New SL65 AMG

Mercedes-Benz will soon release a new SL, called the SL65 AMG, it features MB's new Bi-Turbo V12 AMG tuned to 612 HP!!!!! no fotos r available, but the car will release sumtime i think in 2005

I saw a picture in last month's Car and Driver. The amount of power that car has borders on ridiculous.

:useless:

a pic to satisfy ur needs

Man that car is gonna be sweet. I can't wait until I get a customer that has problem under heavy acceleration! :evillol:

The present SL55 AMG is limited to 155 mph, but do you think with an SL with that much power they will limit it again? Because that would be even more of a waste than with the SL55.

Why does that car look like it just came from the Dakar Rally? Sweet ground clearance.

that car says SL 55 on the plates, any distinctive features setting it apart from the SL55? are there any body panel differences between the 500, 55, and 600?

id imagine similar to sl600, maybe a chrome grill, and v12 badges, dunno if theyd change the AMG body parts between the 55 and 65 or not.
definately badass

and i read on the cl65 for a price MB will slap on some higher rated tires and switch the limiter to 186mph, which is as high as the tires are rated for.
the problem is the tires, what tires can go 200mph+ on a 4000+lb car?

when the new SL 65 comes out it will be sick. When the Sl 55 came out i couldnt believe it, now they r coming out with even a faster and better looking car. i cant wait to see what they will come out with after that. if anybody knows of any early prototypes or concepts then please post and leave the pics and specs. thanks

The present SL55 AMG is limited to 155 mph, but do you think with an SL with that much power they will limit it again? Because that would be even more of a waste than with the SL55.


thats is just a "GENTLEMEN'S AGREEMENT" between the German automakers (exclude Porsche)
But in Germany, Mercedes is more than happy to remove the limiter for their customers because they know their customer wouldn't be happy when they get burned by a Porsche after 250km/h
(I am not sure about the US Mercedes dealer, because i asked my dealer to remove the limiter for me and they wouldn't do it)
No matter what the top speed still have to be "limited" some where, because no tires can hold speed up to 200+mph when a car weights nearly 4,500lbs (SL600 4,429lbs / SL55 4,319lbs)

Originally posted by MioCLK
No matter what the top speed still have to be "limited" some where, because no tires can hold speed up to 200+mph when a car weights nearly 4,500lbs (SL600 4,429lbs / SL55 4,319lbs)

The tires on the present SL55 can't hold more than 180 or so. After that they just rip right off because of the weight. And to my knowledge, there will be NO sl65 AMG. The only 65's are the S and CL classes. If there was an SL65 AMG, its performance may rival the SLR, and thus would hamper the sale of the $440k supercar, and Mercedes does not want this. Plus, in my opinion, if they did make an SL65 it would outsell the SLR. A current CL65 AMG costs around $180k, so if they made the SL cost $200k or even $220k, for the convertible/hardtop feature and looks it would be a bargin compared to the SLR.

The vehicle in Car and Driver is not a 65. In fact it was not even a SL600 AMG It was in fact a straight SL600 without a sport package.
YET STILL the ¼ mile speed on this luxurious roadster IS 11.90 and traps at 120MPH. You could give a Yamaha R1 the race of its lifetime. While he is squint eyed and popping his gears and laying hoizontal on his iron horse, you are changing CD's and lighting your cigarette (you get the idea). That long crankshaft of the M12 motor is a perfect balance for this body weight thus there is no flatening in the torque band

umm SPEC Tech do you know how fast a 11.9 quarter mile is? PRETTY DAMN FAST. I guarentee you that the SL600 doesn't run a 11.9, actually it runs a 12.9 @ 109mph, conservativly. A 12.4 to MAXIMUM 12.2 can be achieved, but now we're talking about skilled drivers.

