The new Mercedes-AMG SL 63 and SL 65: High-performance roadsters are now even more attractive

Mercedes-AMG is further enhancing its SL 63 and SL 65 high-performance roadsters with updated technology and expressive design. The front-end features a completely new design, with a radiator grille which broadens out towards the bottom and the A-wing front spoiler. The stylish light signature and the highly comprehensive scope of standard equipment and appointments underscore the high-quality impression. The engines set the benchmark in the high-performance roadster segment: the 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine equipped on the SL 63 generates an output of 577 hp and peak torque of 664 lb-ft. The SL 65 is powered by a 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine rated at 621 hp and delivering 738 lb-ft of peak torque.

Outstanding performance, impressive driving characteristics and the expressive, stylishly honed design are hallmarks of the new Mercedes-AMG SL 63 and Mercedes-AMG SL 65. The technical highlights include the AMG-developed sports suspension based on Active Body Control, the rear-axle differential lock which is now standard, the even more responsive AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission (SL 63) and the five updated AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programs.

"Our updated SL 63 and SL 65 high-performance roadsters offer a unique driving experience, combining hallmark AMG 'Driving Performance' with the pleasures of open-air motoring and superior comfort on long journeys," notes Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The SL 63 and SL 65 premiered at the Los Angeles Auto Show; the Canadian market launch will begin in late spring 2016.

The data at a glance:

* Electronically limited

Both roadsters offer more power and torque than their respective competitors in this segment. These engines result in high-calibre performance, as illustrated by figures for acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 and 3.9 seconds for the SL 63 and SL 65 respectively.

The powerhouses incorporate numerous high-tech components for high power output combined with low fuel consumption: in addition to spray-guided Piezo direct fuel injection, further features include an all-aluminium crankcase, twin turbocharging, four valves per cylinder with camshaft adjustment and an air/water intercooler. The AMG sport exhaust system provides a striking engine sound with an individual character. Enlarged radiators in the front and special vents in the hood add an aggressive appearance for the AMG variants and feed the intercoolers with air to ensure the required heat balance for the engines.

Performance is also boosted by the sports suspension based on Active Body Control, the AMG high-performance composite brake system (and optional AMG high performance composite ceramic braking system) and the redeveloped AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission (AMG SL 63) or AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC (AMG SL 65).

The intelligent lightweight design is also a major contributing factor to the high driving dynamics. On the SL models the light all-aluminium bodyshell provides the basis for high rigidity, safety and comfort combined with the lowest possible weight. The designers have used the even lighter material magnesium for the panel behind the tank. The trunk lid contributes to a further reduction in weight. The interior support consists of a light carbon-fibre composite material. The extremely rigid carbon-fibre component benefits from AMG's motorsport expertise and is bonded to the equally very light plastic outer shell. This results in weight savings of 5 kilograms in comparison to a conventional trunk lid.

Sports suspension based on Active Body Control

The steering knuckles and spring links of the 4-link front axle and almost all the wheel control parts of the multi-link rear suspension are also produced in weight-optimized aluminium. The reduction in unsprung masses benefits not only agility, but also the response of the spring-damper elements.

Mercedes-AMG remains faithful to the Active Body Control (ABC) active spring and damper system. For even greater agility and high cornering speeds, the AMG SL models have more negative camber all round and fully revised, substantially stiffer elastokinematics. At the touch of a button, the optional Performance suspension (available for AMG SL 63 only) offers an emphatically sporty characteristic with reduced roll angles and taut body damping at the touch of a button ("Sport") or a more comfort-oriented set-up for a high level of comfort on longer journeys ("Comfort").

In conjunction with the new electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering, the AMG roadsters offer agile cornering and clear feedback to the driver when the car is approaching its critical limits. The steering features a constant and more direct ratio and variable power assistance which adapts according to the selected suspension set-up. The standard scope of equipment also includes a 3-stage ESP® traction control system with a "SPORT Handling" mode for particularly ambitious drivers.

