2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG
2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG
More power and sportier handling are the big news for the 2009 AMG edition of Mercedes-Benz's ubiquitous roadster.
Hot on the heels of a major SL freshening revealed at the Geneva Auto Show, Mercedes dots the i in New York with the aggressive SL63 AMG.
The SL63 AMG sports an AMG-exclusive 518-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. The SL63 effectively replaces the SL55 in the lineup, which made do with just 510 horsepower from a supercharged 5.4-liter V8.
Though the SL63 uses a seven-speed automatic like other SLs, the AMG unit differs by using a multi-plate wet clutch instead of a torque converter to better facilitate manual shifting. Both the transmission and suspension can be adjusted for gentle cruising or sporty driving, as driving conditions and driver whims warrant.
More powerful brakes, more aggressive styling, and unique interior trim elements round out the SL63's AMG treatment.
An in-house division of Mercedes-Benz, AMG is responsible for creating sporty, enthusiast-appealing versions of existing models. Once a separate company, Mercedes-Benz purchased AMG in 1999.
Like the SL550 and SL600 revealed in Geneva, the SL63 benefits from a restyled front and rear end, updated interior décor, and iPod connectivity. Mercedes says the new SL lineup will arrive in dealerships this spring.
Mercedes also took this opportunity to remind folks that it offers a full line of diesel-powered vehicles. Revealed here was the 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320 Bluetec. Already available as a Bluetec diesel for '08, the 2009s will be available in all 50 states.
Due in part to an exhaust urea-injection system, all Mercedes Bluetec vehicles will soon meet the more-stringent emissions standards in California, New York, and other "green" states. Currently Mercedes offers Bluetec diesel engines in its E-Class sedan, and GL-Class, M-Class, and R-Class SUVs.
2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320 Bluetec
2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320 Bluetec
