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The Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series - the exclusive high-performance coupé for the discriminating motorist

Affalterbach – Sensational appearance, unique performance data, with light-weight design throughout and total exclusivity - that's the new Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series. This high-performance coupé is a motorsport engineering thoroughbred, opening up new drive dynamic vistas to sports car enthusiasts. The AMG 6.0 litre V12 biturbo engine, with a maximum output of 493 kW/670 bhp and 1000 Newtonmeters of torque, guarantees super sports car level performance. The powerful two-seater was developed in the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO and represents the continuation of the highly successful Black Series strategy pursued by AMG, the Mercedes-Benz Cars Performance brand.

Broad, muscular and ready to pounce - that's the new Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series. Even when stationary, the coupé's superlative dynamism can arouse great passions. The strikingly broad mudguards, the retractable rear spoiler and the rear apron with diffuser fins point unmistakably to its motorsport origins, part of the Mercedes-AMG corporate philosophy for more than 40 years. One glance at the new SL 65 AMG Black Series and you are reminded of the successful AMG racing sports cars like the present DTM C-Class or the 1997 CLK-GTR from the FIA-GT series.

Wide cooling air apertures in the front apron and the bonnet are the clearest indication of the massive power of this AMG twelve-cylinder, biturbocharged engine. From its 5980 cubic capacity, the AMG V12's engine generates a maximum power of 493 kW/670 bhp at 5400 rpm and an electronically limited torque of 1000 Newtonmeters between 2200 and 4200 rpm. Without a limiter, the AMG 6.0 litre V12 biturbo engine, which is hand-built in the AMG engine factory in accordance with the "one man – one engine" philosophy, would achieve a maximum torque of 1200 Newtonmeters. Compared with the basis power pack in the 450 kW/612 bhp SL 65 AMG, new turbochargers were developed for the twelve-cylinder SL 65 AMG Black Series engine. The turbochargers' spiral cross-section, now twelve per cent larger, and the optimised wastegate ducts permit increased air throughput and an even more impressive display of power in all engine speed ranges. The modified intake air ducting results in an even more spontaneous response. The new design for the AMG sports exhaust gas system's rear silencers reduce the exhaust gas backpressure and help increase the power output. The acoustic side effect of this is to produce a distinctive twelve-cylinder sound, typically evocative of AMG engine tuning, from the two trapezoidal tail pipes. The low-temperature charge air cooler, now 30 per cent more powerful, and the optimised water cooling system guarantee not only that the power generated under extreme dynamic driving conditions is exploited to the maximum but also the greatest possible fatigue strength at high outside temperatures.

Unique performance thanks to attractive power-to-weight ratio

The extraordinary engine specifications, which make the SL 65 AMG Black Series the most powerful AMG model yet, help to produce unique performance data: from a standing start, it takes just 3.8 seconds to reach 100 km/h; top speed is 320 km/h (electronically limited).

Equally responsible for its excellent dynamics is the attractive power-to-weight ratio of only 2.79 bhp/kg, resulting from the comparably low unladen weight of 1870 kilograms, according to EU standard measurement. This makes the SL 65 AMG Black Series some 250 kilograms lighter than the SL 65 AMG - a respectable weight saving due specifically to the use of lightweight construction. Numerous bodywork components are made of high-strength and particularly light carbon fibre composites (CFRP), a well-proven motorsports technology. The 14 centimetre wider front mudguard, the front apron with the visible carbon front splitter, the bonnet and the boot lid are all made from CFRP. Large apertures in the bonnet ensure that excess heat is reliably ducted away from the engine. "V12 Biturbo“ lettering on the front mudguards gives an indication of the engine's power.

New CFRP roof with integral roll-over bar

The whole CFRP roof shell has taken on a completely new design. Not only does it now have an integral roll-over bar but, by no longer having the typical SL vario roof installed, the roof line has a significantly flatter profile. This is also evident from a glance at the bigger rear window, now placed at a less sharp angle to the boot lid. The CFRP rear spoiler, concealed in the boot lid, automatically extends twelve centimetres at 120 km/h, effectively reducing the lift force on the rear axle at high speeds. Looked at from the rear, the conspicuous feature is the new rear apron with its visible carbon diffuser. Concealed within it is the active cooling system for the rear axle locking differential.

