Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 "45th ANNIVERSARY"

With the new SLS AMG GT3 "45th ANNIVERSARY", Mercedes-AMG is presenting an exclusively appointed special series which is aimed at car collectors with a particular penchant for motor racing. The customer sport racing car is being built by hand in a limited edition of no more than five vehicles in Affalterbach. Record DTM champion and AMG brand ambassador Bernd Schneider is involved hands-on in the production process, installing the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine in the SLS AMG GT3
"45th ANNIVERSARY" together with an AMG engine fitter.

The exclusive collector’s item is also a synonym for the successful AMG Customer Sports Programme: With currently 32 victories in the 2012 Motor Sports Season and the winning of three driver and team titles in the FIA GT3 European Championship, the ADAC GT Masters and the FIA GT1 World Championship, the race edition of the gullwing car of Mercedes-AMG is an impressive success story as well.

A number of exterior and interior modifications have been carried out for the special SLS AMG GT3 "45th ANNIVERSARY" model. The body of the SLS AMG GT3 "45th ANNIVERSARY" gleams auspiciously in the new designo magno graphite matt paint finish, for example. To date, this matt paintwork has been exclusive to the SL 65 AMG "45th ANNIVERSARY", which was unveiled to mark the 45th birthday of Mercedes-AMG at the New York International Auto Show in April 2012. The AMG light-alloy wheels in designo magno graphite complement the body's matt paintwork to perfection.

Another eye-catching feature is the striking "45 Years of Driving Performance" logo framed in silver on the GT3 racing car's gullwing doors. The special edition's logo embodies consummate design right down to the finer points of detail: closer inspection reveals the exposed carbon-fibre structure of the gullwing doors under the matt paintwork. The doors, along with the bonnet, mudguards, boot lid, rear wings, front and rear apron, front splitter and rear diffusor, are produced in the particularly lightweight motorsport material CFRP (CFRP = carbon fibre reinforced plastic).

The interior of the SLS AMG GT3 "45th ANNIVERSARY" evokes a functional racing car atmosphere, refined by high-quality, exclusive details: the steel roll-over cage is finished in matt "designo magno graphite" to match the exterior. The racing car's dashboard and centre console sport a matt carbon-fibre finish. Effective contrasts are produced by six-point seat belts and a steering wheel spider in silver.

The collector's item also boasts a seat shell in a high-strength carbon-fibre safety cell on the co-driver's side. A special badge with a "1 of 5" logo on the seats and the centre console alludes to the limited production run for this racing car. The standard appointments for the SLS AMG GT3 "45th ANNIVERSARY" are rounded off by a high-quality AMG indoor car cover with "45 Years of Driving Performance" logo.

Bernd Schneider as a VIP engine fitter

In keeping with the exclusive exterior and interior equipment and appointments, the engineering under the bonnet is of a similarly exclusive standard. 48 year-old racing driver Bernd Schneider is assisting the responsible AMG engine fitter in installing the naturally aspirated AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine. The special AMG engine badge bearing the signatures of Bernd Schneider and the responsible engine fitter attest to this high-calibre duo's handiwork. Customers who acquire one of the rare SLS AMG GT3 "45th ANNIVERSARY" models also receive an exclusive vehicle certificate signed by Bernd Schneider.

The five-times DTM champion, overall ITC winner from 1995 and FIA GT world champion from 1997 works for Mercedes-AMG as a brand ambassador and an instructor at the AMG Driving Academy.

As an established expert in the field of SLS AMG GT3 customer sport Bernd Schneider has carried out the majority of the test drives for the racing version of the gullwing model. He also participates in selected races as part of the AMG driver support set-up. Bernd Schneider competed for various AMG customer teams in 2012, including the 24-hour Dubai race, at the Nürburgring and in Spa-Francorchamps. In the ninth race of the VLN Endurance Championship Nürburgring, Bernd Schneider took a start position together with Jeroen Bleekemolen (NED) for the AMG Customer Team Black Falcon and won the 4-hour race. After numerous podium positions in the past two years, this was his first victory with the SLS AMG GT3.

Vehicle handover directly at AMG headquarters

Handover of the SLS AMG GT3 "45th ANNIVERSARY" takes place directly at Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach, where customers are also granted exclusive insights into the AMG world and have an opportunity to sample AMG's hallmark excellent service and support quality. An in-depth introduction to operation of the new vehicle and its engineering and technology is provided in the new 360 square-metre handover hall. In the case of this special GT3 racing car, this instruction is provided personally by AMG brand ambassador Bernd Schneider.

