Following the redesign of its standard SL-Class range, Mercedes-Benz introduced the most powerful SL ever built. New for the 2009 model year and beyond, the SL 65 AMG Black Series was built as the interim heir to the discontinued Mercedes-Benz SLR's throne, until the eventual arrival of the SLS uber coupe.

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As with previous Black Series offerings from Mercedes-Benz, the SL65 AMG Black Series promises supercar performance, thanks to large quantities of power and a lighter curb weight.

Mercedes engineers were able to wring out an extra 57 horsepower from the car's twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 -- bringing total output to a monstrous 661 horsepower (20 more than the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition). But despite the bump in horsepower, the engine's torque rating remains the same at 738 lb-ft.

Power is sent through Mercedes' five-speed automatic, which is able to shift in as little as 250 milliseconds. As with the car's suspension, the automatic transmission has two different sport settings.

The SL also went on a hefty diet to become the SL65 AMG Black Series. Through the extensive use of carbon fiber in the car's front fenders, hood and new fixed roof, the SL shed about 570 pounds -- bringing its curb weight down to a still rather portly 4,080 pounds. Of note, the decision to make the roof a fixed unit wasn't strictly a weight-saving measure -- it simply wouldn't fit in its retracted position because of the car's steamroller rear tires.

To round out the performance package, Mercedes also equipped the SL Black Series with a new adjustable suspension, a wider track, larger brakes, a deployable rear spoiler and a lower hood.

Inside the SL Black Series, the car features carbon fiber shell racing seats, a flat bottom steering wheel and plenty of Alcantara. However, the carbon fiber seats won't make it to the U.S. as they do not have side-impact airbags.

The SL65 AMG Black Series -- available in white, black, red and silver -- carries a hefty price tag north of $300,000.