Mercedes SL 55 and SL 65 AMG Facelift Unveiled
The SL 55 AMG and SL 65 AMG are now even more sporty and exclusive.
Both outstanding high-performance AMG Roadsters have made further substantial gains in terms of technology, design and appointments and now offer an even more unique driving experience. Enhanced AMG sports suspension based on second-generation Active Body Control, more direct steering and new AMG high-performance brakes for both the two-seaters make for spectacular handling dynamics. Meticulous attention to detail is also a feature of the new-look body and interior.
The enhanced AMG 5.5-litre V8 supercharged engine at the heart of the SL 55 AMG is equipped with a new, higher-speed supercharger compressor and a larger throttle valve to optimise the fresh-air supply. In addition, the installation of an even more efficient engine management unit has boosted the output of the AMG V8 powerplant from 368 kW/500 hp to 380 kW/517 hp, while the peak torque has been increased from 700 to 720 Nm. The new SL 55 AMG accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds (outgoing model: 4.7 seconds) and goes on to reach an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Newly developed AMG high-performance composite brakes
Both the SL 55 AMG and the SL 65 AMG are equipped with newly developed AMG high-performance brakes which ensure optimum application of the brake pressure, extremely short stopping distances and outstanding resistance to fading. The front axle on both models boasts large composite brake discs with six-piston aluminium fixed callipers. The SL 65 AMG has 30 mm larger disc brakes all round and ultra-high-performance composite brakes at the rear as well as at the front. Plus the top-of-the-range AMG V12 model is fitted with a multiple-disc limited-slip differential with a locking factor of up to 40 percent for optimal traction.
Exterior design characterised by even more striking dynamism
On a visual level, the new-generation AMG Roadsters are distinguishable by their discreetly updated AMG bodystyling, including more dynamically styled AMG front aprons with an even more pronounced wedge shape and fog lamps ringed in chrome. In addition, the front apron of the SL 65 AMG also incorporates side air outlets allowing optimal flow through the auxiliary engine-oil cooler. Further unobtrusive yet highly effective model enhancement measures include an AMG-specific radiator grille with black louvres and chrome highlights, new tail lights with special AMG tinting, new high-sheen AMG 18-inch light-alloy wheels featuring new multi-spoke styling for the SL 55 AMG and an AMG sports exhaust system with two sets of chromed twin tailpipes featuring new V12 styling for the SL 65 AMG.
New interior with carbon-fibre trim and AMG RACETIMER
Not to be outdone, the interior of both AMG Roadsters also sports an even more dynamic and premium-quality look. New genuine carbon-fibre trim elements add just the right degree of sportiness and reflect AMG's successful involvement in the world of motorsport. The AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with its specially moulded rim is now fitted with silver-coloured aluminium AMG shift paddles.
Further new features include the AMG main menu on the instrument cluster, which displays the currently engaged gear and recommended upshifts plus either the engine oil temperature, the battery voltage or the RACETIMER. The new RACETIMER function allows the driver to record lap times on private racing circuits, storing not only the time for the fastest lap but also the average and top speeds as well as the lap length.
Both facelifted AMG Roadsters feature high-quality metal door sill panels with AMG lettering, a new-look instrument cluster shroud trimmed in nappa leather with double topstitching above the classic chronometer-design round gauges, a new digital clock, a ventilation outlet cover and a new aluminium-look switch for operating the vario-roof. It takes just 16 seconds to open or close the folding hard-top, a glass version of which can be specified as an optional extra. The AMG sports seats, interior door panels and armrests are upholstered in fine nappa leather.
Greater ease of use than before is assured by the optionally available electric remote-locking boot lid feature which enables the boot to be opened and closed with the minimum of effort. Standard equipment includes a removable luggage cover which increases the boot capacity by 22 litres to 339 litres – more than any other competitor in this segment. A few easy moves are all it takes to remove the luggage cover. As well as freeing up more boot space, this feature makes loading easier and boosts the boot's utility value.
The new-generation SL-Class is set to celebrate its public presentation in February 2006 at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland before appearing at Mercedes Benz outlets and authorised dealerships from March 2006.
Summary of SL-Class AMG sales prices for the German market (incl. VAT):
SL 55 AMG: € 133,980
SL 65 AMG: € 206,132
Source: © germancarfans.com
Text & photos courtesy DaimlerChrysler AG
