Mercedes SL65 AMG Black
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Following SLK Black and CLK Black, the exotic Black series expands to the flagship SL. The existing 612-horsepower SL65 AMG is already one of the fastest grand tourers in the world (0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds, 0-124 mph in 12.9 seconds and a derestricted top speed of over 210 mph), but compare with the Black version it is nothing. This car is 60 hp more powerful yet 250 kg lighter. Its power-to-weight ratio is a good 24 percent higher than SL65 AMG, even higher than Lamborghini LP640. It does 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds, 0-124 mph (200km/h) in less than 10 seconds and 0-186 mph (300km/h) within 30 seconds. This matches the mighty SLR 722 built by McLaren.
[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]The objective of the SL65 AMG Black project is very simple: to take the limelight from McLaren back to in-house. The McLaren SLR project has never been as successful as Mercedes hoped for. Its performance wasn't good enough for its price (£340,000 for 722). Its cabin is cramped by the standard of Mercedes. Its ride is stiffer than many mid-engined supercars. But most important, its sales has been disappointing - so far only 1577 SLRs have been sold. By the time its production come to a stop next year, its accumulated sales will still be less than half of the number originally planned (3500 units). That is why Mercedes-AMG stopped working with McLaren and is now partnering with HWA (the company which runs AMG's racing program) to design and build its next generation supercar called "SLC". However, before that happen, AMG thinks itself is capable to do something. A Black series of SL65 AMG will come at the right time. Only 350 units will be made in less than 2 years before SLC arrived. Each of them is priced at a relatively reasonable £214,000 or US$300,000. It will offer the space and ride quality McLaren SLR couldn't hope for, and performance matching the latter.
Yes, dump the British and go it alone [/SIZE][SIZE=-1]Based on the production SL65, AMG modified the car thoroughly. First, the twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 received a pair of larger turbochargers with 12 percent higher flow and a 30 percent more powerful intercooler. Water cooling to the engine has been enhanced, while new exhaust silencers return lower back pressure. Maximum power is increased to 670 horsepower at 5400 rpm, while max torque remains unchanged at 738 lb-ft (1000Nm) from 2200 rpm continuously to 4200 rpm. This is because Mercedes' 5-speed automatic is only capable of withstanding 1000 Nm.
Due to this tremendous torque, it cannot employ the newer 7-speed MCT gearbox that serves SL63 AMG. However, the shift pattern of the gearbox has been revised to deliver more driver appeal. Apart from the usual Comfort, Sport and Manual mode, AMG added a second Manual mode (M2) whose shift time is 25 percent faster than M1. The gearbox also facilitates throttle-blip on downshift to match rev thus shortens shift time.
[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]An important part of the performance upgrade is weight reduction. Considerable weight is saved by ditching the retractable roof mechanism, replaced by an aluminum roll cage (which also stiffens the chassis) and a fixed carbon-fiber roof panel. All other parts of the bodywork, except the standard aluminum doors, are also converted to carbon-fiber composites. These include the bumpers, bonnet, fenders and boot lid. Overall, the SL65 AMG Black tips the scale at 1870 kg (EU) or 1795 kg (DIN), some 250 kg lighter than the standard car. [/SIZE][SIZE=-1]Surprisingly, the diet did not stripe out the cabin. Most luxury features and leather/alcantara trim remain. The most obvious weight saving is the carbon-fiber bucket seats. Other changes include a small-diameter flat-bottom steering wheel and some carbon-fiber decors to enhance visual appeal.
[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]Some weight is saved from the suspensions instead. Gone is the heavy ABC active body control suspension, replaced by conventional springs and dampers. However, like CLK63 AMG Black, the dampers here are racing-style adjustable dampers. Compression rate, rebound rate, ride height camber and track width are all adjustable. So this car has been designed with track days in mind. The rear axle now features a limited-slip differential. The ESP stability control offers 3 levels of intervention, including a complete off. The steering has faster ratio. The brakes are uprated, of course, 391mm and 360mm ventilated steel discs, 6-pot and 4-pot calipers front and rear respectively. They are the largest brakes ever on an AMG model. The wheels and tires are monster sizes, even larger than SLR's (see table below).[/SIZE][SIZE=-1]
From these photos you can see the Black version has much wider tracks than the standard car, some 97mm wider up front and 85 wider at the rear thanks to the race-car-like fenders. Countless of large air intakes and outlets are opened for the benefits of cooling and aerodynamics. Note that a new tail spoiler, normally recesses flush in the body, raises in the air at above 75 mph to enhance downforce. This allows the car to run stably at 199 mph. Mercedes did not cooperate with tire makers to develop special tires for 200 mph+ run, so it has to set the electronic regulation at 199 mph. In fact, the car has a potential of 220 mph if derestricted.
Now do you still want a SLR ?[/SIZE]