The programme also includes a tour of the factory, taking in the AMG Performance Studio, where exclusive series of individual AMG cars and one-off vehicles are developed and hand-made. This is followed by a visit to the AMG engine "Manufaktur" (hand-finishing section), where Bernd Schneider and the AMG engine fitter assembled this special AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine by hand. On request, the SLS AMG GT3 "45th ANNIVERSARY" customer can enjoy a race track coaching session as part of an initiation event with the vehicle.

Price for Germany (incl. 19% VAT): € 446,250

Success on four continents, exemplary safety standard

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 is the racing version of the SLS AMG which has been designed for customer sport. 49 such vehicles for short- and long-distance races have been delivered worldwide to date. In its first season in 2011, the gullwing model quickly established itself as the most successful newcomer of the motorsport year. International customer teams competing on four continents notched up a total of 26 wins. The vehicle's successful run was crowned when HEICO Motorsport won the team rankings at the FIA GT3 European Championship with its two Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3s – the first title for the gullwing model in its first full racing season.

In the 2012 motorsport season the SLS AMG GT3 is competing in more than 15 racing series on four continents, including the FIA GT1 World Championship, the FIA GT3 European Championship, the ADAC GT Masters, the VLN Endurance Championship at the Nürburgring and the Blancpain Endurance Series. The triple victory in the 24-hour Dubai race in January 2012, three driver and team titles in the FIA GT3 European Championship, the ADAC GT Masters, the FIA GT1 World Championship and numerous places on the podium at various short-distance, 4- and 6-hour races demonstrate the SLS AMG GT3's sporty performance in impressive style. For the time being, the 2012 season comprises 32 victories (1st October 2012).

The SLS AMG GT3 additionally offers an exemplary standard of safety which currently sets standards in GT3 racing. Mercedes-AMG develops and produces the customer sport racing car in close cooperation with HWA AG. HWA is responsible for development and deployment of the Mercedes AMG C-Class Coupés in the DTM on behalf of and in on-going consultation with Mercedes-Benz Motorsport.

source : Mercedes-Benz Press

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake

2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake

 The new Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake once again sets an example when it comes to creativity of design, and as such highlighting its leading role in this area: in terms of its proportions, the new CLS is quite clearly a coupé, but with five doors and a roof which continues through to the rear, it promises some remarkable new possibilities. The idea of the four-door coupé - successfully introduced in 2004 with the first CLS and long imitated in the meantime - has now been taken to new heights and to innovative effect. The result is automotive independence at its most beautiful.

According to CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche: "Any memorable machine is equal parts art and science. A car has to first deliver in function - the ticket of entry - and then in fascination: the ticket to real excitement. The Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake excels on both accounts - unlike any other car in the market".

The proportions of the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake are surprising but clearly those of a coupé, and create a basic stance which makes it look ready for the off: the long bonnet, narrow-look windows with frameless side windows, and dynamic roof sloping back towards the rear. It is only when taking a second look that it becomes clear that the Shooting Break actually has five doors and offers "more" in terms of function.

In essence it represents an unprecedented version of a sports car with five seats and a large tailgate. It is a special proposition for people looking to differentiate themselves from the mainstream, and who do not wish to compromise on either sportiness or stowage space when it comes to travelling in style. The Shooting Brake is a further highlight in the innovative luxury vehicle series from Mercedes-Benz and, like the CLS Coupé, has the potential to become the role model for a new market segment.

"The CLS Shooting Brake is based on the great tradition of stylish sportiness which has always characterised Mercedes, and takes these unique icons an exciting step further", explains Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes‑Benz. "It stands for the enhanced design idiom of Mercedes-Benz which is oriented towards aesthetic, avant-garde principles". This is seen in the impressive series of market-defining new vehicle concepts, such as the SLK for example, which in 1996 established a genre as the first Roadster with a retractable steel roof, the M-Class as the first premium SUV in 1998, or the first four-door CLS Coupé in 2004.

Exclusive innovation in the interior: wooden luggage compartment floor

The second generation of the CLS set high standards in terms of the design and quality of the interior: straightforward elegance combined with innovative details and handcrafted perfection. The Shooting Brake also applies this same aspiration in the luggage compartment. It is lined with high-quality carpet, and the hand-stitched material is also incorporated into the sideliners in conjunction with leather appointments. Optional designer loading rails made of aluminium give an even more exclusive look.

