It all started in the U.S. with introduction of the Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series late last year; a luxury sports coupe that pushed the envelope of the standard version and gave even more power, performance, and exclusivity to even fewer people. The first car in the Black Series lineup was an overnight success, with hard-core enthusiasts the world over craving one for their own garage. In fact, the majority of the 350 cars bound for the U.S. were already spoken for even before they landed on American soil.
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Starting with the standard SL65 AMG (if you can call anything about that car “standard”), Mercedes’ in-house AMG Performance Studio tweaks the 6.0L V-12 bi-turbo engine for a full 670 hp—58 horses more than the SL65—while the torque figure remains identical at an electronically limited 738 lb-ft for drivability reasons (AMG claims that 885 lb-ft would be available in derestricted form). To achieve these gains, larger turbochargers were developed specifically for this application, while a new AMG sports exhaust and optimized airflow tubing round out the power boost. The result is a heart-pounding 3.9 sec sprint from standstill to 62 mph and an electronically limited top speed just a single mph shy of the magical 200-mph mark.
As expected on a car of this type, various aerodynamic aids have been implemented to not only give the appearance of added performance, but to actually perform the task. A concealed CFRP rear spoiler will raise at speeds exceeding 75 mph, while a wider front apron incorporates new carbon splitters to direct airflow in an optimal manner. Out back, a carbon rear diffuser fits neatly between the outlets of the new sports exhaust system.
The Black Series SL appropriately receives all-black interior trim, with a few unique enhancements. New Nappa leather and Alcantara-wrapped sport seats feature AMG-embossed headrests, and a smaller diameter, flat-bottom steering wheel is trimmed in perforated leather. Silver-colored aluminum shift paddles, carbon-fiber center console trim, a carbon-fiber inlaid gearlever, carbon door panels, white gauge faces with LED shift lights, and Alcantara lining on the roof, A-, and C-pillars round out the special touches.
Pricing has not yet been announced for the new Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series, though the first examples of the limited-edition coupe will hit European showrooms in November.
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