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Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series - First Look

Forget the McLaren-Mercedes SLR, oh you already have, because this outrageous SL65 AMG Black Series is the ultimate expression of the three-pointed star.

Let’s get the big numbers out of the way first: 661bhp, 780lb ft, 220mph (limited to 199mph), 0-62mph in ‘under 3.9sec’, 0-124mph in 10sec, £214,000.

Just 350 SL65 Black Series will be built, nine of which will be right-hand-drive, so we suggest hopping in your sluggish SLR and nipping down to your local dealer ASAP to secure yours.

The already insane standard SL65’s V12 engine has received a bigger pair of turbos, a more efficient intercooler and a freer- (fire?) breathing exhaust. It’s apparently capable of delivering an unbelievable 936lb ft torque (a Bugatti Veyron has 922lb ft), but has had to be reigned in to ensure that the car is drivable and that the gearbox isn’t vaporised.

In fact the engine is so muscular that the bonnet has had to be redesigned to squeeze it all in.

The other big news is the weight reduction. The biggest change is the switch from the metal folding hard top to a fixed carbon fibre lid, with an integrated roll-cage. The result is a kerb weight of 1870kg, 250kg less than the standard car.

Mercedes has yet to take the monster it has created to the Nurburgring, but AMG development boss Tobias Moers thinks that a sub-7min 45sec lap should be a walk in the park.

Tobias, if you’re listening, we’d be more than happy to help you out with that.

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User Comments

Read All Comments (1)
Ray Stiff
11:12:58 19 July 2008

what a car; I wonder if my wife will buy me one this xmas!

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