Currently reading: Scoop: Merc SL65 Black Edition
650bhp SL65 Black Edition spied in cold weather testing

This is the most extreme Mercedes SL yet. The SL65 AMG Black Series will offer the same performance as an SLR but is set to cost £100,000 less than the £300,000 supercar.Powered by the SL65's twin turbo V12, the SL Black Series will be subject to a serious weight loss programme and use new turbos to up power to over 650bhp, all of which should see it match the SLR's 0-60mph time of 3.8sec and come very close to its top speed of 206mph. Almost entirely made of carbonfibre, only the doors are standard SL and with the rear wings made from metal the car should weigh around 300kg less than a normal SL65. The SL's folding roof has been replaced by a fixed carbonfibre assembly; removing the electric motors that operate the roof and the folding mechanism helps to save weight. The bespoke body is necessary not only to cut weight but also to cover the car's enormous front and rear tracks. As with all Black Series cars, much of the technology used in this one will find its way into future AMG products; these axles will be fitted to Mercedes' forthcoming SLC supercar that AMG is helping to develop.We'll get our first look at the SL Black Series in July at the German Grand Prix when it will drive out on the track. The car itself will be officially launched at the end of the year.

Dan Stevens

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Chunkster 26 March 2008

Re: Scoop: Mercedes SL65 Black Edition

I think I see a B-pillar in the side profile shots of the SL65 Black Edition. This model must be SO hardcare if the AMG boys have taken the efforts to adding B-pillars to the solid carbon roof.

Of course it could be a temporary rollcage (as many testcars have). But the rear 3/4 shot do not show the rollcage members running along the A-pillar.

Maybe the Autocar staff could confirm the existence of the B-pillar.

NiallOswald 25 March 2008

Re: Scoop: Mercedes SL65 Black Edition

Isn't that where the Merc salesman would say 'Can I show you the CL, sir'? Much bigger (and heavier?) car though - saw a CL63 AMG in white recently, imposing wasn't the half of it.

Roy Fullee 25 March 2008

Re: Scoop: Mercedes SL65 Black Edition

The SL is already a much much better car than the SLR, so god knows what the Black Edition will make its big bruv Super-GT look like. May also make the Aston DBS look pretty silly.

How about making a hard-top version of the standard SL Merc? Not everyone wants a convertible GT, even if it has a metal roof.