Even more responsive: AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission on the AMG SL 63 boasts tailor-made dynamics and high variability. Whether automatic or initiated by the driver using the steering wheel shift paddles, upshifts and downshifts are executed noticeably faster than on the previous model. Especially in "Sport Plus" and in manual mode, the transmission response is now even more prompt. This enhanced spontaneity was made possible by optimizing the engine and transmission software. Furthermore, the new aluminium shift paddles are now able to transmit the driver's commands to change gears even faster. Overall the driving feel and dynamics have therefore been sharpened for the new model.

Optimum traction: rear-axle differential lock as standard

For improved traction and driving dynamics, the AMG SL 63 and AMG SL 65 are equipped with a mechanical rear-axle differential lock as standard. This reduces the slip on the inside wheel when cornering without any control intervention in the braking system, allowing the driver to accelerate out of corners earlier thanks to the improved traction offered by the differential. The car remains more stable when braking from high speeds, and the limited-slip differential also improves traction when accelerating fast from a standing start.

AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes

The five different driving programs "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport Plus",

"Individual" and "RACE" provide the driver with a broad scope for influencing the characteristics of the SL 63 and SL 65. Numerous parameters can be modified, from throttle response to engine sound, enabling the utmost in individualization. In the "Comfort" program the driver experiences a gentle transmission characteristic with comfortable and early gear changes. In "C" mode the car always starts in second gear for a fluid start. In the other driving modes the engine and transmission demonstrate substantially greater agility, in addition to which gear changes are faster. On the SL 63, an automatic double-declutching function when downshifting and the RACE START function also form part of the standard scope of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission.

Expressive and distinctive: the exterior design

The striking design emphasizes the two high-performance roadsters' self-assured character. The front section is totally new and markedly more expressive. It is characterized by the newly designed twin-blade radiator grille, which is now wider at the bottom. The A-wing front apron, the large cooling air intakes with flics as an additional means of guiding air flows and the front splitter emphasize the vehicle's width. The newly designed hood combines design and function in the guise of classic powerdomes and the vents which are required for technical reasons.

The apron in a new diffuser look immediately catches the eye at the rear. Allred tail lights underscore the stylish character. The side skirts also feature a new design and incorporate different inserts according to the model concerned – in silver chrome on the SL 63, while the SL 65 is set apart by applications in high-gloss chrome. The Night package is optionally available for the first time, adding darkened trim elements around the body for a more sinister appearance.

The SL 63 leaves the factory with standard 10-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium grey and with a high-sheen finish, with a staggered fitment of 9 J x 19-inch wheels with 255/35 R 19 tires at the front and 10 J x 20-inch wheels with 285/30 R 20 tires at the rear. The SL 65 is fitted as standard with multispoke ceramic polished forged wheels. The front wheels come in size 9 J x 19 and are fitted with 255/35 R 19 tires, while the rear wheels in size 10 J x 20 are fitted with 285/30 R 20 tires.

Class materials, comprehensive scope of standard appointments: the interior

The lavishly appointed interior covers every wish: the standard scope includes sports seats in Nappa leather with optimized lateral support and model-specific upholstery layout, multicontour function and seat heating. The driver has a good grip on the AMG SL at all times with the new 3-spoke Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather featuring a flattened bottom rim and silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles. An AMG Performance steering wheel is also offered with DINAMICA inserts for additional grip during performance driving Carbon-fibre trim and the analogue clock in IWC design (exclusive to the AMG variants) highlight the high-performance roadsters' special standing. Optional AMG carbon-grain aluminium trim lends the open-top two-seaters an even more personal touch.

About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the Mercedes-Benz and AMG passenger vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Vans and smart. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,400 people in 21 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 11 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 46 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 44,526 vehicles in 2015. This represents the best year ever for the company and has positioned Mercedes-Benz as the top luxury manufacturer in Canada for the second consecutive year.

For more information, please contact:

JoAnne Caza               416-847-7550  joanne.caza@mercedes-benz.ca
Nathalie Gravel           416-847-7509  nathalie.gravel@mercedes-benz.ca

Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the internet at: www.mercedes-benz.ca/news