An extravagant and unique feature for the automotive industry is the designo wooden luggage compartment floor, which serves to underscore the hand-finished nature of the interior. Cherry tree wood is a classic among fine wood species and contrasts perfectly with the inlaid smoked oak and aluminium rails. This affords the luggage compartment a touch of elegance normally found on yachts, combined with the exciting worlds of technology and precision craftsmanship. The wood is characterised by its flexibility and elasticity, as well as its density and fine texture. For the luggage compartment floor made of American cherry tree wood, selected veneer sheets are glued and pressed together by hand in five cross-bonded layers to achieve high dimensional stability. The blanks are milled into their precise shape using a CNC machine, and the surfaces sanded to a smooth finish and waterproofed to maintain the natural beauty of the wood. Inlaid work using darker smoked oak, precisely cut into three millimetre strips using laser technology, helps to enhance the design of the wooden floor. The lavishly produced aluminium rails have a brushed finish and rubber inserts, and not only help to protect the wooden floor but also feature anti-slip properties.

The CLS coupé already set new standards in interiors with its wide variety of individualisation options. The Shooting Brake also offers five interior colours, five trim designs and also three qualities of leather to choose from. Customers have a choice of three exclusive wood types: high-gloss brown burr walnut, high-gloss black ash and satin-finish light-brown poplar. The interior is given an even more progressive look with the addition of piano lacquer or AMG carbon fibre/black piano lacquer trim elements. A completely new addition comes in the form of porcelain interior appointments which afford both CLS models a sense of luxury normally found in the S-Class. The Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake also lives up to its role as a design icon thanks to the innovative nature of the materials used. These comprise a mixture of satin and high-gloss finishes used on the metal surfaces.

A new dimension in vehicle concepts: the four-door Shooting Brake

No-one likes to have to compromise: even when the focus is not on the practical elements of the design of the Shooting Brake (length x width x height: 4956 x 1881 x 1413 mm), the new CLS model still has some trump cards up its sleeve. With a load volume of between 590 and 1550 litres, the luggage compartment offers a lot of room despite the flat, sporty lines of the roof, and is easy to use thanks to the automatically opening tailgate fitted as standard. A load compartment cover also protects luggage from prying eyes.

The standard air suspension at the rear helps to ensure optimum road holding at all times. For additional flexibility, the rear seat backrests can be folded down from the luggage compartment as standard. The rear seats themselves provide room for three people, with individual seats on the outsides and a third seat in the middle. The three saddle-type head restraints on the rear seats barely affect the view towards the rear, and can be lowered at the touch of a button by the driver. An optional trailer coupling is also available.

Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Board Member of Mercedes-Benz Cars responsible for Sales & Marketing, sums it all up: "The new CLS Shooting Brake represents a new dimension in vehicle concepts and offers discerning customers independence at its most beautiful."

Lightweight construction and aerodynamics: important contributions to efficiency

Intelligent lightweight construction plays a decisive role in bridging the classic conflict between the objectives of low weight and high strength in the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake. The model features frameless, all-aluminium doors made from deep-drawn aluminium panels with extruded sections, and in comparison with conventional steel doors, are some 24 kilograms lighter. The tailgate, bonnet, front wings, various support profiles and substantial parts of the suspension and engines are all made of aluminium too.

The aerodynamics also make a significant contribution to the efficiency of the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake. With a frontal area of 2.30 m² and a Cd value of 0.29, the drag area is 0.67 m².

Drive system: powerful and efficient

The Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake is available with four different engine variants - two diesel engines and two petrol engines. Features common to all engines include the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission as well as the ECO start/stop function. In addition, two models are available with all-wheel drive: the CLS 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY and the CLS 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY.

The entry-level model is the CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY producing 150 kW (204 hp). Combined fuel consumption is 5.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, an excellent level for this performance class and equivalent to CO2 emissions of 139 grams per kilometre. Coming in above this are the two six-cylinder models: the CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY producing 195 kW (265 hp) and the CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY producing 225 kW (306 hp). The top-of-the-range model is the CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY with a V8 biturbo engine producing 300 kW (408 hp).