Only a few cars can run sub-12 second quarter miles. Ex: Murcielago, Enzy, F1, Saleen, Koenigsegg... Now, i've read the article (as it was posted on another forum), and C&D mentions that torque has something to do with the massive acceleration boost over the SL55 AMG. The SL55 AMG, according to C&D, ran a 4.5 0-60mph and a 13.0 quarter mile. A torque change from 516 to 590 should have this kind of repercussion on the quarter mile OR 0-60 ALSO mentioned by C&D was the fact that their SL600 had 3 different transmission shifting options. Or to quote C&D themselves:
Originally printed by Car and Driver

The five-speed automatic offers a three-mode manumatic function, just as it does in the SL55, but with such an abundance of muscle, augmented by quick throttle response, it seems superfluous.
For all owners of a 2004 SL600 PLEASE DO NOT BE ALARMED. YOU ARE NOT MISSING AN EXTRA "MANUMATIC" FUNCTION. Or for all other people who don't know, the 2004 SL600 that was sold in the U.S. and Europe only had 2 different transmissino shifting options. Thus, the conclusion can be made that this car was modded by MB.

But how you ask? Simple. These cars are delievered to magazine, such as C&D, by the manufacture. They are hand picked and sometimes even slightly better prepared. This SL600 has been tested with the SL65 trasmission modification, [More on that later] as well as some ECU management modification to allow for this exceptional performance of the car. This is the most probably explanation, and if you read on other forums on this subject, you will see that either an CL, S, or SL 600 model with a simple ECU and transmission computer modifcation can run these times.

So, that is what I have to say to the C&D results. Complete rubbish, and quite impossible with a STOCK, OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR, SL600. The C&D results are both physically and mathematically impossible. If you wish me to post the mathematics behind its impossiblity just ask.

------------

Now, I'll also correct my former post. The SL65 AMG will be coming to the U.S. It is already released in Europe on special orders, and thus isn't listed on the AMG website. The C&D article already uses what is the upcoming SL65 AMG transmission, with its 3 shifting options. The results achieved by C&D on the SL600 should only be a real indication of the expected performance capability of the SL65 AMG.

The tires on the present SL55 can't hold more than 180 or so. After that they just rip right off because of the weight. And to my knowledge, there will be NO sl65 AMG. The only 65's are the S and CL classes. If there was an SL65 AMG, its performance may rival the SLR, and thus would hamper the sale of the $440k supercar, and Mercedes does not want this. Plus, in my opinion, if they did make an SL65 it would outsell the SLR. A current CL65 AMG costs around $180k, so if they made the SL cost $200k or even $220k, for the convertible/hardtop feature and looks it would be a bargin compared to the SLR.


I found the info on the top speed for Euro SL55.
AMG offers a reprogrammed ECU (cost 2,494 EURO), which limits the top speed to 186mph (probably the one used during Motor Trend's test for CL55).
This option also requires new set of special tires that could actually hold speeds that fast.

Nice find MioCLK

People, no matter what you say about tyre speed ratings we ALL know that sooner or later Brabus, Carlsson, Koenig and whoever else will be all gunning down the 'bahnen at 330km/h plus........

