2013 MERCEDES-BENZ SL 65 AMG BLASTS OFF

Now that the 2012 Geneva Motor Show is over, it’s time to look forward to the New York Auto Show next month. One car set to be a major attraction is the brand spanking new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG, a new supercar roadster for the boss. The car itself is the boss.

Packing a massive 6.0-litre V12 with two turbos, the car makes 463kW of power between 4800rpm and 5400rpm. Peak torque of 1 000Nm is achieved between 2300rpm and 4300rpm, all sent to the 255/35 R 19 rear wheels. The thing is driven by an AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic gearbox, and is said to be able to make its way from 0 – 100km/h in just 4 seconds flat. That compares well to the SLS AMG which IN4RIDE tested at 4 seconds at Gauteng altitude.

To its performance credit, the SL 65 AMG has lost about 170kg compared to the previous version. That’s massive and is a major reason for the improvement in performance as well as claimed fuel consumption. The latter is now 11.6 litres per 100km.

Some of the features included in the car are the Airscarf system that blows warm air into the back of your neck as you drive with the top open, safer driving through Attention Assist and a Bang & Olufsen sound system attached to a 6-DVD changer entertainment piece.

The car will be available at German dealerships in September at a price of €236 334 (R2.4 million). The current SL 65 AMG costs R2.5 million in Mzansi today.