The AMG instrument cluster is a completely new design. The black speedometer has also been re-designed; and the same is true of the white rev counter which has four integral LEDs to advise the driver of the optimum gearshift points.

Even More Twin-Turbo Power

The already formidable 6.0-liter AMG V12 engine has been modified to produce more than 650 horsepower and a staggering 738 pound-feet of torque. Its twin turbochargers are 12 percent larger, passages for intake air and the turbo wastegates have been modified, and the intake air intercooler is 30 percent more efficient. The result is zero-to-60 mph acceleration of only 3.8 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 198 mph.

Integrated within the trunk lid, a rear spoiler automatically raises nearly five inches whenever the car reaches about 74 mph, creating downforce on the tail of the car at high speeds. From the rear, the most eye-catching feature is its new carbon-fiber apron with air diffuser ribs. Hidden within it is an active cooling system for the final drive and 40-percent locking differential.

AMG SpeedShift Plus Transmission

The Mercedes-Benz SL656 AMG Black series uses a beefed-up five-speed automatic transmission with AMG's SpeedShift Plus shift control that provides four shift modes: "C," "S," "M1" and "M2," which has 25 percent quicker shift times than "M1." The torque converter's lockup clutch assures direct shifting in all shifting scenarios, right from first gear, while an AMG automatic "throttle-blipping" feature makes downshifting smooth yet exciting, even in power-on turns.

Fully Adjustable Suspension

AMG has developed a fully adjustable sport suspension for the new Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series. Adjustable coil-spring struts provide a proven motorsports solution that allows fine tuning of shock absorber jounce and rebound, ride height and wheel alignment.

Spring links camber struts, push-pull rods and wheel carriers have been specially developed for this vehicle. Track width is nearly four inches wider on the new Black Series car. A three-stage ESP feature provides outstanding driving dynamics. With ESP on, the system senses understeer or oversteer and applies the brakes on one wheel to counteract the slide. In the "ESP Sport" mode, the driver can purposely slide the car to its limit of control before the system reacts, while in "ESP off," the system is fully turned off.

Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications