Ahead of its official debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show next month, Mercedes Benz has unleashed its new SL63 AMG. With less weight, more power, and an advanced multi-clutch transmission onboard, the new model offers prospective buyers and car enthusiasts an impressive package.
One of the major issues that plagued the last generation model was its weight, which saw the two-seat convertible weigh in at about the same as some full-size SUVs. To remedy this, the new model, which benefits from the same lightweight aluminium construction underpinning the regular 2013 SL Class on which itâs based, weighs in at 4,059 pounds. While this is still considerably heavy for a two-seater itâs now 275 pounds lighter than the model it replaces. This improves performance across the board including faster acceleration, shorter stopping distances, better handling and increased mileage.
AMGâs now familiar M-157 twin turbo-charged 5.5 litre V8 allows the SL63 AMG to offer two different power outputs for the first time. Normally, the engine delivers 530 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque however with the optional AMG Performance Package these figures rise to 557 horsepower and 664 pound-feet respectively. This results in an acceleration from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds reaching a top speed 186 mph that is electronically limited with the Performance package. In normal mode the SL63 AMG will take 4.2 seconds to reach 60 mph and max out at an electronically limited 155 mph.
According to Mercedes, fuel economy is estimated at 23.8 mpg combined.
In terms of handling and dynamics, the 2013 SL63 AMG gets an enhanced version of the AMG sports suspension thatâs based on the Mercedes-Benz active damping setup. Here, the driver can choose between two different modes â âSportâ and âComfortâ.
The interior is very similar to that found in the new SL Class, although with a few unique AMG elements such the Nappa leather AMG sports seats, AMG DRIVE UNIT for selecting all the varying performance modes of the transmission, AMG badges, and an AMG instrument cluster.
Micheal Schumacher and Nico Rosberg unveiled the Mercedes SL63 AMG alongside the AMG Petronas that they will be driving in the 2012 Formula One World Championship.
