When Mercedes recently introduced the 2009 SL hardtop roadsters to us at a press event in California, they saved the best for last. Day two of our Rim of the World drive was taken up in the SL 63 AMG and the SL 65 AMG. Although sharing basic components of the SL roadsters, Mercedes’ in-house tuning arm has been known to pull some amazing rabbits out of some already cool Alpine hats. Let’s see how these two latest add up.
Backstory
The Mercedes-Benz SL hardtop roadster is entering its ninth year in current form, and has continually been upgraded through the years. In its role as corporate badass, the V8-powered SL55-replacement — the SL63 AMG — has taken on a meaner, leaner look that belies its luxo-cruising pedigree. If the SL 63 were badass, the V12 biturbo SL65 AMG would be the older, wiser, stronger and more costly big brother.
As the SL63 and SL65 are substantially revised, it would make perfect sense that the body is now more taut, lean and muscular. And so they are. It’s our hope though, that the people who can afford these uber-sport touring cars, truly appreciate the technology and performance that this pair brings to the table.
Aesthetics (4.5/5)
The muscled-up look of Mercedes-Benz’s new glimmer twins goes a long way in keeping a classic design looking fresh. A new front fascia moves forward from the new faces of the SL 550 and SL 600, this time with a blacked-out radiator grille, larger cooling intakes a painted-black lower lip spoiler. And while the new SL class features twin power domes, the SL AMGs feature a raised center section to accommodate the larger powerplants underhood. Add to this, the front-air escape ducts in the fenders that allow hot-air buildup from the engine oil cooler to be released.
Competitors or rivals, if you will, to the SL 63 and SL 65 AMG models include the Aston V8 Vantage, Porsche 911 Turbo, Corvette ZR1, Audi R8 , Lamborghini Gallardo, and Ferrari F430. Each, in their own way, reminds us of the three-in-one AMT model car kits, where you could add on performance options like wings, superchargers, larger wheels, tires and so on. Some just manage to pull it off better than the others. Like the model car kits, AMG has found its way to fit sideskirts, a rear diffuser and a rear lip spoiler for reducing high-speed lift.
As an added option, Mercedes/AMG showed off the baddest of bad. The AMG Performance Studio is a bespoke version of the SL 63 model with custom trim options that go so far as to include matte-finished custom paint accented by matte finished carbon fibre diffuser inserts, as well as front and rear lip spoilers,
The AMG division has a way of making decent Mercedes designs look fantastic, and the SL AMG series is perhaps one of the best examples. The AMG body modifications give the new SL exactly what it needs — added detailing and a tougher look.
Cabin (4.5/5)
The SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG are “hard-top†roadsters, able to shed (actually stow) its roof into the trunk, in as little as 16-seconds. Once a driver and passenger drop the top, its tough to bring it up again, unless your scalp starts to smoke (Driver: What’s that smell?†Passenger: “That’s your scalp. It’s burning!â€)
Other AMG styling cues include a smaller, leather-wrapped, aluminum-accented, flat-bottomed steering wheel, which is offset with aluminum paddle shifters to step through the seven-speed gearbox. Add to this, an abundance of real carbon-fibre trim pieces to differentiate between the AMG cars and the regular SL 550 and SL 600 models.
Save for a few different fittings, including a racetimer, AMG Drive Unit Race Start Control and AMG logos, the rest of the interior is as found in the SL 550 and SL 600 models. That’s to say it has the Harman-Kardon audio system with SD Memory card input, navigation feature, and Bluetooth connectivity. Also new is the Airscarf neck level heating system, which was first seen in the Mercedes-Benz SLK.
On the other hand, what it doesn’t have is a rear seat. Or provisions for one.
Technology (4.5/5)
As high tech as the SL 550 and SL 600 are, the SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG are even more so. The SL 63 seems to have come out on top: not only does it have a new engine, it also features the company’s brand new AMG Speedshift MCT 7 gearbox. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is the first of its kind of Mercedes, and a very welcomed departure from the automatics of yore. Unfortunately, the SL65 still has a five-speed automatic. We’re betting the MCT 7 isn’t quite ready for the massive torque of the 65′s V12.
Speaking of the MCT, you can channel your best Lewis Hamilton with the Speedshift’s RaceStart function. Basically launch control for the street, it allows you to stand on the brakes while revving up, only to release the binders which let pandemonium loose in the engine bay. Life is a drag from stoplight to stoplight! The AMG Speedshift is centered around a wet start-up clutch which runs in an oil bath in place of a torque converter. The net results are gear shifts faster than a traditional gearbox. Gearbox mapping is adjustable through a rotary switch that allows comfort (touring) with smooth throttle response, “S†mode with 20% faster shift times, “S+†increases it 20% more, while “M†mode lays on the final sporty 10% for a total increase of shift times 50% faster than in the standard “Comfort†mode. The 100-millisecond shift times are faster than possible using a manual stick shift lever.
Performance (4.5/5)
Taking advantage of the latest version of the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine in the segment, the SL63 is a fitting successor to the supercharged SL55 it replaces. At 518-horsepower, and 465 lb-ft of torque it is quite stout, and aurally satisfying both when laying on the loud pedal and hearing a healthy growl all the way to redline. Conversely, lift off the loud when entering a turn, and the engine emits a gruff, bulldog-like bark as the transmission steps down a gear. It’s as though Uga, the University of Georgia Bulldog mascot, was in control of the AMG’s engine room.
On the other hand, the SL 65 AMG is no less stout than its more upstart little brother, what with a six-liter, 12-cylinder twin turbo powerplant. Said powerplant pumps out an otherworldly 604 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque.
Handling is quite right, with 19-inch performance tires and AMG light-alloy wheels covering 14.2-inch and 15.4-inch cross-drilled front rotors on the SL 63 and SL 65 respectively. In the rear, large 13-inch on the SL 63 and 14.2 inch on the SL 65, help put a halt to the forward motion. Revisions in the bearings, spring links, and torque struts, both front and rear, offer improved agility and stopping distance.
The SL 63 and SL 65 AMG packages offer a satisfying experience for most performance enthusiasts. The Active Body Control (ABC) component of the SL 63 suspension has been revisited and equipped with new spring and dampers.
Bottom line
In a state that is known for its concentration of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, buying either SL 63 or SL 65 AMG vehicles may hardly cause a stir. But for the truly knowledgeable, they can be satisfied in the fact that they are truly driving an ultra performance machine.
Because the SL65 will cost tens of thousands of dollars more than the SL63, we think opting for the V8 model is the smart choice. While we can understand the allure of V12 power, the SL63 is more than powerful enough for any road — even the Autobahns in Germany. It also packs a fantastic new dual-clutch transmission, which is missing from the 65.
At press time, MSRP of the SL 63 and SL 65 have not been announced.
Words and photos by Mark Elias.
