At the top of the Mercedes-Benz 'pile' sits the SL 65 AMG roadster, the ultimate open-top Mercedes-Benz aimed at sun-worshiping performance hedonists. Slotting above the 'mere' SL 63 AMG, the SL 65 features a 6.0 liter V12 engine that pumps out an astounding 612 horsepower, an eight horsepower bump from before. Even more impressive is the 738 lb-ft. of torque from the motor, a figure usually reserved for big rigs and maybe even tugboats.

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Because of all this torque and power, the SL 65 makes due with Mercedes' ultra-stout five-speed automatic transmission, rather than the six or seven-speed transmissions that seem de rigueur in high performance cars today. Still, Mercedes-Benz estimates that the SL 65 will hit 62 miles per hour in a mere 4.2 seconds.

The SL 65 features the same new styling that dresses up the rest of the SL roadster lineup for 2009. Rounded dual headlamps are out for '09, replaced by angular bi-Xenon lamps that Mercedes says are more efficient and powerful than LEDs. With a black background to the lamps and a simplified grill, the SL's face is substantially changed with the facelifted model.

Unique to the AMG variants is a highly aggressive bodykit that features front and rear diffusers and multiple vents to cool both the motor and the massive brakes. Standard wheels are 19 inches, which fill the roadster's wheel wells. The AMG treatment also includes a lowered and stiffened suspension and a limited-slip rear differential.

The SL 65 receives a host of interior upgrades even though it keeps the same basic interior layout as before. A new three-spoke steering wheel provides a more performance-oriented feel to the interior. The gauge cluster and some minor controls are also changed for 2009.

The SL 65, like all SLs, features a folding metal roof. A glass panorama roof remains an option.