German Car Zone

U.S. spec Mercedes SL Facelift and SL63 Details



Earlier today we posted information about the European launch of Mercedes’ facelifted SL convertible and now we have all the details for the U.S. market. Americans will once again miss out on the V6 models, including the new entry-level SL280, and instead get updated versions of the SL550 V8 and SL600 V12 models. The flagship SL65 from AMG will also be on offer and is expected to be joined further down the track by a new SL63 (pictured) fitted with the tuner’s hand-built 6.3L V8.

Power levels are unchanged for the big-cube models but both engines get a slight bump in fuel economy. The 5.5L V8 still musters a healthy 388hp while the V12 in the SL600 dishes out 517hp thanks to its pair of turbos. The SL63, meanwhile, will get the venerable 525hp 6.3L V8 engine and the AMG speedshift seven-speed transmission. Other features include a unique front bonnet, custom bodykit, darkened bi-xenon headlamps and taillights, and 19in light-alloy wheels in a new triple-spoke design.

Like European models, U.S. spec cars get the new Airscarf heating system, which is optional on SL550 models and standard on the SL600 and SL65. An updated COMAND system with a 6.5in screen and 4GB hard-drive also features and is fully compatible with iPods, USB sticks, and memory cards.

The car will officially go on sale Stateside after making its local debut at the New York Auto Show in April.


Link: Motor Authority U.S. spec Mercedes SL facelift and SL63 details

[quote=cawimmer430;273471] U.S. spec Mercedes SL Facelift and SL63 Details



The SL63, meanwhile, will get the venerable 525hp 6.3L V8 engine and the AMG speedshift seven-speed transmission. Other features include a unique front bonnet, custom bodykit, darkened bi-xenon headlamps and taillights, and 19in light-alloy wheels in a new triple-spoke design.



The specific bonnet and kit is very good.

However, the AMG speedshift transmission...Wasn't it supposed to have a new MCT transmission with wet clutch? If not it is bad news...

Very good for the specific bonnet and kit.

But wasn't it supposed to feature the new MCT with wet clutch?

Hi,

No idea about the MCT transmission. I'm so busy these days I don't really follow up much on MB news.

Will do so later when I can find a little time.

Images and engine details have surfaced that take the new SL 63 AMG to its own heights. AMG has not been too shy to exploit the potential of the 6.2-litre V8, going as much as 450kW/ 603 bhp in some models (limited only by the inability of engineers to cool down the unit effectively). But we know there’s more potential here. For now though the SL 63 is the new one to watch.

Several changes have been made to differentiate the car from its predecessor, something crucial in dealing with “facelifts” as it were. A new AMG spoiler lip has been inserted, giving the car an edgy feel to it. Darkened bi-xenon headlights exude style and power, while the radiator grille is painted gloss black. We don’t have the entire catalogue of pictures yet, but in white it should contrast brilliantly with this grille.

The SL 63 AMG unit wears 19-inch alloy wheels, which, with all due respect, are more common to VW GTI types nowadays. A larger wheel may have been called for at this level of car. At the rear tail lights are darker too, with AMG-encrypted, chromed twin-oval pipes displaying what the car is capable of, in a straight line at least. Most of us will be used to this end of it anyway. Oh, the bonnet/ hood is new too; sharp, kinky, very C-Class like.

Inside the AMG sports seats are standard in nappa leather upholstery. Things like AMG sports steering, AMG instrument cluster and carbon-fiber trim complete the interior picture.

Now that I’ve bored you to drooling stage, can we talk about the real reason you are reading this? Yes, there is a 6.2-litre V8 underneath there. It is not accompanied by force-feeding, but does produce a healthy dose of some 386kW/ 525 bhp. And guess what? The ESP can be switched off in three stages. Time to hold on tight then! The new MCT 7-speed sports transmission is in effect, and should change much quicker than the standard 7-speed G-Tronic. Yet another double-clutch system? Sure looks it. High-performance brakes and a new AMG sports suspension come with the package, as well as a speed-sensitive steering wheel system.

Mercedes SL 63 AMG - First Detail and Images

Oh hell I thought they had something new to say!

M

What happpen to the officiall news about MCT?