2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Edition for America
While the overdone SLR McLaren is finally going out of production, Mercedes-Benz is putting out the SL65 AMG Black Edition to take its place for a while. Powered by a twin-turbo 6.0L V12, it is one serious performance machine, even with an automatic transmission.
The turbo V12 makes 661 hp at 5400 rpm, while torque is limited to 738 lb-ft. Weight has been reduced by adding a carbon-fiber bonnet, fenders and trunk, along with deleting the retractable hard-top in favor of a fixed carbon-fiber roof with an integrated roll cage. Weighing in at 4122 lbs, the car can do the 0-60 mph run in 3.9 seconds, with a top speed of 199 mph.
A total of seven vents spread about the front end are used as air intakes for V12. The standard gearbox is a 5-speed automatic with AMG Speedshift software. The car also comes with a retractable rear spoiler for high-speed stability.
The interior is largely similar to the standard SL65 AMG, with the most noticeable differences being the heavily-bolstered racing seats.
Priced at US$ 320,000 in the United States, and with 200 units coming Stateside, the SL65 Black is debuting at the upcoming 2008 Paris Auto Show.