umm SPEC Tech do you know how fast a 11.9 quarter mile is?
Sir, All respects sir! The answer to that is yes sir! I have almost 30 years of hands on / on the job experience. I am currently studying to hopefully become a teacher (eventually/hopefully) at the MBNA Rancho Cucamonga Facility in California. If you would like, I will gladly post a scan of the page where this is printed. It is in the back of the current issue with the new Cobra on the front cover. I too was amazed and this is exactly why I posted the info. This raises the question: Would they actually lie about it? I say doubtful. I would safely presume that the editors in their knowledge of how critically accurate these specifications must printed, hopefully did not do a typo on the performance specifications of a car such as a new SL600. If you know so with factual basis for this to be in error sir; please do say it so and we can both agree that it would be a dreadfull error on their (the publisher's) part. Of course Mercedes-Benz claimed performance specifications have always been inherently way underrated. Because of this, I will stand by their test they printed of: 11.9 sec ¼ mi., Final trapped speed of 120 MPH until indicated (with factual basis) otherwise of an error. I believe it is possible to achieve for several combined reasons. One of the primary ones being the redesigned M-120 with it's very long crankshaft now aspirated above via a turbo for each bank of a lighter than before engine block and reciprocating mass (not including the turbo itself). This makes for an engine that has been changed to an extreme degree that we not yet know its profiling of power, its tendancies and characteristics. I will know more as the first ones come back in for their routine servicings. I was shown a "six's" radiator by one of the crew in the parts department and I was speechless. The cooling capacity was grossly increased and looks to not interchange with the previous year model due to both thickness and mount. Even more amazing is that this is not even a sport or AMG version (they have not yet been released as far as I know), which by model identification, are to be even quicker than the "regular six" version.
I try VERY hard to not be biased with automobile makers, but I believe the merger of the two makers is likely to result so far in being a globally prevailent one. The SL600 is by no means a cheap car, in my opinion however they are a bargain when it comes to getting your money's worth. Slamming my 30 year wrench down, I say they are worth every single cent, and more. The rule in first order at Mercedes-Benz design is driver safety. The driver/cab is the sacred entity, and sacred is the word that is used. You sir, my wife, my children are sacred.
When I read the reply post mentioning the Saleen I just had to laugh.
A Saleen Mustang's Performance in acceleration might seem impressive to some. As much as I do like the car, I can practically insurance total the car with a crowbar. They wreck easier than F-body's even. This vehicles SAFTEY performance is dreadfully no laughing matter. I have seen examples with illustrations showing this vehicle and how and why things are NOT designed as such, ect... At MB safety is a somber yet extremely attentive subject when addressed. This and all above sir with respect, you can bet your life on, when the Mercedes name is compared to other high performance vehicles, I kindly ask that you also think of our safety performance and your sacredness to us, because sir, you and your family are so sacred to us that it is the first order before anything else. I thank you for reading my lengthy reply.

My 03 S55 does 0-60 in 4.7 and the Quarter mile in 12.9. I am considering a new 04 Sl600. With the additional torque of the V12 do you think I can get better times than I do with my S55?


umm SPEC Tech do you know how fast a 11.9 quarter mile is? PRETTY DAMN FAST. I guarentee you that the SL600 doesn't run a 11.9, actually it runs a 12.9 @ 109mph, conservativly. A 12.4 to MAXIMUM 12.2 can be achieved, but now we're talking about skilled drivers.

Only a few cars can run sub-12 second quarter miles. Ex: Murcielago, Enzy, F1, Saleen, Koenigsegg... Now, i've read the article (as it was posted on another forum), and C&D mentions that torque has something to do with the massive acceleration boost over the SL55 AMG. The SL55 AMG, according to C&D, ran a 4.5 0-60mph and a 13.0 quarter mile. A torque change from 516 to 590 should have this kind of repercussion on the quarter mile OR 0-60 ALSO mentioned by C&D was the fact that their SL600 had 3 different transmission shifting options. Or to quote C&D themselves:

For all owners of a 2004 SL600 PLEASE DO NOT BE ALARMED. YOU ARE NOT MISSING AN EXTRA "MANUMATIC" FUNCTION. Or for all other people who don't know, the 2004 SL600 that was sold in the U.S. and Europe only had 2 different transmissino shifting options. Thus, the conclusion can be made that this car was modded by MB.

But how you ask? Simple. These cars are delievered to magazine, such as C&D, by the manufacture. They are hand picked and sometimes even slightly better prepared. This SL600 has been tested with the SL65 trasmission modification, [More on that later] as well as some ECU management modification to allow for this exceptional performance of the car. This is the most probably explanation, and if you read on other forums on this subject, you will see that either an CL, S, or SL 600 model with a simple ECU and transmission computer modifcation can run these times.

