October 2007
Based on recent shots of both an SLR replacement and the images you see below of the upcoming SL "Black Series," it is apparent that Mercedes and AMG are furiously working on increasingly more potent street weapons for their performance oriented clients. The first "Black Series" edition within the Mercedes model range hit North America about 45 days ago when deliveries of the brutal looking CLK63 coupe began.
The CLK63 achieves for Mercedes-Benz what the GT-3 provides for Porsche, a street usable hot rod that in the right hands will excel on Sunday at the many national club track days. We have one of the first CLK63s in stock and can report from firsthand experience that it is a quite a brute, a very serious motorcar. Looking much like a competition car sans numbers and graphics, the CLK63 appeals to the boy racer in all of us.
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| Testing the SL63 Black Series/SLC at Nurburgring. Note track increase and massive wheel arches. |
Enter what will likely be labeled the SL63 Black Series. Early reports suggest a leaner, lighter, and de-contented SL with a fixed roof and lightweight panels. While the CLK63 version lacked a back seat, the SL looses its top retraction hardware and receives a fixed roof constructed in carbon fiber. This fixed roof configuration may result in the revival of the "SLC" type designation. Carbon fiber will also be featured in a deeper, more aero efficient front valance and perhaps also be used for the deeply vented hood. Reducing weight and lowering the center of gravity are the goals here and the resulting lower moment of inertia will allow this Super SL to change direction with razor sharpness.
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| Fixed carbon fiber roof may result in SLC designation |
Carbon fiber flared wheel arches, sculpted rockers, and a retractable rear spoiler complete what will be a very aggressive cosmetic package. Aggressive suspension settings and massive wheel/tires will significantly raise grip levels although, as we experienced with our CLK63, low speed harshness will undoubtedly rise. And we expect the output of the 6.2 liter AMG powerplant to rise above 500 hp as well. Rumors suggest 500 examples being constructed and unlike the tepid demand for our 1 of 350 CLK63s, I feel this SL/SLC will easily find 500 eager buyers.
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| Note recess in carbon fiber deck lid to accept retracted rear wing. |
Roy Spencer,
editor www.ourSL.com
Photos courtesy CAR Magazine
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