Geneva motor show 2012: Merc SL63 AMG

The Mercedes SL63 AMG has been revealed in public at today's Geneva motor show. In top 'Performance Package' specification, it offers 557bhp and a 0-62mph time at 4.2sec.

In line with its standard sibling, the new SL63 AMG eschews steel construction for the first time, adopting a state-of-the-art aluminium and magnesium structure that, in combination with a carbonfibre bootlid and vacuum die castings within the chassis, is claimed to bring a kerb weight of 1845kg, a significant 125kg reduction over its predecessor.

The new car is differentiated from lesser versions of Mercedes’ sixth-generation SL by an extensive body kit. It’s a purposeful-looking machine, with a much more aggressive look than earlier performance versions of the upmarket roadster.

The new SL63 AMG ditches its predecessor’s naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 engine for a more contemporary twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 that, in keeping with all recent new AMG models, will be sold in two states of tune.

In standard guise, it gets 530bhp at 5500rpm and 590lb ft at 2000-4500rpm. An optional AMG Performance Package increases power output to 557bhp at 5500rpm and torque goes up to 664lb ft between 2250 and 3750rpm.

In both models, the prodigious reserves are channelled through AMG’s seven-speed Speedshift automatic gearbox to the rear wheels. The car also has a launch control function, known as Race Start.

Mercedes puts the new SL63 AMG’s 0-62mph time at 4.3sec – or 4.2sec with the Performance Package added. In the standard car, top speed is limited to 155mph. This rises to 186mph with the Performance Package.

Underpinning the new SL63 AMG is a heavily upgraded version of the standard SL’s newly configured chassis, with four-link front suspension and multi-link rear, allied to uniquely tuned active air springs and dampers as part of an uprated version of Mercedes’ ABC (active body control) system.