So, that is what I have to say to the C&D results. Complete rubbish, and quite impossible with a STOCK, OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR, SL600. The C&D results are both physically and mathematically impossible. If you wish me to post the mathematics behind its impossiblity just ask.

------------

Now, I'll also correct my former post. The SL65 AMG will be coming to the U.S. It is already released in Europe on special orders, and thus isn't listed on the AMG website. The C&D article already uses what is the upcoming SL65 AMG transmission, with its 3 shifting options. The results achieved by C&D on the SL600 should only be a real indication of the expected performance capability of the SL65 AMG.

Originally posted bySPEC Tech

If you know so with factual basis for this to be in error sir; please do say it so and we can both agree that it would be a dreadfull error on their (the publisher's) part.

Very well, I will show how this is an error. [ this is taken from another forum]:

Now this would be a pleasant surprise if the SL600 was the first application of the V12 TT, but how can one even account for this particular hotrod SL600 being so much quicker than MErcs own S600 and CL600 V12TT? 4501 lb vehicle needs around 728HP to attain a 120MPH trap speed period. The same vehicle needs no less than around 633HP to even get to that trap speed in 11.9 secs!!! This is simple physics. The 0-60mph is simply ridiculous cause my modified 996TT with consistent AWD, a 6 speed weighing 1100lbs less does 3.5-3.6 secs 0-60MPH and the 1/4 mile in around 11.6 secs which is spot-on for a 3388lb vehicle. It makes near 520HP, 510ftlbs TQ. Although we haven't even taken account of the driver weight so the ratings are still a bit optimistic.

Check here for the simple calculations.

http://www.speedworldmotorplex.com/calc.htm (http://www.speedworldmotorplex.com/calc.htm)


For the record that is not me "speaking". I don't own any 996TT or anything. Hell, I can't even drive yet. Just keeping that straight.

Originally posted by SPEC Tech

When I read the reply post mentioning the Saleen I just had to laugh.

I ment the Saleen S7. Not the Mustang. I'm pretty sure a Saleen Mustang can't do a 0-60 in the mid 3 second range, but I may be wrong, as I don't know too much about Mustangs.

With all that said, I still doubt the results. It would be nice if they were true, but until other magazines start putting out the same numbers, I personally can't believe it.

Originally posted by wings700

My 03 S55 does 0-60 in 4.7 and the Quarter mile in 12.9. I am considering a new 04 Sl600. With the additional torque of the V12 do you think I can get better times than I do with my S55?

If you're serious and willing to put drag slicks on the SL600, yes it will run significantly faster than your S55, as the major problem with these high torque vehicles is traction. Being REALISTIC (as by saying you won't put the slicks on), you will get better times: approx. 4.2-4.3 on the 0-60 and about 12.2-12.4 on the quarter. Drag slicks will drop those times even more. But in my opinion, in everyday driving the torque difference is quite small. You're already driving a car that puts out MASSIVE numbers, so unless you're looking into a SL600, save the money.

