Mercedes-Benz continues its long tradition of producing legendary sports cars with the launch of the new SL-Class roadster, now available in Australia. The world's most successful premium roadster in its class features a new design with the emphasis firmly on sportiness and effortless superiority. These attributes are also reflected in the handling qualities of the two seater model, which now delivers even more dynamic performance thanks to the new direct-steer system as well as offering enhanced comfort and safety. The SL 350 is powered by a newly developed, highly responsive sports engine boasting an impressive output of 232 kW yet returns a fuel consumption figure that is 0.8 litres per 100 kilometres lower than its predecessor (according to ADR 81/01). The SL range features one six-cylinder model in the shape of the SL 350 and includes the familiar SL 500 with its 285 kW V8 engine. Leading the range is the stunning SL 600 with a bi-turbo V12 powerplant. The Mercedes sports car extends its lead in the safety stakes courtesy of Electronic Stability Programme ESP®, bi-xenon headlamps and extensive airbag technology for both occupants. A new standard feature on board the SL is the AIRSCARF neck-level heating. This system - invented by Mercedes-Benz - enhances comfort when driving with the roof down, extending the roadster season until well into the winter months. SL passengers are kept informed and entertained by the standard-fit COMAND multimedia system, which has also been fully revamped with a host of additional functions.

The new SL caps a glorious history of Mercedes sports cars, which began in 1954 with the introduction of the legendary 300 SL "Gullwing", followed in 1957 by the launch of the first SL Roadster. To date, the Stuttgart manufacturer has produced a total of over 630,000 SL-Class sports cars.

Like its predecessors, the new SL also merits its "incomparable" tag. No other sports car in this market segment offers such a perfect balance of sportiness, safety and comfort. These three qualities are the cornerstones of highly eventful, active motoring that provide a profound sense of enjoyment and well-being when driving the new SL-Class roadster.

Design: new design idiom with unmistakable sporty overtones

When it came to developing a concept and design for the new SL, the Mercedes-Benz engineers set out to accentuate the roadster's sporty attributes even more strongly than before. This aspiration is reflected in the new front-end design featuring as its centrepiece a wide and, therefore, very dominant radiator grille whose V‑shape symbolises sporty virtues such as forwards thrust and performance potential.

A horizontal louvre makes the radiator grille appear wider and, in doing so, emphasises the powerful aspect of the SL's front end, making it seem surprisingly new, yet so very familiar. By using expressive stylistics in this way, the Mercedes designers are able to forge a link with the SL's history and provide a front-end design that is reminiscent of the earlier SL Roadster models, which also expressed their effortless superiority through wide, very distinctive radiator grilles. Hence the front-end design of the new SL shows Mercedes-Benz taking the styling of the legendary sports car to the next level.

The designers also pay tribute to the forefather of the SL model series: the two powerdomes on the bonnet and the gill-style air outlets in the front wings are unmistakable hallmarks of the 300 SL from 1954 and have been given a contemporary interpretation for the new Mercedes sports car.

These classic design features drawn from five decades of roadster tradition are in tasteful harmony with new elements of the contemporary Mercedes design idiom, including the distinctive V-shaped front section and, above all, the headlamps, which are drawn deeply into the flanks, thus further emphasising the impression of breadth at the front end. As well as giving the SL a highly contemporary look, this striking headlamp design also sees the roadster continuing its traditional role as a trendsetter. Just like its predecessors, the new SL features a front-end design that will serve as a template for future Mercedes passenger cars.

At the rear, too, the new SL demonstrates its sporty nature even more clearly than before. This is achieved primarily by the new diffuser-look bumper which adds a motor sport touch. In conjunction with the equally new trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes this design element emphasises the width of the body, further symbolising the power just waiting to be unleashed by the roadster.

Direct-steer system: consummate sporty driving pleasure

The SL name is synonymous with driving pleasure as well as design. This Mercedes sports car has always offered a scintillating driving experience that does not deal in compromises - neither in terms of handling dynamics nor by any means when it comes to comfort or safety. It was under this premise that the Mercedes engineers modified and perfected the SL technology, one example being the new, optionally available direct-steer system, which is available for Australian customers towards the end of this year. Developed by Australian company Bishop Steering, this steering system is as simple as it is ingenious and provides a whole new driving experience when cornering.

