German Car Zone

New turbocharged 6.2L isn't ready yet would be my guess and the n/a 6.2L wouldn't make sense with similar hp and way less torque.

M

That's a very good question.

Why the swansong installation of the "old-tech" supercharged V8 in their premier sports car? If the engine is good enough in a CLS - that is pretty close in weight to an SL - why not install it in the SL?

Strange if you ask me...

I'm not convinced yet, that there'll be a turbo'd version of this engine.

Maybe it's just that SL63 is too close in nomenclature to SL65? I dunno - I'm still thinking...

Well I think there will be, there has to be. The AMG boss has dropped big hints about this and beside a naturally aspirated SL63 would be slower than the SL55 at this point. The same hp and less torque isn't going to cut it in the heavy SL/S/CL models. Trust me you'll see sometime late this year or early next year the turbo'd "63" models will appear - SL,CL,S.

M

Yeah okee dokee, but I'm still confused...

Where then does said FI V8 with circa 435-450 kW leave the turbo'd AMG V12? Redundant? Would Merc really consider dropping the V12 from the line up? Perhaps, but if they don't, then there's a distinct encroachment if not outright overlap on the part of the V8 biturbo on V12 biturbo territory.

I honestly see no reason for a turbocharged version of this engine. Not from an efficiency point of view, not for an output point of view. 700 Nm from a the 5.5 litre SC V8 was heady stuff, but it still got pulled by a naturally aspirated 5.0 litre V10 with nearly 200 Nm less. 5 speed gearing goes a long way to explaining this. Now, with the shorter 7 speed ratios of 7G-Tronic the torque deficit between 700 Nm and 630 Nm is easily made up for. Get the gear ratios for the 5 speed AMG transmission and this new 7G-Tronic box and I'll illustrate.

There has to be a logical point where Mercedes Benz say enough is enough: too many models, too many engines in my humble opinion.

Im also confused. the new V8 weigh less than the Supercharger engine. the new one has more horsepowers but 70nm less. A new 7G speedbox. SL63 would be a faster car than SL55 even with less torque. SL55 should get the new V8 as well.

I'm sure it's for that too and for the torque difference....but I'm not much disapointed since the v8k is one hell of an engine too.... torque baby torque!!

some more precise info about the gearbox and handling FL mods

AMG SPEEDSHIFT 5-speed automatic transmission with AMG shift paddles

As in many of the high-performance models from AMG, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission is responsible for transmitting the engine's power to the wheels of the SL 55 AMG. Drivers are able to choose between fully automated gearshifts or changing gear manually: manual gear-changes can be performed either by using the selector lever or by pulling on the silver-coloured aluminium AMG shift paddles marked "up" and "down" for that true Formula 1 feel. In the manual drive mode "M", the driver is able to capitalise on the tremendous pulling power of the V8 supercharged engine as the transmission will not shift down automatically, even at full throttle; the selected gear will be retained even with the accelerator in the kickdown position. In manual mode, AMG SPEEDSHIFT will not automatically shift up a gear either when the rev limit is reached, enabling sportily-minded drivers to harness the immense power reserves even more effectively. The transmission will shift down a gear when the engine speed approaches the lower limit of the rev band. The technical credentials of AMG SPEEDSHIFT also include torque converter lock-up from first gear, active engine-braking downshifts plus an "optimum gear" function, which combine with spontaneous, lightning-quick gearshifts to produce a truly thrilling motoring experience. An optimised torque converter has also been added as part of the facelift package. Not only has the new torque converter been adapted to handle the increased torque of the V8 supercharged engine but its smaller diameter produces a lower inertia; this in turn sharpens the engine's responsiveness, particularly when travelling at slow speeds.


AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control for extra agility

The AMG sports suspension based on second-generation Active Body Control has been specially reengineered for the AMG Roadster. The specific measures that have been implemented reduce body movements in dynamic driving situations to levels even lower than those achieved by the outgoing model, without impairing the excellent ride comfort in any way. The SL 55 AMG now offers an even sportier drive, especially in extremely dynamic situations such as those encountered on the race track. Another special feature of Active Body Control is the variable roll moment distribution between the front and rear axles, which the system adjusts automatically to suit the vehicle's current speed. The modified control produces even greater agility than before, particularly when travelling at typical country road speeds.

The superior agility and handling precision can also be attributed to the revised elastokinematics at the front axle as well as to the modified speed-sensitive power steering. A steering ratio that is now seven per cent more direct gives the SL 55 AMG even greater manoeuvrability. The modified valve control logic for the power assistance translates into faster response when the steering is centred. The AMG engineers have also fitted a new power steering pump with a higher rate of delivery that guarantees an optimum degree of power assistance no matter how quickly the steering wheel is turned. Finally, the inclusion of a new steering damper makes for peerless driving comfort.

Newly developed AMG high-performance composite brakes

The SL 55 AMG is equipped with newly developed AMG high-performance brakes which ensure optimum metering of braking power, extremely short stopping distances and even better resistance to fading. Large, internally ventilated and perforated composite brake discs with six-piston aluminium fixed callipers are fitted at the front wheels, while the rear wheels are slowed down by internally ventilated and perforated discs with four-piston fixed callipers.


eMB

I'll be glad when they introduce the turbocharged version of the new V8 to clear up this confusion. The new turbo V8 won't have more than 575hp or so and then of course the V12 in the "65" cars will likely get a boost to like 640hp or something keep them on top.

There is no way a SL63 with 510hp and much less torque than the SL55 would be faster than the SL55. That is why you aren't seeing the new AMG V8 in the SL/CL/SL yet. Mercedes isn't going to change out an engine for one with the same hp and less torque even if does get 7-gears in a car like the SL/CL/S, those cars too heavy for the extra gears and few pounds to make a difference in a straight line.

The AMG boss has already stated that turbocharging is where they'll be going in the future.

M

Then explain to me why they're going to introduce the '63 engine in the E and CLS classes which: a) are no lightweights in their own rights
b) will suffer from exactly the same performance deficits you describe above

Irrespective of ultimate vehicle mass, the cars performance is directly attributable to the KW/ton and Nm/ton ratios. So by the same notion that you put forward above, a CLS will also have a lower torque to weight ratio in exactly the same manner that an SL will.

These statements by Merc's "boss", I've read them but remain unconvinced that they're in any way official.

You're welcome to rub my nose in it when you're proven right of course!

It's an excuse nothing more, for what reason I don't know. They announced the new V8 for the R and M classes respectively, so their reasoning kind of sucks.

Wow the monster lives!!!

I have a question for those who have driven the car.

In comparision to the DSG or SMG from Audi and BMW how does Mb's tanny feel? Is it fast when it shifts? Because they say "for a true F1 feel" and that makes me wonder how true?