The new Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG roadster made its first appearance this morning when F1 drivers Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg presented the car at the German team’s official Formula One test in Barcelona, Spain, ahead of its world premiere at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in early March.
At the heart of the high-performance version of the new SL is AMG’s new M157 engine, which is used on a variety of other Mercedes models such as the CLS 63 AMG sports saloon and the ML 63 AMG SUV.
The 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 unit is good for 529bhp and 590 lb-ft of torque, propelling the hardtop roadster from standstill to 60mph (96km/h) in 4.2 seconds en route to an electronically governed top speed of 155mph (250km/h).
There’s also an optional AMG Performance package that boosts output to 550bhp and 664 lb-ft, while reducing the 0 to 60mph time to 4.1 seconds and allowing the SL63 AMG to reach a maximum velocity of 186mph (299km/h).
Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a seven-speed AMG Speedshift. automatic transmission.
The new generation SL’s lightweight chassis made out of aluminum and magnesium has helped shave 275 pounds off the outgoing model, something that not only improves performance but also reduces fuel consumption – by up to 30 percent over the previous SL 63 AMG, says Mercedes.
A beefed up braking system with six-piston calipers up front and single-piston calipers at the back along with a reworked suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels shod in high-performance tires, and unique AMG touches inside and out, round out the package.
PHOTO GALLERY