This new development is based on the familiar standard-fit speed-sensitive power steering system - the benefit of which is noticeable especially when driving slowly, manoeuvring or parking thanks to the lower steering forces required. New features include a variable rack ratio, which adjusts in line with the steering angle, increasing sharply as soon as this reaches five degrees. All of which means that, compared to a steering system with a constant ratio, the driver does not have to move the steering wheel as much when cornering. The car's response is therefore noticeably more direct, allowing the driver to steer more spontaneously or, in other words, more sportily.

When driving slowly or parking, the new technology combines with the speed-sensitive power steering to provide even more comfort than before because the large ratio further reduces the steering effort required.

In addition, the SL still offers some of the very finest chassis technology available in the shape of four-link front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension. Meanwhile the Active Body Control (ABC) system, specified as standard for the entire SL-Class range (but optional on the SL 350), is a unique masterpiece. It compensates body pitch, roll and yaw and adapts the suspension settings automatically to suit the current driving situation. This makes for excellent agility on the one hand and optimum driving stability on the other, without compromising the car's superb levels of comfort. Mercedes-Benz has further fine-tuned the ABC shock-absorber settings for the new SL in order to bring a whole new quality to this unique blend of sportiness, comfort and safety.

Size 255/40 R 18 wide-base tyres and 18-inch light-alloy wheels are fitted as standard on the V6-powered SL 350, whereas the V8-powered SL 500 Roadster runs on mixed-width 18-inch light alloy wheels shod with 255/40 R 18 (front) and 285/35 R 18 (rear) tyres. And the exclusive character of the twelve-cylinder SL 600 model is accentuated by 18-inch ten-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels with 255/40 R 18 tyres at the front and 285/35 R 18 tyres at the rear.

Engines: new, extremely sporty six-cylinder powerplant

For the SL 350, the Mercedes engineers have developed a V6 powerplant that brings the sporty qualities of new SL right to the fore. The term "sports engine" could not be more apt: through a process of meticulous engineering, the Stuttgart specialists have further enlivened the temperament of the six-cylinder unit, enhancing its dynamic response dramatically. The engine responds instantaneously to movements of the accelerator pedal and can rev up to 7,200 rpm in order to make full use of its power reserves in certain driving situations. Compared to the previous 3.5-litre engine, the output has been boosted by 16 percent to 232 kW (at 6,500 rpm), while the peak torque has been increased by 10 Nm and now stands at 360 Nm. This powerpack accelerates the new SL 350 from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 6.2 seconds, making it 0.4 seconds faster than the outgoing SL 350.

In this case, however, the extra power does not come at the expense of fuel economy: with ADR 81/01 consumption of 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres, the new SL 350 undercuts the previous model with its 200 kW by 0.8 litres per 100 kilometres.

The decidedly sporty character of the V6 power unit is also clearly audible. Its powerfully sonorous vocals are the result of meticulous work carried out by sound designers. So these specialists also contribute to the sporty driving pleasure. In this respect, the standard-fit seven-speed automatic transmission also has an important role to play: on the one hand by allowing fast multiple downshifts when accelerating, on the other hand by providing a new double-declutching function that is activated during manual downshifts. As well as producing a sporty sound, this function also enhances comfort and safety as the double-declutching equalises the rotational speeds of the crankshaft and transmission. This set-up gives the driver the advantage of even more harmonious gear changes. Plus there is a noticeable reduction in load-change reactions.

The V8 engine in the SL 500 develops 285 kW. The V12 powerplant in the SL 600 develops 380 kW thanks to its twin turbochargers.

Safety: lights for every driving situation, whatever the weather

For five decades, Mercedes sports cars have been setting the pace when it comes to innovative developments in active and passive safety for open-top cars: in the 1960s the SL was the first sports car to feature a safety body based on Béla Barényi's principle, while in the 1970s the SL pointed the way ahead with its three-point inertia-reel seat belts fitted as standard. These developments were followed by ABS and the airbag in the 1980s, while the automatic roll-over bar and the robust integral seats celebrated their world premieres in the R 129 in the late 1990s. The comprehensive range of safety equipment available for the Mercedes sports car was rounded off in 2001 following the introduction of innovations such as adaptive front airbags and head/thorax sidebags.

The new SL continues this tradition, the main focus of the engineers' efforts this time being to improve driving safety at night and in fog. Hence the sports car is equipped as standard with powerful bi-xenon headlamps, which are considerably more powerful and more energy-efficient than comparable LED headlamps.

