Spy Shot
Video and Spy Photos: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Black Series
2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 Black Series Hits the Nürburgring
For some people — OK let's call them very rich people — an AMG badge isn't enough for their Mercedes-Benz. They need something a little more exclusive; if it's faster and looks different, that's good, too. That, in a nutshell, is the idea behind the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Black Series, a track-oriented model that will slot above the standard AMG-tuned SL.
Seen here for the first time in our exclusive spy video from the Nürburgring, this SL63 Black Series prototype wears many of the same modifications used on the current CLK63 AMG Black Series coupe. It's hard to miss the extra-wide bodywork, as it extends past the original sheet metal as much as 5 or 6 inches in some spots. The extra coverage is there to shelter a set of wheels and tires that clearly favor high-speed traction over country-club comfort.
The front end reveals a few changes, too, most notably a revised fascia and a deep airdam with massive air inlets. We doubt Mercedes looked to Dodge for styling cues, but the huge hood vents look surprisingly similar to those used on the 2008 Viper coupe. There are more vents behind the front wheels and there's no missing the Porsche-like spoiler out back. Much to our relief, it appears retractable.
Power for this very serious-looking SL will most likely come from AMG's latest 6.2-liter V8. It makes around 500 horsepower in most of its current applications, which include the E63 AMG sedan, but this high-profile car could provide the occasion for the debut of an even higher-horsepower version. How much higher is hard to tell, as the limiting factor up until this point has been the use of Mercedes' seven-speed automatic transmission. There's no doubt this car has an automatic, so the real question is whether Mercedes will fortify its seven-speed to handle additional torque loads.
When this high-performance convertible will make its first official appearance is hard to tell. The entire SL lineup is expected to get a face-lift for the 2009 model year, so the Black Series model may have to wait until late next year to make its debut. Regardless of when it shows up, it's guaranteed to be rare, fast and very expensive. Figure more than the current SL55 AMG, which runs about $129,000, and slightly less than the twin-turbo V12 SL65 AMG at $186,000.
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Seen here for the first time in our exclusive spy video from the Nürburgring, this SL63 Black Series prototype wears many of the same modifications used on the current CLK63 AMG Black Series coupe. It's hard to miss the extra-wide bodywork, as it extends past the original sheet metal as much as 5 or 6 inches in some spots. The extra coverage is there to shelter a set of wheels and tires that clearly favor high-speed traction over country-club comfort.
The front end reveals a few changes, too, most notably a revised fascia and a deep airdam with massive air inlets. We doubt Mercedes looked to Dodge for styling cues, but the huge hood vents look surprisingly similar to those used on the 2008 Viper coupe. There are more vents behind the front wheels and there's no missing the Porsche-like spoiler out back. Much to our relief, it appears retractable.
Power for this very serious-looking SL will most likely come from AMG's latest 6.2-liter V8. It makes around 500 horsepower in most of its current applications, which include the E63 AMG sedan, but this high-profile car could provide the occasion for the debut of an even higher-horsepower version. How much higher is hard to tell, as the limiting factor up until this point has been the use of Mercedes' seven-speed automatic transmission. There's no doubt this car has an automatic, so the real question is whether Mercedes will fortify its seven-speed to handle additional torque loads.
When this high-performance convertible will make its first official appearance is hard to tell. The entire SL lineup is expected to get a face-lift for the 2009 model year, so the Black Series model may have to wait until late next year to make its debut. Regardless of when it shows up, it's guaranteed to be rare, fast and very expensive. Figure more than the current SL55 AMG, which runs about $129,000, and slightly less than the twin-turbo V12 SL65 AMG at $186,000.
See new Mercedes-Benz models
See future Mercedes-Benz models
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