Gentlemen,
I have sent a short letter to C & D asking them to please elaborate further on their test results of the "regular six". I never said that I was not suspisious, yet we know that this magazine does or shall I say has in the past been upstanding in the responsibility of what they print. As far as possibilities go I will say by experience that it certainly IS possible to achieve stats as printed by C & D regarding this vehicle, however, we certainly would all agree if it was put physically in front of our faces that it is out of the norm and beyond the typical profiling that is stated for this vehicle. My suspicions are centered around the traction achieved. Many of us here have cars that are high, even up to ultra high power profiled. This is a test that begins with the vehicle statically motionless. My profiling on my vehicle is 18% higher than OEM specs and that is without Nitrous Oxide Enabled. With it enabled the increase is unknown, but in both cases, the reason I would not be able to achieve these numbers is primarily due to "the hook" even on the best track conditions and if anyone of us is crazy enough to due a few "scrub" burns on the tires and remove 40% or better of the existing tread. My vehicle personally would have my over-rev limiter engauged along with traction control (if it was enabled, which of course it would not be) for at least the first given footage after which a phenomenal amount of torque would be required, tapering to very high horsepower amounts needed to maintain the accelleration rate in order to achieve what was printed. This is the part that IS possible (LOL Although not with my car though LOL). I will have to see what they say about it. I am certaily aware of the math that is involved with lateral distance and time.
Hey, Keep in mind gentlemen, I'm just a newbie in this forum posting about what someone else published. We need not shoot the messenger delivering the news, even in my belief that it could be achieved and IS possible with this vehicle although I must agree that the stated power and weight does not coinside with the performance results printed. LOL I will also say that I have more than twice witnessed performance achieved that was beyond the mathematical parameters of the measured power and weight. Unfortunately these tests cannot be performed simultaneously because we know there's some figures that are not correct. Is not THAT what it all boils down to? Which figures are not correct? As far as a special pick vehicle, I would say YES, very likely. Just a bit off the topic here, and this should put me up on charges per se'...LOL I have many times road tested new vehicles (MBZ's) that were equipped identically, some even just a few VIN run numbers away from one another with all the same engine management. You know what I'm going to say and you know it's true. Some cars won't be so impressive, and yet its duplicate will scream bloody murder. Much of this can be explained by tolerences set, lashes, end play, heck, even belt tensions. there's problems with engines that are loose everywhere but the rings though LOL they run like hell and I know that if I ever bought a screamer put together engine, wherever the lack of predicted load friction isn't in the motor, it just simply is not going to last and will sooner than later knock itself silly. That's the car you want to get the full mackie 10 year 100,000mi Starmark on. Any motor like that is a time bomb. It's rather exciting from the shop end of it but even when it is your car. Sometimes I am shocked at how well they hang tough, and on the other hand when you think of it, no motor lasts forever, so actually, they're all time bombs really. I guess only the engine plant machinists really know how loose things can be made (of course all within a given tolerance) and still last just as long. I am not saying this is a good thing to do in order to create power. I am a firm believer in consistancy and precision. I never let things fly out the door just because they are within specs. There's been many times I have redone other peoples work because if I hadn't, then my work would not have been perfectly done right in the dead center (of the center) of the tolerence given. It takes a lot longer to build an engine that way for sure, and the flip side benefit is it takes a lot longer for that engine to die as well. Thanks for reading my lengthy post gentlemen.

SPEC Tech please keep us informed. It would be very interesting to see what C&D have to say for the results themselves.

About 6 months ago, I discovered that Brabus is to launch a new S Class that will blow the proposed S65 AMG off the tarmac! Then, just last week, it came to light that AMG were preparing an S69 AMG to better the new Brabus version. But the best of the news is that Mercedes have successfully applied for the CL69 AMG and SL69 AMG trademarks too.
I can also reveal that S69 will produce a blistering 675 bhp and is also expected to produce in excess of 1000Nm. What’s more, the CL and SL versions will be tuned up even more! Prices for the three new flagship variants have yet to be announced, but it is expected to be somewhere in the region of £220'000 and a launch date can be expected somewhere in late 2005/early 2006.

Originally posted by ell d
About 6 months ago, I discovered that Brabus is to launch a new S Class that will blow the proposed S65 AMG off the tarmac! Then, just last week, it came to light that AMG were preparing an S69 AMG to better the new Brabus version. But the best of the news is that Mercedes have successfully applied for the CL69 AMG and SL69 AMG trademarks too.
I can also reveal that S69 will produce a blistering 675 bhp and is also expected to produce in excess of 1000Nm. What’s more, the CL and SL versions will be tuned up even more! Prices for the three new flagship variants have yet to be announced, but it is expected to be somewhere in the region of £220'000 and a launch date can be expected somewhere in late 2005/early 2006.

