March, 2008
I've always felt the 2003 SL55 to be such a defining statement of Mercedes-Benz' ability to incorporate massive power, a very high level of grip and dynamic performance, and drop dead gorgeous looks into a user-friendly package. You could toodle around town in it and, when the mood struck you, blow off just about everything else on the road with minimal fuss. The 493hp SL55 and the AMG range in general truly define the ethos of the Mercedes performance street cars - towering power, well integrated electronic driver aids, comfort, and well executed generally understated designs.
After reading the press release for the 2009 SL63 and SL65 to be unleashed on the world in late April, it's apparent that this ethos of usable, refined, and extraordinarily powerful street cars has been redefined. While the 2009 SL range did not emerge from a clean sheet of paper but rather represents a comprehensive revision of the current R230 chassis, these two new AMG roadsters should have very different characters than their 2008 counterparts and raise every performance parameter.
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'09 SL63 brings out the best of revised design
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The technical advances, particularly of the SL63, reveal AMG's razor sharp focus on making these cars behave in a manner closer to a competition car than ever before. Let's look at some of the good stuff that will set these cars far apart from the 2008 variants.
AMG 6.3 liter V-8. For now, there are no more blowers for the V-8 AMG cars. The normally aspirated 6.3 liter AMG V-8 develops 525 hp and massive torque. If you watched the season opening Australian GP you could hear the SL63 safety car bellowing past leading the field during the numerous yellow flags. The press release refers to the sound an SL63 emits as the "characteristic AMG V-8 vocals." With its lightweight, extra rigid crankcase, and variable intake manifold, the 6.3 delivers a steady mountain of power right up to 7,200 rpm.
New AMG Speedshift MCT 7 speed sports transmission. This is the next step toward configuring an automatic gearbox to behave closer to a sequential manual gearbox. The fluid driven, power absorbing, torque converter has been replaced by a "wet start-up clutch" which runs in an oil bath. The news release notes the transmission responds "instantaneously and dynamically with no slip." I have a feeling there is some level of "slip" in the system to damp any driveline shock moving away from a standstill. Regardless, the factory has obviously dialed out most of the power loss consumed by a traditional torque converter. Combine this with 4 different "Speedshift" modes allowing upshifts to occur in as little as 100 milliseconds, an automatic double-declutching downshifting function, and you should be able to get around Albert Park in Melbourne just about as fast as Lewis Hamilton during the Grand Prix. For those owners who wish to drag race their SL63s (don't laugh, I met a fellow at last year's NHRA winter testing in Phoenix who was possessed with getting his SL65 into the 11 second bracket), the new transmission software will allow you to program a flawless launch using the "Race Start" function.
AIRSCARF. If you're powershifting and race starting your SL63 on a cool night with the top down, the optional AIRSCARF system will keep you and your date's head and neck comfortable by blowing warm air out through the headrests - very clever!
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Command and control center for 525hp, advanced Telematics, and myriad electronic performance aids.
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Continuing down the litany of interesting features we also see:
- AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control and 3-Stage ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
- 19" AMG light alloy wheels
- Massive composite disc brakes (6 pistons up front and 4 in the rear)
- Next generation telematics incorporating: a keypad, MP3 compatible CD/DVD player (yes, you can view DVDs on the 5 inch color screen, Bluetooth interface, revised hi-res COMAND display, and LINGUATRONIC voice operated controls for most features, and much more!
- New "optimized" speed sensitive power steering
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SL65 features 612 hp and AMG SPEEDSHIFT 5 speed automatic transmission.
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The 612 hp (!) SL65 does not get the new transmission but incorporates the SL63s comfort features, new Telematics and driver aids plus lovely diamond pattern Nappa leather
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SL65's interior set off by elegant diamond pleated seat/door inserts.
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If you want to personalize your SL63/SL65, the AMG "Performance Studio" offers:
- AMG exterior carbon-fibre package with side air outlets in front apron, exterior mirror housing, spoiler lip and genuine carbon-fibre diffuser insert in rear apron
- AMG performance steering wheel, flattened underside and smaller diameter
- AMG door sill panels, illuminated in white light
- 19-inch AMG twin-spoke forged light-alloy wheels with mixed-size tires, 255/35 R 19 and 285/30 R 19 (only for SL 63 AMG)
The Performance Package developed in the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO is also available for the SL 63 AMG; it includes even more powerful components and is ideally suited for drivers with sporty inclinations:
- Internally ventilated composite brake discs, size 390 x 36 mm, on the front axle
- Multiple-disc limited-slip rear differential with a locking factor of 40 percent for enhanced traction
- 19-inch AMG twin-spoke forged light-alloy wheels with mixed-size tires, 255/35 R 19 and 285/30 R 19
- AMG performance suspension based on Active Body Control
- AMG performance steering wheel with smaller diameter, flattened underside, silver-colored aluminum shift paddles
Are you getting the idea here? This is a fascinating new SL. I've barely scratched the surface of the technology incorporated into these new systems. With the electronic speed limiting software disabled, these cars should touch 200 mph in the right conditions. You can burble around town enjoying concert level sound with your head and neck being warmed by the headrests. You can cut a perfect light off the line at your local drag strip. If you over estimate your driving ability and charge a decreasing radius corner 30 mph too fast, the stability program should get you headed back in the right direction.
How is all this possible? Yes, the capabilities of these cars reflect Mercedes-Benz' relentless passion for performance available from comfortable, safe, and attractive platforms. But none of these stunningly capable automobiles would have been possible without these two guys: Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce. Combining the technology contained in Kilby's US patent #3,981,743 with that of Noyce's patent #2,981,877 gave us in 1961 - the silicon based integrated circuit. Thanks Jack and Robert for enabling all these cool cars. And thank you Mercedes-Benz!
To order a 2009 SL63 or SL65 call Tony Spencer @(408)-345-2255
Roy Spencer,
editor www.ourSL.com
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