New, weight-optimised, twin-spoke design, AMG forged alloy wheels - 19 inch wheels at the front and 20 inch at the rear - impressively occupy the whole of each wheel housing. With their black paintwork, high-sheen surface and matt finish, they lend a note of extravagance to the side profile.

Power transmission with double-declutch function and four transmission modes

Matching the outstanding performance potential and the versatile drive dynamics, the SL 65 AMG Black Series also displays its power pack and suspension at their best. An AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS five-speed automatic gearbox transmits power to the rear wheels. There is a choice between four transmission modes: "C", "S", "M1" and "M2" which has gearshift times 25 per cent quicker than the "M1" mode. The torque converter's lockup clutch guarantees extremely direct gearshifting in all driving situations right from first gear. The automatic double-declutch function not only makes shifting down a more pleasurable task, it also ensures that the load alteration effect is reduced.

AMG adjustable coil spring sports suspension and 3-stage ESP

As for the suspension, the AMG experts have put their trust in a new design. The AMG sports suspension has been designed on adjustable coil spring lines; this well-proven motorsports solution allows the shock absorbers' rebound and compression stages, the ride height, wheel alignment and camber to be adjusted. This means that the driver can adjust the suspension to suit his own personal specifications when driving on racing circuits. The spring links, camber struts and pull/push rods on both axles are new developments and each axle has a weight-optimised aluminium wheel carrier. Compared with the standard SL 65 AMG, the Black Series front axle track width is 97 millimetres wider and the rear axle track width 85 millimetres wider. The new front axle kinematics produce an 8 per cent more direct steering ratio; and the completely re-designed elastokinematics ensure noticeably greater steering precision. A multiple-disc limited-slip differential on the rear axle with a 40 per cent locking effect guarantees optimum traction.

The 3-stage sports function ESP is a by-word for maximum driving pleasure and outstanding drive dynamics: The driver can choose between "ESP ON", "ESP SPORT" and "ESP OFF" by pressing the ESP button; the AMG instrument cluster will then show whichever mode is currently activated on the central display.

Sports tyres and composite disc brakes for best performance

The wheel-tyre combination chosen is also responsible for a superb performance by the SL 65 AMG Black Series on racing circuits. 265/35 R 19 tyres are fitted to 9.5 inch wide AMG light-alloy wheels on the front axle. The impressive format for the rear axle is AMG 11.5 x 20 light-alloy wheels with 325/30 R 20 tyres. Dunlop, DTM's motorsports partner, supplies the "Sport Maxx GT" sport tyres which provide particularly good grip and permit astonishing cornering speeds.

The large AMG high-performance brake system can be seen through the filigree structure of the AMG twin-spoke light-alloy wheels. Internally ventilated and perforated disc brakes engineered in particularly strong composite materials are employed all round. On the front axle, braking is undertaken by six-piston fixed callipers and 390 x 36 mm discs; on the rear axles, this task is carried out by four-piston fixed callipers and 360 x 26 mm discs.

A functional and lovingly designed interior

Nappa leather, Alcantara and carbon: the interior of the SL 65 AMG Black Series provides the perfect ambience to set the pulses of sports car enthusiasts racing. The interior, entirely in black, exudes the functional atmosphere of a genuine racing sports car while the lovingly designed details have the power to captivate.

Newly developed AMG sports bucket seats made of CFRP (ECE version only) provide perfect lateral support for the occupants when taking bends fast. The seats without side airbags are upholstered in fine-grained nappa leather and Alcantara with embossed AMG lettering in the head restraints. With its 15 millimetre smaller diameter, flattened lower profile and with both sides perforated for easier grip, the AMG Performance steering wheel provides maximum vehicle control. The silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles allow manual gear selection.

Additional highlights in the centre console are the high-quality carbon trim parts, the gleaming matt start/stop button, the new selector lever with carbon inlay and the AMG logo with "Black Series" lettering. Matching features are the carbon door centre panels with embossed AMG lettering, together with the roof lining and the A and C-pillars upholstered in Alcantara anthracite.

