Even more dynamism and attention to detailThe SL 55 AMG and SL 65 AMG are now even more sporty and exclusive. Both outstanding high-
performance AMG Roadsters have made further substantial gains in terms of technology,
design and appointments and now offer an even more unique driving experience. Enhanced
AMG sports suspension based on second-generation Active Body Control, more direct steering
and new AMG high-performance brakes for both the two-seaters make for spectacular handling
dynamics. Meticulous attention to detail is also a feature of the new-look body and interior.
The enhanced AMG 5.5-litre V8 supercharged engine at the heart of the SL 55 AMG is equipped
with a new, higher-speed supercharger compressor and a larger throttle valve to optimise the
fresh-air supply. In addition, the installation of an even more efficient engine management unit
has boosted the output of the AMG V8 powerplant from 368 kW/500 hp to 380 kW/517 hp, while
the peak torque has been increased from 700 to 720 Nm. The new SL 55 AMG accelerates
from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds (outgoing model: 4.7 seconds) and goes on to reach an
electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
The driving force behind the SL 65 AMG is the extremely powerful AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo
engine developing 450 kW/612 hp and a maximum torque of 1000 Nm, making this still the
most powerful production Roadster in the world. Impressive evidence of the phenomenal
power harnessed by the AMG twelve-cylinder unit is provided by the 0-100 km/h acceleration
time of just 4.2 seconds. Again the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
Both AMG Roadsters feature modified AMG sports suspension based on second-generation
Active Body Control, specific measures having been implemented to reduce body movements
in dynamic driving situations – to levels even lower than those achieved by the outgoing
models – without impairing the excellent ride comfort. Greater agility comes courtesy of the
enhanced front-axle elastokinematics and the speed-sensitive power steering with a more
direct ratio and new valve control logic.
Newly developed AMG high-performance composite brakesBoth the SL 55 AMG and the SL 65 AMG are equipped with newly developed AMG high-
performance brakes which ensure optimum application of the brake pressure, extremely short
stopping distances and outstanding resistance to fading. The front axle on both models boasts
large composite brake discs with six-piston aluminium fixed callipers. The SL 65 AMG has 30
mm larger disc brakes all round and ultra-high-performance composite brakes at the rear as
well as at the front. Plus the top-of-the-range AMG V12 model is fitted with a multiple-disc
limited-slip differential with a locking factor of up to 40 percent for optimal traction.
Exterior design characterised by even more striking dynamismOn a visual level, the new-generation AMG Roadsters are distinguishable by their discreetly
updated AMG bodystyling, including more dynamically styled AMG front aprons with an even
more pronounced wedge shape and fog lamps ringed in chrome. In addition, the front apron of
the SL 65 AMG also incorporates side air outlets allowing optimal flow through the auxiliary
engine-oil cooler. Further unobtrusive yet highly effective model enhancement measures
include an AMG-specific radiator grille with black louvres and chrome highlights, new tail lights
with special AMG tinting, new high-sheen AMG 18-inch light-alloy wheels featuring new multi-
spoke styling for the SL 55 AMG and an AMG sports exhaust system with two sets of chromed
twin tailpipes featuring new V12 styling for the SL 65 AMG.
New interior with carbon-fibre trim and AMG RACETIMERNot to be outdone, the interior of both AMG Roadsters also sports an even more dynamic and
premium-quality look. New genuine carbon-fibre trim elements add just the right degree of
sportiness and reflect AMG's successful involvement in the world of motorsport. The AMG
ergonomic sports steering wheel with its specially moulded rim is now fitted with silver-
coloured aluminium AMG shift paddles.
Further new features include the AMG main menu on the instrument cluster, which displays the
currently engaged gear and recommended upshifts plus either the engine oil temperature, the
battery voltage or the RACETIMER. The new RACETIMER function allows the driver to record lap
times on private racing circuits, storing not only the time for the fastest lap but also the average
and top speeds as well as the lap length.
Both facelifted AMG Roadsters feature high-quality metal door sill panels with AMG lettering, a
new-look instrument cluster shroud trimmed in nappa leather with double topstitching above
the classic chronometer-design round gauges, a new digital clock, a ventilation outlet cover and
a new aluminium-look switch for operating the vario-roof. It takes just 16 seconds to open or
close the folding hard-top, a glass version of which can be specified as an optional extra. The
AMG sports seats, interior door panels and armrests are upholstered in fine nappa leather.
Greater ease of use than before is assured by the optionally available electric
remote-locking
boot lid feature which enables the boot to be opened and closed with the minimum of effort.
Standard equipment includes a removable luggage cover which increases the boot capacity by
22 litres to 339 litres – more than any other competitor in this segment. A few easy moves are
all it takes to remove the luggage cover. As well as freeing up more boot space, this feature
makes loading easier and boosts the boot's utility value.