Efficiency is also increased by the standard electro-mechanical power steering EPS (Electric Power Steering). EPS is a radical move in the relationship between the driver, car and road surface. This is because for the first time, it gives engineers the freedom to choose and programme many of the parameters that influence steering feedback. So they defined a Mercedes-Benz feeling behind the wheel. In addition to fuel economy, the result is a considerable improvement in handling and agility. The electromechanical power steering also enables another innovation to be implemented - Active Park Assist. The Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake is not only able to detect parking spaces, but can also park automatically.

Another world exclusive: dynamic full LED headlamps

The CLS was the first passenger car in the world to offer optional dynamic full LED High Performance headlamps, which combine the exciting colour elements of LED technology - similar to those of daytime driving lights - with the performance, functionality and energy efficiency of today's bi-xenon generation. Some 95 percent of all customers have opted for these lights in the CLS Coupé. Of course, as the world's second car to feature this optional extra, the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake also offers the new light system. For the first time ever, it provides the Intelligent Light System already proven in Mercedes models fitted with bi-xenon headlamps in combination with LED technology. The headlamps, with their 71 LED lamps in total, look exciting; and they serve to underline the unmistakable appearance of the CLS. The light specialists from Mercedes-Benz have for the first time been able to use LED technology in the innovative Adaptive Highbeam Assist, resulting in an entirely new quality of illumination when driving at night.

In contrast to the first vehicles equipped with LED headlamps, no compromises are now necessary with respect to the functionality and performance of the lighting technology. There are further arguments for LED-based lighting technology: the average operating life of an LED is around 10,000 hours, around five times longer than that of a xenon light; moreover, LED headlamps most closely approximate to the colour of daylight. This means that LED light is in keeping with the normal human perception patterns and that the driver experiences significantly more brightness on the road at night. Studies have shown that the closer the colour of artificial light comes to daylight, the less the strain on the eyes. With a colour temperature of 5500 kelvin, LED light is closer to daylight (6500 K) than xenon light (4200 K).

More than a dozen driving assistance systems help to prevent traffic accidents and reduce the severity of an accident. Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist are available as part of the Driving Assistance package Plus, in combination with DISTRONIC PLUS, BAS PLUS and the PRE‑SAFE® Brake. Both assistance systems are not only able to detect an unintentional lane change or vehicles in the blind spot, but can also correct the direction of travel by gentle brake intervention if the driver ignores the visual or audible danger warnings.

It's all in a name: the origins of the name "Shooting Break"

Break, or the homonym Brake, was the name once given to carriages used to "break" in wild horses and also to restrict (or "brake") their urge to move, so that they could be put to use as work horses. Since the carts could easily be broken as part of this process, people tended not to use ones which they may have urgently needed for other purposes. Where necessary, "Brakes" were often fitted out with variable bodies, which were only really used to carry along anything that may have been necessary for the hunt, for example. Any such vehicle which was used when going out shooting was called a Shooting Brake or Shooting Break. Motorised Shooting Brakes were popular in England in the 60s and 70s - exclusive two-door sports cars, which combined the luxury and style of a coupé with a larger load compartment and large tailgate.

source : Mercedes-Benz Press

SL65 AMG

The New Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG


Affalterbach – Mercedes-AMG is embarking on the 2012 roadster season in inimitably dynamic style: following on from the recent launch of the SL 63 AMG, the top eight-cylinder model, there now comes the presentation of the new
Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG, the V12 roadster in the line-up from the Stuttgart-based manufacturer. The AMG 6.0-litre V12 "biturbo" (twin-turbocharged) engine develops a maximum output of 463 kW (630 hp) and maximum torque of 1000 newton metres. The result: exceptional performance, impressive power delivery and effortlessly superior dynamics. As with the SLS AMG super sports car, the use of an all-aluminium bodyshell results in a drastic reduction in weight. The new SL 65 AMG is some 170 kilograms lighter than before. The expressive front section is dominated by the new "twin blade" radiator grille and the front apron's lower cross strut in high-sheen chrome.