When the active light function is activated, the headlamps pivot to the side in line with the steering angle when the driver enters a bend, increasing the range of visibility by around 25 metres on a long bend compared with the conventional dipped beam. The cornering light function is activated automatically at speeds below 40 km/h when the driver steers and/or indicates. This means that, as well as enhancing safety when turning at junctions or on slip roads, this lighting function is also active when cornering at low speed and improves illumination of the areas at the side of the carriageway. The enhanced fog lamps ensure better illumination of the verges, making it easier for drivers to get their bearings. The intelligent headlamp technology installed in the SL can therefore make an important contribution to road safety.

Interior: sporty ambience and hallmark Mercedes comfort

A look inside the new SL shows what Mercedes designers mean when they talk about the "balance of sportiness and comfort". The integral seats, the new-look three-spoke leather steering wheel and the completely restyled instrument cluster immediately make it clear that this is a thoroughbred sports car. Everything fits perfectly, all the controls are easy to see and within just as easy reach. The speedometer and rev counter sport a classic chronometer design with new-look dials that promise unerring precision.

As soon as the ignition is switched on, the cockpit instruments grab the driver's attention: the red speedometer and rev counter needles are aroused from their ‘six o'clock position’, rotate once around the dials to their maximum values and then revert to their zero positions. The message these needle movements convey to the driver is unmistakable: "start your engine".

A wide range of colours and materials allows Mercedes customers to design and appoint the interior of the new SL to their individual tastes. There are two types of leather to choose from, as well as five different aluminium or fine-wood trims and five colour combinations. The interior looks especially luxurious and refined when specified with the new natural beige/black colour scheme and the new wood trim elements in pale burr walnut with a high-sheen finish.

The SL 600 underlines its top billing in the SL line-up even more clearly than before. Inside the passengers are cosseted by extremely soft Exclusive nappa leather and trim elements in elegant burr walnut wood. V12 emblems on the seat backrests, on the centre steering wheel spoke and on the door sills, as well as the uniquely designed interior door panels round off the refined twelve-cylinder ambience perfectly.

On the outside, the flagship SL model is distinguishable by its exclusive 18-inch ten-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels and discreet yet highly effective detailing such as the matt-silver-painted louvres of the side air outlets and the centre divider in the trapezoidal exhaust tailpipe trims. Mercedes-Benz has upgraded the already extensive standard-equipment package by adding Exclusive nappa leather upholstery, wood/leather steering wheel and matching gear knob and a remote-closing and locking boot lid.

AIRSCARF: Mercedes invention extends the open-air season

The long list of systems that help to provide an outstanding level of comfort in the roadster includes a further innovation in the new SL. AIRSCARF - the neck-level heating system developed and patented by Mercedes engineers - is so called because it distributes air at just the right temperature through the head restraints, forming a warm, invisible "scarf" around the driver and front passenger.

This Mercedes-Benz invention allows Mercedes customers to enjoy open-air driving pleasure for longer and even more often than before. The roadster season lasts into the winter months as AIRSCARF provides the SL occupants with all the warmth they need.

This standard-fitment heating system, which celebrated its world premiere in the SLK Roadster in 2004, has been redeveloped by the Mercedes engineers for the SL. Now the blower and heating are incorporated in the head restraints of the integral seats: two small ventilators draw in air behind the head restraints and channel it through the electric heating element to ensure rapid heating.

The temperature-controlled air then flows out of special openings on the front of the head restraints and warms the occupants' head and neck areas. Both driver and passenger can select the heating temperature using a three-position switch in the door lining; the system then controls the desired temperature automatically depending on the road speed with the roof down.

Infotainment: latest multimedia technology in the centre console

The new SL is also ready for the future when it comes to information, entertainment and communications: Mercedes-Benz has further modified the standard-fit COMAND APS system. Its additional features include a nation-wide navigation system whose data are stored on a hard disc and therefore allow extremely fast route calculations. For playing music, there is an integrated six-disc CD/DVD changer and Music Register for around 1,000 MP3 or WMA tracks. A stored database ("Gracenote") enables automatic recognition of the music tracks and their artists. This information is then posted on the colour display.

The standard COMAND APS package also includes the latest-generation LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system, which controls the navigation, telephone and audio systems based on its whole-word recognition capability. This system is of great benefit as drivers no longer need to spell out their commands. Instead, they simply say what they want, whether it is a destination for the navigation system, a radio station or a name in the stored phone book.