The AMG instrument cluster is a completely new design. The black speedometer with its scale reading up to 360 km/h has also been re-designed; and the same is true of the white rev counter which has four integral LEDs to advise the driver of the optimum gearshift points.

Exhaustive development in all the world's climate zones

Exhaustive development and testing of the SL 65 AMG Black Series began in 2006. AMG engineers and technicians test drove ten prototypes and experimental vehicles in all the world's climate zones. Whether it was fast circuits of the Nürburgring, high-speed test driving in Nardo (Italy), wind tunnel testing, intensive test driving in summer heat or the cold of the Arctic or actual crash testing – the new AMG high-performance coupé had to prove its production readiness under all conditions. In total, the SL 65 AMG Black Series was test-driven for roughly 30,000 kilometres on various circuits, 15,000 kilometres of which were on the Nürburgring north loop alone, acknowledged to be the world's most difficult race circuit.

Like the SLK 55 AMG Black Series and the CLK 63 AMG Black Series before it, the SL 65 AMG Black Series was also developed in the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO, which opened in 2006. The first vehicles will be delivered to customers, starting in November 2008.

Will the AMG SL65 Black Series live up to our expectations? The corporate goal was to create the ultimate Black Series, a vehicle of outstanding prowess on track and off, whose every line and detail underscores its dominance and top-level performance a vehicle to appeal to each of the five senses.

While development officially began in 2006, AMG Mercedes claims the SL 65 AMG Black Series is the culmination of more than 40 years of AMG engineering, motorsports and steadfast dedication to performance - a descendant of its forbearers if you will.

Click here for full details concerning the new AMG SL 65 Black Series (press release from AMG Mercedes-Benz).

Like the SLK 55 AMG Black Series and the CLK 63 AMG Black Series before it, the SL 65 AMG Black Series was also developed in the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO, which opened in 2006. The first vehicles will be delivered to customers, starting in November 2008.

You can view multiple images of the SL 65 AMG Black Series on the homepage of the Private Lounge. The promo also includes desktop wallpaper images for your computer and cell phone.

As part of a major content update to AMG TV, you will find that in addition to adding the SPEED Channel C63 AMG Fire and Ice Program in its entirety. Mercedes AMG has added more than 20 new video segments on a variety of models and features.

To access the videos, you need to visit AMG TV in the main section of the AMG Private Lounge (more info about the AMG Private Lounge here). Once you are logged in to the Private Lounge, look for “AMG TV” on the far right hand side of navigation bar at the top of the page. You will find the three part program in the “TV Spotlights” section of AMG TV.

Once or twice a year, we'll scour the web for Mercedes-Benz raffles. The odds of winning are almost always orders of magnitude better than your local lottery - and they are all for good causes:

National Humane Society Charity Raffle
2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS 550 or $50,000 Cash
Phone (24 Hrs): 1.877.816.7176
Tickets are $100 each. Buy 3 Tickets Get 3 Free.
Drawing To Be Held 6/23/08

Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA)
2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK 550 Cabriolet (1st Prize)
There are multiple prizes
Tickets are $50 each (MBCA members only)
Drawing To Be Held 08/13/08 

FYI: AMG Market is not involved with the raffles nor benefits from the proceeds. Good luck!

6 gas-saving myths

By Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNNMoney.com staff writer

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — With gasoline prices hitting record levels, it seems everyone has a tip on how to save fuel. Much of the advice is well-intentioned, but in the end, much of it won’t lower your gas bill.

Here’s a look at a few misconceptions:

#1. Fill your tank in the morning

You may have heard that it’s best to fill your gas tank in the early morning while the fuel is cold. The theory goes that fluids are more dense at lower temperatures, so a gallon of cold gas actually has more gas molecules than a gallon of warmer gas.

But the temperature of the gasoline as it comes out of the nozzle varies little during the course of the day, according to Consumer Reports, so there’s little, if any, benefit, to getting up early to pump gas.

#2. Change your air filter

Maintaining your car is important, but a clean air filter isn’t going to save you any gas. Modern engines have computer sensors that automatically adjust the fuel-air mixture as an increasingly clogged air filter chokes off the engine’s air supply.

While engine power will decrease slightly as the air filter becomes clogged, a lack of performance or an increase in fuel consumption will be negligible, Consumer Reports says.

#3. Use premium fuel

With prices already over $4.00 a gallon, premium gasoline is a hard sell these days. But a lot of drivers think because Read the rest of this entry »

The 2008 Mercedes-AMG C63 AMG will be arriving at dealerships across Canada in May. The 2008 C63 AMG makes its debut with the signature AMG 6.2 litre V8 engine that produces 451-hp and 443 lb-ft. of torque.  Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, while its 0-100 km/h time is 4.5 seconds. Introduced on the C63 AMG, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-Speed Automatic Transmission includes a new double de-clutching feature on downshifts to maintain vehicle balance during cornering, while delivering shift times up to 50 percent faster than previously.  The exterior of the C63 AMG differs significantly from other C-Class models with a unique hood (with power domes), widened front fenders and a special front fascia and numerous other components not shared with any C-Class model.

New Model Priced At $63,500

The C63 AMG is the ultimate expression of the AMG philosophy, providing benchmark engine performance along with outstanding handling characteristics. The C63 AMG will contribute to the continued success of the all-new C-Class line-up and has all the attributes to dominate in terms of performance, handling, luxury, value and price. Available in Canadian Mercedes-Benz dealerships in early May, the new C63 AMG will be priced at $63,500.

AMG V8 Power for the C-Class

One of the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8s ever, the 6.2-litre AMG engine boasts a wealth of exciting features derived from AMG’s highly successful racing efforts.

Read the rest of this entry »

Stuttgart - With the delivery of the 500,000th vehicle since its market launch in 1996, Mercedes-Benz has now reached another milestone with the successful SLK compact roadster. All in all, about 310,000 customers opted for a model from the first generation of this dynamic two-seater, and its successor has now sold 190,000 units since its market launch in March 2004.

“With the launch of the SLK in 1996, Mercedes-Benz successfully established the premium segment for compact roadsters. Thanks to innovative technology such as the vario-roof and the neck-level heating system AIRSCARF, the SLK has long been recognized as a cult car of modern times,” expains Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars, responsible for Sales and Marketing. “The new-generation SLK models, which we are delivering to customers since April 2008, are sportier than ever. I’m confident that the dynamic looks and performance of the new SLK will again set pulses racing among sports cars enthusiasts around the world.” Read the rest of this entry »

AMG Mercedes has a private forum for AMG owners where they release event info and news - the AMG Private Lounge. For example, on March 26 a team of AMG specialists will answer questions during a live forum event. You can register for the site using your VIN. Once registered, you can participate in the discussions and/or read the posts if you missed the event.

Here is the info for those interested: 

AMG ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS
With a team of MBUSA AMG Specialist on hand, bring on your questions! On Wednesday, March 26th from 9:00 PM EST to 10:00 PM EST AMG Product Management will join us for this unique opportunity to have your questions answered in our third chat session of 2008. The session will be located in the "Chat Section of the Private Lounge.

AMG AT THE NY AUTO SHOW
With an opportunity to host more than 100 Private Lounge members and guests at the AMG NY Auto Show Preview Night, the event was a full success. We are also happy to report that a Private Lounge member’s guest was also the winner of the IWC watch given away at the event. Details and images of the event can be found on the Private Lounge.

In other news, a date has been added to the AMG Challenge Graduate Program: 

FOR THE AMG PRIVATE LOUNGE
DATE ADDED - 2008 AMG CHALLENGE PRIVATE LOUNGE GRADUATE PROGRAM, APRIL 25, 2008 AND OCTOBER 5, 2008
We still have a small number of spots open for the Las Vegas date in April and we are now registering for the Miami date in October. The AMG Private Lounge is pleased to offer a 2008 AMG Graduate Challenge program to our members on Friday, April 25th in Las Vegas and Sunday, October 5th in Miami. These Private Lounge Graduate Challenge events will follow the same format as our standard Graduate Program with the addition of a few AMG surprises. Registration is first-come first-serve and is limited to 45 participants. Registration will fill up quickly so sign up now if you are interested. Visit the Private Lounge and look for the discussion boards.