The S/SL/CL65 model line already puts out 1200nm of torque, but was downgraded to 900+ because of transmission problems. With the upcoming S/SL/CL69, i'm wondering how will MB/AMG handle 1000+nm of torque. To the engine's limit, the 69's should be able to put out about 1300-1500nm. Wow. All they need are stock drag slicks and this car will rock. Imagine rolling up next to a M3 or something, wife in the passenger seat, kids in the rear, roll down your window, look at the M3 driver and say, "Nice engine your have there. I have 2 of them under my hood." Then on green, smoke him, in you S69AMG. Unbelievable.

Being British, I dont know much about the US market. Over hear though, MB recently launched a new gearbox called the 7G Sequential. As the name suggests, it has 7 ratios and a constant vario shift. Gears can be selected manually, but the box is designed for luxuary cruising. This is shown by its availability, restricted to the E and S500's only. However with the launch of the new CLS, SLK, and R Class fast approaching, the gearbox is set to become a feature and other smaller engined Mercs such as the SLK350 V6, and the R400 CDi V8.
Rumor has it that AMG has waved their wand over this box, and this is the key to the succsess of the 69 V12. There is potential for 1300nm so it is likley that the 69 and 65 will both be uprated in much the same way the SL55 was not long after its launch.
Pirelli is also said to be working on new model specific tyres, especially for thoes with a death wish, who want to de-restrict their 65's and 69's, meaning that and SL69 AMG will be capable of outsprinting a Murcielago or a 575 M, nevermind a pewny M3! I can't wait, the sound of this makes my SL55 sound slow, and the S class will surley be a treat. I can only imagin it to be like piloting in a 675bhp lounge!
Other good news is that the new CLS65 AMG has been spotted in testing, but no pictures are available yet.

the CLS65 AMG has been spotted testing, here's the pic:

http://www.autospies.com/images/uploads/medium/MercedesCLS65AMG.jpg

If the SL 600 already has so much power and is capable of 3.6 sec 0-60 times and 11.9 quarter miles, what do you guys think the SL 65 will do? I can't imagine it will be far behind the SLR. I think most Ferrari guys would kick themselves if they got blown away (off the line only) by an SL 600 that cost more than $60K less than a 360 Challenge Stradale. I know the SL would get toasted on the track due to the weight differences.

im not too big a fan of AMG (ive heard they heve never made a manual transmission), whats the point of being a sport-tuner for mercedes if you wont even make a manual tranny??? a 612 hp car with an automatic? thats just plain stupid. i hope im wrong so AMG doesnt waste a 612 hp beast on an automatic trans.

im not too big a fan of AMG (ive heard they heve never made a manual transmission), whats the point of being a sport-tuner for mercedes if you wont even make a manual tranny??? a 612 hp car with an automatic? thats just plain stupid. i hope im wrong so AMG doesnt waste a 612 hp beast on an automatic trans.

Have you ever driven an AMG car? They aren’t designed to be full on, hard-core Ferrari beaters, that fact that some of them are just shows how incredible they really are.
People who buy an AMG, are people who enjoy performance motoring, but want the comfort and convenience on everyday usage. I know that if I drove a 360 M to work every day, it would break my back every time I went over a cats eye, and the noise from the engine would deafen me before I had even left the driveway. That aside, it is very hard to drive a car like that slowly.
AMG do things differently. The auto box is certainly something not to be sneered at, and most AMG cars feature wheel-mounted touchtronic gear change anyway. The idea is, that you can go about your daily business in the laps of real quality, luxury, and refinement. But if/when you want, you can blow almost anything that challenges you, off the road.
It is fun to take cars like this on track days, as people just don’t expect the performance that an AMG delivers. It’s like travelling in first class of a 747, with the capabilities of an F16 fighter!
A lot of AMG drivers also have other cars; I for one have a 911, with a manual box for the weekend. It suits me just fine.
Besides, i thought that the US was supposed to be the auto-box capital of the word...

I agree with Ell D. If AMG were really trying to make a track worthy car, do you think they would be as porky as they are? How many MB owners do you think would sacrifice AC and an Audio system just to save weight? In reality, these cars are just expensive toys.