For the first time, it is also possible to connect an iPod, USB stick or other external audio devices to the COMAND system thanks to the newly developed, universal Media Interface (fitted as standard equipment) in the centre console. This interface is more than just an electronic "socket"; the Media Interface also includes an ECU that links the external music storage media to the SL's on-board electronics and control system. In this way, the iPod music tracks can also be indicated on the instrument cluster and on the COMAND display in the centre console. Plus they can be called up easily using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel. The audio device's battery is charged as long as the portable music storage media is connected to the car via the Media Interface.

For a complete in-car music experience, Mercedes-Benz equips the new SL with the Harman Kardon "Logic7" surround sound system as standard equipment, which is also used in the S-Class and whose performance has been confirmed in numerous tests. The sound system has an output of 510 watts and converts the SL interior into a mobile concert hall - whether the vario-roof is up or down - courtesy of ten high-performance loudspeakers and state-of-the-art surround technology.

The new SL is now available from authorised Mercedes-Benz dealerships throughout Australia.

Key facts at a glance: the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class roadster range

* Prices do not include dealer delivery and the various statutory charges

SL-Class: New design and technology at a glance

Safety

• Bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light function

Comfort

• AIRSCARF neck-level heating

Engines and transmission

• New high-revving sports engine (232 kW/360 Nm) for the SL 350
• Fuel consumption reduced by up to 0.8 litres per 100 kilometres
• Seven-speed automatic transmission in the SL 350, including double-declutching function

Chassis and suspension

• Direct-steer system with sporty, dynamic rack ratio (not in SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG))
• Active Body Control with further enhanced tuning
• 18-inch light-alloy wheels as standard for the SL 350 and SL 500

Infotainment

• COMAND APS including hard-disc navigation, Music Register and voice-operated control
• Media Interface for connecting an iPod and other audio devices
• LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system with whole-word recognition capability
• Surround sound system with ten loudspeakers and an output of 510 watts

Interior design

• New-look instrument cluster
• New three-spoke leather sports steering wheel
• New interior colour – natural beige – and new trim elements in pale burr walnut with a high-sheen finish
• Seat covers with new fluting
• SL 600 including exclusive fine-wood trim elements in burr walnut grain, specially designed interior door panels and V12 emblems on seats, steering wheel and door sills as well as even wider range of V12 standard equipment

Exterior design

• All-new front-end design with distinctive V-shape and wider radiator grille
• Bonnet with powerdomes
• New-look front wings with gill-style air outlets
• New, larger exterior mirrors featuring arrow-type indicator repeaters
• New, diffuser-style rear bumper
• Trapezoidal exhaust tailpipe trims
• Sports package with black-coloured headlamp inner frame
• SL 600 with V12 emblems on the front wings, special exhaust tailpipe trims and 18‑inch ten-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels

The AMG SL-Class: dream machine with a revolutionary transmission and a 386 kW V8 engine

Emotional performance courtesy of cutting-edge engineering: that is the new Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG in a nutshell. This stunning roadster is powered by an AMG-designed and developed 6.3-litre V8 engine producing 386 kW and 630 Newton metres - which makes it today’s most powerful model with a V8 naturally aspirated engine in its class. The SL 63 AMG comes exclusively with the all-new, innovative AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. The newly-developed power transfer concept features a compact, wet start-up clutch that replaces the conventional torque converter. The resulting direct connection to the powertrain, together with the double-declutching and Race Start functions, guarantees an extremely emotional, supremely dynamic driving experience. The SL 63 AMG sets new standards in the open-top sports car segment thanks to this outstanding drive combination and the retuned, even more agile AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission is an all-new, unique concept, available exclusively in the new Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG. It combines the best of two worlds: the sporty, direct and agile feedback of a manual transmission and the maximum convenience of an automatic transmission. Fitted with seven speeds, four drive modes, a double-declutching and Race Start function, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7‑speed sports transmission offers unprecedented versatility. MCT stands for Multi‑Clutch Technology and only employs clutch elements to perform gearshifts.

No interruption in torque and four drive modes

At the heart of the new AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission lies the wet start-up clutch, which runs in an oil bath and replaces the previous torque converter. Thanks to its low rotational inertia, the transmission responds instantaneously and dynamically with no slip. Accelerator pedal movements trigger an instant traction response.

