needless to say, this two-seat roadster is extremely quick taking an estimated 4.2 seconds to hit 100 km/h, while limited to 250 km/h.
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| The same 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine found in the Europe-only CL65 AMG has found its way into the new SL65 AMG. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
While diehard enthusiasts would enjoy a manual or a Formula 1-type sequential-manual transmission, Mercedes-Benz makes due with a conventional 5-speed automatic with manual actuation from the shift lever or steering wheel mounted buttons. The gearbox has been upgraded with new clutch pack discs, torque converter and revised shift mapping, necessary to handle the outrageous torque. Peak torque is made between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm therefore it reportedly pulls with amazing enthusiasm no matter what gear that it is in or how fast it is going.
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| AMG has worked hard to make the heavier SL65 handle similarly to the lighter SL55. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
To compensate for the driveline power other areas have been updated including drive shafts, hub carriers and wheel bearings. Every mechanical detail relating to the increased output has been altered accordingly.
Of course the SL65 isn't just for shooting forward at incredible speeds, but rather it's highly capable in the corners as well. While it is said the new Merc doesn't have the raw edginess of a pure sports car like a Ferrari 360 Modena or Porsche 911, its fully independent multi-link suspension receives standard Active Body Control (ABC) and specially tuned AMG springs and dampers. Activating the Sport mode stiffens the dampers to reduce body pitch and roll. This is especially important as AMG has attempted to make the much heavier SL65, weighed down by an additional four cylinders, two turbochargers and mechanical running gear, handle curves as well as the SL55.