"The combination of exclusive V12 dynamic performance and a refined roadster driving experience was already the defining attribute of the predecessor model. We are convinced that, with the new SL 65 AMG, we have developed an incomparably exciting high-performance vehicle for the small, but loyal community of fans", says Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
An important aspect of the new model is the intelligent lightweight construction which also contributes to reducing the fuel consumption. At 11.6 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined) it represents a saving of 2.4 litres or 17 percent compared with the previous SL 65 AMG and simultaneously establishes a new benchmark in the twelve-cylinder petrol engine segment. A major role in the reduced fuel consumption figures is played by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission, the ECO start/stop‑function, in-engine measures to optimise efficiency and alternator management. Despite the significantly reduced fuel consumption, the maximum output of the AMG V12 6-litre biturbo engine is up from 450 kW (612 hp) to 463 kW (630 hp). The maximum torque is 1000 newton metres.

The unrivalled performance figures of the new SL 65 AMG translate into an exceptional driving experience: acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 4 seconds with the 200 km/h mark attained after just 11.8 seconds. The top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited). As well as offering stunning acceleration, the AMG twelve-cylinder biturbo engine impresses with its smooth running characteristics and its distinctive AMG V12 sound. It is a performance that reconciles effortless superiority and stylishness to perfection.
The key data at a glance:

	SL 65 AMG
Displacement	5980 cc
Bore x stroke	82.6 x 93.0 mm
Compression ratio	9.0:1
Output	463 kW(630 hp) at 4800-5400 rpm
Max. torque	1000 Nm at 2300-4300 rpm*
Vehicle weight acc. to EC	1950 kg
Fuel consumption, NEDC combined	11.6 l/100 km
CO2 emissions	270 g/km
Efficiency class	G
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	4.0 seconds
Top speed	250 km/h*

AMG 6-litre V12 biturbo engine with new technology

The AMG 6-litre V12 biturbo engine with the designation M 279 is based on the M 275 engine used previously and has been comprehensively revised for the new SL 65 AMG. New exhaust gas turbochargers with an increased spiral cross-section, new manifolds and wastegate ducts with optimised flow characteristics increase the engine output by 13 kW (18 hp). The multi-spark ignition with twelve double ignition coils not only results in smoother running, but also enables even more effective combustion in combination with a new engine management system with higher performance and optimised cylinder heads. The resulting reduction in exhaust emissions is also due to a large extent to the optimised catalytic converter system. The newly developed AMG sports exhaust system, which has a pipe layout with enhanced flow characteristics, is 3.2 kilograms lighter as a result of a reduction in the wall thickness.

But it is not just the inner qualities of the AMG 6-litre V12 biturbo engine that impress. The powerplant's looks are as inspiring as its performance: the high-quality carbon-fibre and aluminium engine cover reflects the exceptional character of the powerful twelve-cylinder unit.

New: AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC

For the first time AMG has combined the 6-litre V12 biturbo engine with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G‑TRONIC. The seven-speed automatic transmission with its wide gear ratio spread enables a significantly lower engine speed and helps to reduce fuel consumption. A new fuel economy torque converter, bearings designed for reduced friction loss and the transmission-oil thermal management system are responsible for a further increase in the efficiency of the power transmission system.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G‑TRONIC has four different driving modes – Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S), Sport plus (S+) and Manual (M) – which can be selected at the push of a button on the centre console. In "C" mode the ECO start/stop function is permanently active. The compelling, dynamic character of the driving experience is made all the more vivid by the automatic double-declutching function during downshifts and through the brief, precisely defined interruption of ignition and fuel injection during upshifts under full load; the latter functionality has the additional benefit of reducing the shift times.

Intelligent lightweight construction with all-aluminium bodyshell and carbon fibre

Compared with the predecessor model's steel design, the all-aluminium bodyshell of the new SL 65 AMG delivers a significant weight saving of around 110 kilograms as well as superior rigidity, safety and comfort. Intelligent lightweight construction also means that the components have been optimised in line with their specific purpose. Various types of processing are used for the aluminium components, for instance, which are produced as permanent mould castings or vacuum die castings before being processed into extruded sections or used in the form of sheet aluminium with varying wall thicknesses. The result is high rigidity, high safety and improved vibration characteristics. For the cover behind the tank, the designers use even lighter magnesium material in certain areas. High-strength steel tubes are integrated into the A-pillars for safety reasons.
The boot lid helps to further trim the weight. For the first time on a volume-produced model, the inner support is made from lightweight carbon-fibre composite. The extremely rigid carbon-fibre component is bonded to the plastic outer shell, resulting in a weight saving of five kilograms compared with a conventional boot lid – an innovative solution that is being pioneered with the AMG SL models. This raft of innovative lightweight-design measures means that, at an EC kerb weight of 1950 kilograms, the new SL 65 AMG is 170 kilograms lighter than the model it replaces.

AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control

Mercedes-AMG also makes systematic use of lightweight construction principles for the suspension. The steering knuckles and spring links of the 4-link front suspension and almost all of the multi-link independent rear suspension components are made of aluminium. Both the vehicle's handling agility and the response of the spring and damper components are enhanced by the reduction in unsprung masses. Like the predecessor model, the new SL 65 AMG is equipped as standard with the ABC active suspension system. The AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control fitted in the eight-cylinder SL 63 AMG has been enhanced and its setup optimised for this new top-of-the-range model.

Driving dynamics and performance were the key objectives during the design, development and testing phases. It is possible to choose between two suspension settings at the touch of a button: distinctly sporty characteristics with reduced roll angles and firm body damping ("Sport") or a mode for high comfort on long journeys ("Comfort"). More negative camber on both axles and fully revised elastokinematics result in greater agility and faster cornering speeds.

New electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering

Equipped with the newly developed electro-mechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering, the V12 top model impresses with high dynamic qualities and eloquent feedback at the critical limits. The steering has a constant, more direct ratio and variable power assistance which adjusts in line with the suspension mode. Further standard equipment includes 3-stage ESP®, a speciality exclusive to AMG with "SPORT Handling" mode for particularly keen drivers, and an AMG rear axle differential which helps ensure that the phenomenal engine output is put down on the road as effectively as possible.

All the qualities expected of an AMG high-performance braking system – excellent deceleration characteristics, optimum sensitivity and high resistance to fading – are delivered to perfection by the newly developed brake system of the SL 65 AMG. It features 390 x 36 mm compound discs with six-piston fixed callipers at the front and 360 x 26 mm integral discs with single-piston sliding callipers at the rear. An electric parking brake is fitted as standard. Red-painted callipers, as well as the even more powerful weight-optimised AMG ceramic high-performance compound brake system as seen on the SLS AMG, are available from the AMG Performance Studio as options.

New AMG brand face with two blade-like louvres

The new SL 65 AMG lives up to its stylish and exclusive high-performance roadster claim not only with its engineering but through its looks, too. The SL 65 AMG is the first model to feature the new AMG brand face. The two elements which dominate the form – the radiator grille and the lower cooling air intake – are retained but in reinterpreted form which gives them a more distinctive identity in terms of dynamism and the sense of perceived value they convey. The central styling feature is the new "twin blade" radiator grille in high-sheen chrome. The Mercedes star is mounted on two blade-like louvres whose profile recalls that of an aircraft wing. The more pronounced V-shape of the radiator grille optimises the longitudinal proportions of the vehicle and so adds even greater visual emphasis to the attributes of aerodynamics and purism.

Below the "twin blade" radiator grille, the stylised "A", a characteristic feature of AMG vehicles, is retained. A gap formed below a fine black fin at the lower edge of the cooling air opening allows an optimum airflow over the cooling modules – a perfect combination of aesthetics and high technology. The lower cross strut in the front apron is finished in high-sheen chrome and is given a perceived sense of depth by the gap above it – a distinctive note which adds the perfect finishing touch to the front of the vehicle. The "twin blade" radiator grille and lower cross strut are the two complementary styling elements which underline the new AMG brand face – a look which will be picked up by the styling of future AMG models and so further increase the recognition value of the AMG performance brand.

The V12 top model is distinguished from the SL 63 AMG through the strategic use of high-sheen chrome highlights: along with the "twin blade" radiator grille and the lower cross strut, the surrounds of the special AMG daytime running lamps as well as the fins on the bonnet and the side of the wings have the same finish. Further characteristic AMG styling cues to be found on the SL 65 AMG include the front apron with large openings for the engine oil, water, charge air and transmission oil coolers, the specially shaped side sill panels, the AMG spoiler lip and the diffuser-look rear apron with a vehicle-colour insert.

In addition to the two special chromed twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system, the characteristic V12 features include the "V12 BITURBO" legend on the front wings and the AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish and equipped with 255/35 R 19 and 285/30 R 19 tyres at front and rear respectively. AMG multi-spoke forged light-alloy wheels from the AMG Performance Studio with 255/35 R 19 front tyres and 285/30 R 20 rear tyres reduce the unsprung masses. The forged wheels are also available in matt black with a high-sheen rim flange.

Vario-roof: MAGIC SKY CONTROL as an option

The sixth-generation SL retains the electrohydraulically operated vario-roof which can be retracted to save space, enabling the SL 65 AMG to be transformed into a roadster or a coupé, as the mood takes the driver and depending on the weather, in under 20 seconds. In contrast to the predecessor model, there are two versions to choose from for the new SL: the panoramic vario-roof or the unique panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL. The transparency of the latter can be switched to light or dark at the push of a button.

Interior: a feast for all the senses

Inside, too, the SL 65 AMG has exclusive design and equipment features which differentiate it from its eight-cylinder sister model. The electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with single or two-tone upholstery in Exclusive nappa leather with a special AMG diamond pattern are a particular highlight. This distinctive upholstery is also to be found on the door centre panels. Embossed AMG emblems on the seat backrests are standard, as are AIRSCARF neck-level heating, multicontour functionality, seat memory and climatised seats. The designo headlining in leather with partial AMG V12 diamond-design quilting provides the perfect visual and tactile finishing touch.

The design of the cockpit recalls the SLS AMG: the four air vents styled like jet engines, the E-SELECT lever and the AMG DRIVE UNIT are all reminiscent of the super sports car's styling. The choice of exquisite materials and the first-class workmanship which characterise the interior of the SL 65 AMG indulge all the senses. Highlights include the AMG carbon-fibre trim elements, the IWC-design analogue clock, the chromed AMG door sill panels illuminated in white and the AMG Performance steering wheel which is embellished by an AMG logo in the lower metal insert. A speedometer calibrated to 360 km/h in the AMG instrument cluster and the AMG start-up display with an exclusive AMG V12 BITURBO animation hint at the exceptionally dynamic performance of the SL 65 AMG.

The twelve-cylinder roadster has exclusive and comprehensive equipment and appointments to meet just about every requirement (selection):

AIRSCARF
Active Parking Assist incl. PARKTRONIC
ATTENTION ASSIST
Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system
COMAND Online with 6-disc DVD changer
Anti-theft alarm system
Frontbass
Remote-unlocking boot lid incl. power closing for boot lid
Intelligent Light System ILS
KEYLESS-GO Convenience package (incl. remote-closing boot lid and HANDS-FREE ACCESS system)
Convenience telephony
MAGIC VISION CONTROL
NECK-PRO head restraints
Panoramic vario-roof
PRE-SAFE® system
Door power closing
Automatic, pop-up roll-over bars for driver and front passenger

Even more individuality is possible with optional extras from the AMG Performance Studio:

AMG forged light-alloy wheels
AMG forged light-alloy wheels, painted matt black, rim flange with a high-sheen finish
AMG ceramic high-performance compound brake system
AMG Exterior Carbon package (cross strut in front apron, exterior mirror housings and spoiler lip in genuine carbon fibre)
AMG Performance Media with telemetry function
AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre
Brake callipers, painted red

The designo range for the SL 65 AMG, available ex factory, offers a wealth of tailor-made individualisation options to cater for practically any requirement. As well as being able to choose between designo magno cashmere white and designo magno alanite grey matt paintwork or designo mocha black and designo graphite metallic paintwork, customers can also opt for an expressive designo zircon red paint finish. There is a range of Exclusive designo leather appointments in eight attractive colours to match these paint finishes. All rounded off perfectly by a choice of designo trim, headlining and seat-belt options.

One of the world's safest roadsters

A crash-optimised aluminium structure, standard-fit PRE-SAFE® system and assistance systems on a par with those of the S-Class make the SL one of the world's safest roadsters. The rigid aluminium bodyshell forms a robust occupant compartment as well as precisely defined deformation zones at the front and rear. If the vehicle rolls over, A-pillars made from a steel-aluminium material mix and two automatic roll-over bars help to protect the occupants.

The restraint systems, including two-stage driver and passenger airbags, have been further enhanced. A headbag covers much of the side head-impact area. An additional thorax airbag in the backrest can protect the upper body in the event of a side impact. Further new standard features for the SL include the Mercedes-Benz-developed NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints. An active bonnet and a front end with a large, yielding impact area help ensure pedestrian protection.
The market launch of the new Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG will take place in September 2012. The sales price in Germany (incl. 19% VAT) is: SL 65 AMG: 236,334 euros

source : Mercedes-Benz Press