Fitted with four drive modes, the transmission provides gearshifting with no loss of tractive force and supports customised control strategies for maximum driving pleasure. In “C” mode the gearshifts are comfortable, coupled with a “soft” accelerator response set-up for outstandingly smooth power transfer. In “S” mode the engine and transmission interact with more "bite": the engine speed is allowed to reach a higher level in each gear; the downshifts also feel more spontaneous. The gearshifts are around 20 percent faster than in “C” mode. Switching to “S+” mode cuts another 20 per cent off shift times, while “M” is the sportiest mode: here the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine has even more bite, added to which the transmission shifts gear another 10 percent faster – a reduction of 50 per cent compared with “C” mode. In “M” mode the gearshifts take just 100 milliseconds.

Ultra-fast, spontaneous multiple downshifts are another forte of the new MCT sports transmission. For instance, kickdown lets you move straight from seventh down to fourth gear or from fifth to second. In the “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual) modes the automatic double-declutching function is active. And this not only adds to the driver's emotional experience: the virtually load-free downshift minimises load-change reactions, which pays dividends particularly when braking into a bend on the racetrack.

New AMG DRIVE UNIT with innovative Race Start function

The new AMG DRIVE UNIT is the central control unit for the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission and all driving dynamics functions. On the left next to the selector lever is the electronic rotary switch to select the four drive modes including activation of the new Race Start function. Underneath are three buttons for additional functions: the first controls the ESP® function, the second the ABC suspension system. The third adorned with AMG lettering is used to store the selected transmission drive mode and the suspension set-up. Briefly pressing the AMG button brings up the configuration options, while holding down the button allows you to programme the required set-ups.

The Race Start function takes driving dynamics to an entirely new level: it enables the SL 63 AMG driver to call on maximum acceleration, while ensuring optimum traction of the driven wheels. The optimum start-up engine speed is set fully automatically and the SL 63 AMG accelerates away in an instant ‑ even up to maximum speed if required. The driver does not need to shift gear manually; the AMG transmission changes gear with lightning-fast shift times.

AMG 6.3-litre V8 naturally aspirated engine with 386 kW

The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine teams up with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission to form a perfect partnership for dynamic driving pleasure and outstanding performance. The SL 63 AMG accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds before quickly going on to a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).

The high-revving, naturally aspirated engine generates 386 kW at 6,800 rpm from a displacement of 6,208 cubic centimetres, delivering maximum torque of 630 Newton metres at 5,200 rpm. The unique combination of high-revving concept and large displacement achieves the best of both worlds: high pulling power at low engine speeds coupled with exhilarating high-revving flexibility ‑ right up to 7,200 rpm.

The AMG V8 is packed with a wealth of fascinating racetrack technology, including the lightweight, extra-rigid closed-deck crankcase and cylinder walls with a revolutionary TWAS coating as well as the valve train designed for high engine speeds with bucket tappets in the cylinder heads. The vertical arrangement of the intake and exhaust ports together with the variable intake manifold featuring two integral throttle flaps results in superlative cylinder charging and high power output.

The sophisticated electronically controlled fuel supply provides a consummately spontaneous response to accelerator movements in all driving situations; the AMG sports exhaust with two oval, chromed twin tailpipes guarantees the characteristic AMG V8 vocals.

The tri-metallic coating used in the catalytic converters results in a faster response from a cold start, more efficient emission control as well as superior long-term durability. The SL 63 AMG fulfils all standard exhaust emissions limits such as EU 4 and the specific requirements of the U.S. market (LEV-II, On-Board Diagnosis II and oxygen sensor diagnosis).

AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control and 3-stage ESP®

The dynamic drive unit finds its perfect match in the SL 63 AMG suspension. The AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control has been further enhanced and not only comes with new spring and damper tuning but also completely modified elastokinematics.

The front axle bearings, the spring links and the torque strut along with individual strut bearings at the rear have been retuned to deliver greater agility and shorter stopping distances.

In partnership with the optimised speed-sensitive power steering the SL 63 AMG now feels even more direct and livelier. The AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control also enables the suspension set-up to be customised. At the push of a button, the driver can select a sporty, firm response with reduced roll angles, or go for a comfort-focussed setting for excellent comfort on long journeys.

Also new is the 3-stage ESP® with sports function. This system provides three different settings and is the logical development of the AMG ESP® philosophy. The driver can choose between the settings “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT” and “ESP OFF” by pressing the ESP® button in the AMG DRIVE UNIT – the activated setting is shown in the central display in the AMG instrument cluster.

