Mercedes reveals SL 63 AMG
537bhp or 564bhp with the Performance pack
By Shahzad Sheikh
Mercedes has revealed details and images for the new SL63. And this near-300kph roadster is guaranteed to blow your toupee right off – thanks to more power and lightweight construction whilst, claim Mercedes, 30% less fuel consumption and lower emissions.
It’s all aluminium now, like the SLS taking the weight down by 125kg. But that’s still 1845kg – no problem though, the 537bhp from the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo should sort that out, and if it doesn’t the 590lb ft of torque will certainly move things along.
And if you still crave more, you crazy power-hungry nutters, you can have it, thanks to the AMG Performance pack give 564bhp and 664lb ft!
That’ll get you to 100kph in 4.3 seconds in regular flavour, or 4.2 with the Performance pack. Top speed is normally limited to 250kph, but again, opt for the pack and they’ll ease the restrictor a little to give you 299kph (although that’s still limited). 0-200kph is in 12.9 or 12.6 seconds.
It’s got revised suspension to handle all that as you’d expect, plus new electro-mechanical speed-sensitive sports steering with a more direct ratio and variable assistance.
There’s also now 3-stage ESP featuring SPORT Handling for ‘keen drivers’ which I interpret as meaning those who like a little sideways action – plus options include AMG rear axle differential lock and AMG performance suspension.
The Speedshift MCT 7-speed sports transmission has four modes and in the sportiest modes it even double-declutches on downshifts. There and also new brakes and 19-inch wheels.
