Just When Everyone Else Cuts Back Mercedes Unveils A Trio Of High Performance AMG Models

Just When Everyone Else Cuts Back Mercedes Unveils A Trio Of High Performance AMG Models

AMG presents three special high-performance vehicles: the  SL 65 AMG Black Series, the ML 63 AMG “10th Anniversary” and the ML 63 AMG “Performance Studio”. With its 493-kW / 670-hp AMG 6.0-l V12 biturbo engine, spectacular look, consistently lightweight design and eminently exclusive character, the SL 65 AMG Black Series high-performance coupé introduces sports car fans to a whole new world in terms of dynamic performance.

The ML 63 AMG “10th Anniversary” is a tribute to the first-ever high-performance SUV, the ML 55 AMG, launched in 1999. With distinctive bodywork details and a delightful combination of fittings, this M-Class vehicle will appeal to customers who place a high value on individuality and exclusivity. The ML 63 AMG “Performance Studio”, with especially exquisite fittings, showcases the expertise of the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO opened in 2006.

All three high-performance cars were developed in the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO – by the same experts who were also responsible for developing, designing and deploying the Official F1™ Safety Car and Official F1™ Medical Car. With the SL 65 AMG Black Series, it is apparent from the first glance that the transfer of high-tech from the realm of motor sports forms an integral part of the Mercedes AMG philosophy. Developing a maximum output of 493 kW/670 hp and maximum torque of 1,000 newton metres, this newly developed two-door car attains a superb level of dynamic performance:  it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, and its top speed is 320 km/h (electronically limited). Power transmission is taken care of by an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS five-speed automatic gearbox, with four drive programmes and a double clutch function.

The completely new body design with large air inlets, wide mudguards and  an extendable spoiler features a large number of components made from especially lightweight carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). The new closed roof with integrated roll bar is also made from CFRP. Compared with the SL 65 AMG, the SL 65 AMG Black Series is 250 kg lighter.

The chassis is a completely new design: the coil-over suspension with a large adjustment range and the more direct steering, together with the rear axle limited slip differential and 3-level ESP®, ensure distinctive driving dynamics, optimum traction and pure driving pleasure. The 19” or 20” Dunlop sports tyres guarantee the best possible racing track performance, and the AMG high-performance brake system features the very latest in compound technology. The all-black interior of the SL 65 AMG Black Series exudes a racing ambience: the interior components, which feature nappa leather, alcantara and carbon, should get sports car fans’ hearts racing.

ML 63 AMG “10th Anniversary”: birthday greetings from Affalterbach

With this special model based on the ML 63 AMG, Mercedes AMG calls to mind the success of the first high-performance SUV, the ML 55 AMG. The top M-Class model, launched in 1999, was powered by an AMG 5.5-l V8 engine developing 255 kW / 347 hp, and is considered to be the founder of a new class of vehicles –
high-performance SUVs. The ML 63 AMG “10th Anniversary” fascinates with its expressive design: a new engine bonnet with power domes, radiator grille and Himalaya grey underseal for the front and rear end, Himalaya Grey 21” high-sheen light alloy wheels, shaded Bi-Xenon headlights with active curve illumination – with its AMG 6.3 L V8 engine developing 375 kW / 510 hp, the AMG SUV makes a strong impression even when stationary.

The unusual composition of the interior is also intriguing: an exclusive tone is set not just by the two-tone nappa leather upholstery on the AMG sports seats and AMG sports steering wheel in black / Alpaca green or black / light brown, but also the upper part of the dashboard clad in black designo leather, the black roof lining and the charcoal poplar wood trim.
 
ML 63 AMG “Performance Studio”: maximum luxury

The expertise of the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO in catering to the wishes of individual customers at the Affalterbach plant is showcased in the ML 63 AMG “Performance Studio”. The 21” AMG high-sheen light alloy wheels, painted the same colour as the car, along with the high-gloss trim strip on the belt line form a contrasting effect with the “metallic Peridot brown” paintwork. Full nappa leather upholstery with a diamond pattern in a porcelain shade with black cording, together with the fully leather-clad dashboard, centre console and door trim in black and porcelain create an absolutely exclusive ambience. As a finishing touch, the ML 63 AMG “Performance Studio” interior features a charcoal alcantara roof lining and wood trim finished with high-gloss black piano lacquer.

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HSCenterconsoleHSCenterconsole - 11/6/2008 3:40:05 PM
+4 Boost
Having a 500hp+ SUV is pretty pointless, but I still love the ML63. It is such a beast. And I find it pretty cool that you could give Porsches and Corvettes a run for their money (in a straight line) while carrying three friends and all their luggage. Talk about the ultimate ski weekend getaway car (with a set of snows mounted obviously).

The SL65 Black Series looks absolutely fantastic. Its fixed roof profile looks far better and integrated than the standard SL's retractable hardtop.


WimmerWimmer - 11/6/2008 4:04:46 PM
+2 Boost
Well the market for such cars is pretty small and there are many extremely wealthy people that couldn't give a damn if there was a recession or not. Some people just have the money and the financial security, even in times like these.


brammerbrammer - 11/6/2008 8:43:36 PM
+2 Boost
:(


ironlungzironlungz - 11/6/2008 6:30:09 PM
+3 Boost
Don't be mad UPS is hiring...


KZ258KZ258 - 11/7/2008 10:28:29 AM
+1 Boost
UPS is a really good company to work for btw


brammerbrammer - 11/6/2008 8:44:12 PM
+1 Boost
these cars are sexy...
that's right, metal and rubber- SEXY


AudiNewEnglandAudiNewEngland - 11/7/2008 12:10:20 AM
+1 Boost
I saw my first ML63 today actually... It's the only ML that has ever caught my eye. Before seeing one in person. I would have agreed, useless. However, after seeing it in person, beautiful.


synxsynx - 11/7/2008 2:42:03 AM
+2 Boost
i like the steering wheel


goochgooch - 11/7/2008 8:51:20 AM
+2 Boost
That haughty German arrogance that defined their cars in the 1980s is back!! That's a good thing. We need some arrogance in our lives.


kpaxxkpaxx - 11/7/2008 8:59:36 AM
+1 Boost
SL65 is sweet! Women love this car!


ToneeTonee - 11/7/2008 3:56:06 PM
0 Boost
FYI "truthpursuit" Mercedes does sell the base M-Class. Actually sells for October were even up compared to the rest of their line. They sold just over 3,000 ML's, so to say that Mercedes shouldn't bring the 10th Anniversary Edition is irrelevant. Mercedes knows what they are doing and they see that there still is people in the market for high-end sports-luxury suv's.


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