AMG high-performance braking system and 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels

The AMG high-performance braking system rises to the exacting requirements associated with consummate driving dynamics. The front wheels are equipped with internally ventilated, perforated 360 x 36 millimetre composite disc brakes with six-piston aluminium fixed callipers, while deceleration at the rear comes courtesy of internally ventilated, perforated 330 x 26 millimetre brake discs with four-piston fixed callipers. The result is very short stopping distances, outstanding sensitivity and remarkable resistance to fading.

The 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with their alluring triple-spoke styling and titanium grey finish plus high-sheen star on the centre of the wheel are also new. The 255/35 R 19 (front) and 285/30 R 19 (rear) tyres are fitted to 8.5 and 9.5-inch-wide wheels. The 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with their striking design blend in harmoniously with the new AMG bodystyling.

New AMG bodystyling ensures clear differentiation

The appearance of the SL 63 AMG now gives away its exceptional status more than ever before. The new-look front apron with a more pronounced arrow shape, black-painted radiator grille, larger cooling air intakes and lower transverse fin painted in black harmonises perfectly with the redesigned front end of the SL‑Class, giving it a decidedly masculine aura.

The distinctive AMG bonnet more than hints at the powerful engine located beneath it. Bi-xenon headlamps with their dark surrounds, and large round fog lamps set well to the side in chrome surrounds also emphasise the vehicle's width. The hot air from the additional engine oil cooler in the front wheel arch escapes through side air outlets in the front apron. New exterior mirrors featuring LED indicators with a pronounced arrow shape catch the eye, as do the matt-silver-painted AMG trim panels on the front wings with “6.3 AMG” lettering.

The AMG bodystyling also includes the AMG side skirts and the powerful AMG rear apron with its large black diffuser insert. A visual and acoustic feast comes in the guise of the AMG sports exhaust with two chromed twin tailpipes. The AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid reduces lift especially at high speeds.

Interior featuring new AMG sports steering wheel with three-spoke design

The interior of the new SL 63 AMG offers an alluring combination of exclusive equipment details and a dynamic, practical look. The eye is drawn to the new AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with its three-spoke design and aluminium AMG shift paddles. The grip area is specially shaped and covered in perforated leather, while the vertical spoke is embellished by a silver-coloured insert. Behind sits the new AMG instrument cluster with “6.3 V8” lettering on the rev counter and the new-look instrument cluster trimmed in nappa leather with double topstitching above the round gauges.

As soon as the ignition is switched on, the speedometer and rev counter needles rotate in unison around the dials to their maximum values and then instantly revert to their original positions.

The AMG main menu integrated in the AMG instrument cluster displays the currently engaged gear including recommended upshifts, the “RACETIMER” with lap times, information on the engine oil temperature and battery voltage, along with the activated transmission drive mode including Race Start and the selected ESP® mode. New, exclusive equipment for the SL 63 AMG with AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission includes the AMG selector lever in a leather/carbon-fibre finish and the stylishly integrated AMG DRIVE UNIT with rotary switch for the four drive modes and buttons for ESP®, suspension set-up and the AMG mode.

Standard-fit AMG sports seats with AIRSCARF

The standard specification also includes fine nappa leather upholstery, genuine carbon-fibre trim and the multi-way electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with multicontour and memory functions, seat heating, AMG-specific perforation pattern and seat design, and AMG badge. The standard AIRSCARF neck-level heating system is a new addition. At the push of a button, it blows warm air through the head restraints – providing open-air motoring pleasure even if there is a chill in the air.

The new SL-Class also features the new telematics. The sophisticated unit combines ease of use, logical menu structure and consummate entertainment. Features include speed-sensitive volume control, a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies, an MP3-compatible CD or DVD player as well as a Bluetooth interface that wirelessly links a mobile phone to the hands-free system. The COMAND APS features a high-resolution 6.5-inch colour display, LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system for audio, navigation and telephony, a music library function to store audio files and an SD memory card slot.

The stunning looks of the SL 63 AMG can be further enhanced with the exclusive AMG exterior carbon-fibre package, available as an optional extra. This package incorporates side air outlets in the front apron, exterior mirror housings, and a spoiler lip all manufactured in carbon fibre. It also includes a genuine carbon-fibre diffuser insert in the rear apron.

The exciting SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG roadsters are now available to purchase from all authorised Mercedes passenger car dealers.

Key facts at a glance: the Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG

Model	Power	Torque	0-100km/h	Price*	Available
SL 63 AMG	386 kw	630 Nm	4.6 seconds	$382,000	Now
SL 65 AMG	450 kW	1,000 Nm	4.2 seconds	$468,000	Now