German Car Zone

New Merc SL, new AMG: meet the SL63

Wednesday, February 06, 2008



The car that made the Mercedes SL mega, the SL55 AMG, is dead: long live the SL63. Pictures of the replacement for the supercharged AMG open-top leaked onto the internet earlier this week – we'll be bringing you the rest of the official ones later this week. For the time being, though, Autocar can exclusively reveal all the official details on the new firebrand folding tin-top.
It's AMG 63s all round

The SL55 AMG was the last car in Mercedes’ line-up that used AMG’s supercharged 5.4-litre V8; the new SL63 will run the same 6.2-litre normally aspirated V8 that you’ll find in the marque’s C63-, E63-, CLS63-, CLK63-, S63-, CL63- and ML63 models (the AMG family is a big one these days). In the SL, it'll appear in range-topping 518bhp tune.
What sets the SL63 apart from its rangemates, though, is its gearbox. It’ll be the first Mercedes to use a new seven-speed robotised paddleshift manual 'box from AMG called Speedshift MCT. This system uses a single compact wet start-up clutch rather than a torque converter, conveying power directly to the car’s driveline.
The MCT system will have four drive modes, be capable of double-declutching and have a Race Start function guaranteeing the quickest possible take-off. In manual mode it’s capable of swapping the SL’s cogs in just a tenth of a second and, says Stuttgart, it will give the SL63 a more stirring, visceral driving experience than any previous SL.
The SL63 will also get retuned springs and dampers, all-new suspension geometry, AMG’s active body control and a sports-tuned, fully-switchable electronic stability programme. In Race Start mode it will be capable of hitting 62mph in just 4.6sec.
Even quicker than an SL63...

Above the new SL63 AMG, those wanting the ultimate in luxury, refinement and power from their SL will still be able to get it via the V12 twin-turbo model - the 603bhp SL65 AMG - with its proper five-speed automatic gearbox converting an incredible 738lb ft of torque.
They’ll have to pay for it, mind: UK prices have yet to be confirmed, but the new SL65 AMG is likely to cost over £150,000, making the SL63 look like a bargain at £100k or thereabouts.
Left-hand drive models of AMG’s new SL siblings will be available this coming April: expect right-hookers to be on sale in the UK this summer.

thanks but I want to read about it from the horse's mouth. Mercedes hurry up with the relese.

Hey, dont blame me.....

Here in the UK autocar are pretty reliable. Obviously the most in depth analysis will come from benz tho so i do know what u saying

This system uses a single compact wet start-up clutch rather than a torque converter, conveying power directly to the car’s driveline.
The MCT system will have four drive modes, be capable of double-declutching and have a Race Start function guaranteeing the quickest possible take-off. In manual mode it’s capable of swapping the SL’s cogs in just a tenth of a second and, says Stuttgart, it will give the SL63 a more stirring, visceral driving experience than any previous SL.


HURRAY!!! A Sequential, at last!

However, I thought MCT was for Multi-Clutch Transmission...
I'm with Just-Me, c'mon Benz give us the official details! NOW!

Obviously i hear alot about race start in F1 but is this the first time it's being used in road car, sports albeit? At least amongst merc, bmw and audi

The SLR has it, M5 and M3 V8 too... Ferrari too, the F430 and 599...In fact most sportcars with a sequential gearbox have this functions. The 911 Turbo too I think, if it comes with the auto tranny.

I think you can find it in Golf GTI with DSG as well. Even M3 E46 had this function. So no MB isnt first this time

Well it seems then (as usual?) they're kinda late to this party

Also i rather think it's a shame this box STILL cant handle the monster SL65