HP figures and the cars actual capabilities are just a pissing contest anyways. How often do you think the owners of these cars tap into the full potential available. I'm willing to bet that most people who can afford these cars don't even utilize half the potential. I have an '02 M3 and I don't use even half the potential 85% of the time. Unless you 1) actually race it at a racetrack 2) have diplomatic immunity so you can rip up speeding tickets with impunity or 3) own a gasoline station so you can afford burn gas like crazy under hard driving; having such a powerful car is more like a status symbol. It is a good feeling to know you can smoke most cars on the road but really... how often do you do that???

Besides, I willing to bet that the owners of most (not all) of these cars live in big cities where traffic is a problem. Traffic is one of the main reasona I got the SMG option on my car. When you're bumper to bumper, it really saves you left leg. I must also admit that its really cool to have access to F1 technology. By the way, it also frees up at least one hand so you can multitask. (Cell Phone)

Finally, you can drive an AMG Benz almost anywhere without attracting TOO much attention. As an everyday driver, it seems a fair trade off to have kick butt performance in a highly usuable package. Where would you park your Ferrari at the grocery store. If you can afford a Ferrari just for weekend cruising, good for you. My insurance is already bad enough on one car so it better be one I can use and enjoy.

Sorry for the lenghty reply. Just don't kick yourself if you get blown away in a take your pick (Ferrari 360 Stradale, Porsche 911 GT2, Dodge Viper) while shifting like mad by some guy yakking on the cell phone in a SL 600 (or better yet... SL 65).

ell d, i looked in your vehicle profile, and i noticed it said you had a smart roadster, and an sl65 amg. correct me if im mistaken, but i thought that neither of these cars were out yet. maybe in england they are, but definetely not here, so maybe im being stupid. and no, ive never driven an AMG, im only 12.

and i may have overly stating my opinion when i stated "im not too big a fan of AMG". i'd love to have an AMG, i just think that if youre going to get a fast car (as many AMG's are) you might as well go all out, like the M cars.theyre a little more sporty than luxury, and i think AMG's a little more luxury than sporty. but both of these divisions excel in both categories. :)

Yes, I live in britain, and these cars have only just hit the roads. My SL was the 4th one in Europe, and the smart roadster has been out for about 6 weeks now. I run the Listers group of dealerships, we specialise in Audi, VW, Lambo's, TVR. I did expand last year, and purchased two Mercedes Benz franchises, one of which sells Smart as well.
As the MD of the company, it is my business to know my product. So I do tent to take a few cars just so that I know what I'm selling.

I take an interest in this website because it gives me some valuable market oppinion, which can really help when you are trying to sell cars worth on average, £60K+.

And I appreciate your point. I like a manual box, and I have a 911 Turbo rag top with a manual box, but as I frequently drive around city centers, and do a lot of cross continental travel, the AMG cars canot be beaten. The beauty of them is that that are a luxurious as you can get, but at the flick of a switch, you can eat a Ferrari 360 for afternoon tea.

I'd also suggest driving a distance in an M3. If you run over a cats eye, It will break your back, and you will want to rip the notchy gearbox and the clutch clean out of the car after 200 miles or so. So yes, the M cars have a purpose, but its a very specific one. The AMG cars are more flexible, and thus more user friendly. I call it getting more for your money.

I hope that the car has wider rims and wheels than the standard ones. It's nigh-on-impossible for a car with a chassis like that to handle good. It just has SO MUCH POWER!

P.S. I also prefer AMG's rather than M's...

If you're serious and willing to put drag slicks on the SL600, yes it will run significantly faster than your S55, as the major problem with these high torque vehicles is traction. Being REALISTIC (as by saying you won't put the slicks on), you will get better times: approx. 4.2-4.3 on the 0-60 and about 12.2-12.4 on the quarter. Drag slicks will drop those times even more. But in my opinion, in everyday driving the torque difference is quite small. You're already driving a car that puts out MASSIVE numbers, so unless you're looking into a SL600, save the money.

