The Mercedes SL-Class roadster has always been associated with speed, beauty and power. For many years that power was available courtesy of a V12 engine. That all ended last year when Mercedes refused to offer a V12 powered variant.
This year, however, Mercedes is again gracing the SL with a V12 powerplant in the form of the SL65 AMG. The 65 designation is mildly deceiving as the new car is actually powered by a 6.0-liter engine, but regardless s of the naming conventions this engine is a beast. The new V12 is rated for 621 horsepower and 738 pounds-feet of torque, thanks to a pair of turbochargers. All this power helps propel the new Mercedes to 60 mph in a scant 3.9 seconds.
Of course a new upper-echelon SL isn’t complete with just more power. To make sure everyone else on the road understands that your roadster is more special than the next, there are AMG specific LED daytime running lights, a new lower diffuser and high-polished chrome. There is also a new spoiler lip and rear skirt inlay specific to this model.
No pricing has been announced at this time, but with the base model SL550 starting a bit over 100 grand, expect a price somewhere between, “oh my goodness” and “WHAT?!”.
Keep your eyes on AutoTalk to see our gallery of live shots from the floor of New York in a few weeks time.
