2005 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Preview

NEW YORK, NY - More power! More torque! That's the enthusiast response to the introduction of nearly any new sporting machine, because you can never consume too much fuel in attempting to shave a few tenths of a second off of the time it takes to reach and exceed your level of driving talent. We doubt many will request more power and more torque out of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG. This two-seat roadster is equipped with a hand built 6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V12 engine that generates a whopping 604 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and an incredible 738 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm. According to Mercedes, the 2005 SL65 AMG will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Given the power ratings, you'd think the car should be quicker, but it weighs nearly 4,500 pounds. A five-speed Touchshift manually interactive automatic transmission delivers the power to the handsome five-spoke rear wheels, sized 19 inches and wearing 285/30 rubber. The front wheels are also 19s, but get slightly narrower and taller tires at 255/35. The four ventilated and cross-drilled disc brakes are upsized to 390mm fronts and 348mm rears, including ABS with EBD, brake assist (BA), and eight-piston calipers in the front.

Subtle style

As with all Mercedes SL-Class models, the 2005 SL65 AMG includes stability and traction control systems; rides on an independent Active Body Control (ABC) suspension that acts to combat body roll, dive and squat; and is guided by speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering. Mercedes adds special spring struts with firmer damping response to the SL65 AMG, and the ABC comes with a Sport mode.Styling modifications are subtle and tasteful. We prefer these AMG twin spoke wheels to the finned alloys of the SL55 AMG. Other changes include clear lens fog lights, a larger air intake, side skirts, and a rear apron. A chrome badge on the side of the 2005 SL65 AMG reads "V12 Bi-turbo." The price has not been announced, but given the difficulty buyers had in obtaining the SL55 AMG, we cannot image that the MSRP matters much to begin with. If you've gotta have one, contact your local Mercedes-Benz retailer, plan to make a big deposit, and expect a long wait. --Photos Courtesy of DaimlerChrysler