ON a hot, humid day in Florida I registered a 0-60 of 4.3 and 12.5 113mph.

That is pretty impressive, but i dont doubt it. I take my cars on track days quite a bit, and I have slicks fited onto the origional AMG wheels that come on my cars. (I fit Brabus wheels with tyres that are more freindly to british wheather for everyday use) I have the wheels put on for the track and the differance is astonishing. Handeling and grip, especially on the monstorous S class are vastly improved.

Its not entirly practical though. If i tried to drive home during a light shower, with slick tyres on a 550+ bph rear wheel drive car, I'd end up in a ditch. Shame tho, it makes such a difference.

PS. Have ordered an R class. Wondered what peoples oppinion on them was?

ell d Do you think that the SL65 will offer that much improvement in performance over the SL600 considering the larger amount of money involved. After all, 4.3 and 12.5 on stock tires is not bad.

Me and my wife both have SL's, hers is my "old" (i use the term loosely) SL600, and I now drive the newer 65 AMG. I suppose that there isn't that much differance on paper, but the two cars feel totaly different.
The setup of the gearbox and suspension gives the 65 a totaly driver orientated experiance, but the 600 is more of a luxury GT. Its like comparing a 911 Tubo, with a GT2. One is made to be driven in, and the other is made for driving. Its the same with all AMG cars. I suppose that the 600 would do, but as i had the oppertunity to buy a 65, I took it. And boy am I glad i did.

At the end of the day, they are both extremly fast, but you can really feel the speed in an AMG. Mercs seem to cushion out the rest of the world.

to those who thinks the Sl-xx willl crush an M3,this may be because the sl-55 cost £97,000 on the road and the M3 costs £42,000 spend anther £55,000 on the M3 and see what happens.

It will still be as boaring and as uninspiring as any 3 series coupe/cabrio though, even if you do waste a further £55k on it. If you are in the position to purchase, and you have a budget of £100'000 to spend on one car, I can asure you an modified M3 would seem very dull compared to what that sort of budget can buy.

DB9, 911, SL, RS6, Continental GT...

Yeah fair point,but i just like the sound of the M engines,sound so racing like but with Mb its all deeb base n low revving engines.

Sum folk are into deep base. I spose its like music. We all got different tastes. I like the MB base tho, I gotta say...

Exactly.

I like bass,but not really from a car,maybe just a little but until u open it up.

I saw a saxo trying to race a 330Ci and the Ci had alot of bass+engine noise but the saxo was just well boring loud bass.

For sale 04 1750 miles Questions wings700@cfl.rr.com:) (wings700@cfl.rr.com)

For sale 04 1750 miles Questions wings700@cfl.rr.com:) (wings700@cfl.rr.com)

04 MB SL600 Brilliant Silver with Ash Disronic, Parktronic, Keyless Go. Beautiful Machine V12 Make Offer MSRP 135K

How come ur selling your 600. and more to the point, what is replacing it...

Finally Retired: I just found a beautiful, 1700 mile, 99 Lamborghini Diablo SV. Better than brand new and everthing about it checks out. That makes 6 cars for me, 1 too many. It was a tough decision but I am keeping the S55 and the others. Besides, down the road if I wanted an SL again it would be the SL65.
PS Lambo is here and all I can say is "wow"!

Nice. I think the Diablo has more of the italien flair than the murci and gallardo. My SL65 has arived, and wow just about sums it up for me too. As soon as I work out how to upload pics onto this thing, I'll post them.

this is very cool

any problems, comments so far?

diablo is fantastic!

Nice. The SL is just the dogs bolloks! People used to square up to me in WXR STi's and Maserati's to name but a few with the 600, People just don't bother now. It gets a lot of Police attention. I've been stoped once by some chap who just wanted to look at the car, through his own admission!