Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG

Following the recent launch of the eight-cylinder SL 63 AMG, Mercedes-Benz has now announced the SL 65 AMG V12 roadster, with a 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine that develops up to 630HP and 1000Nm of torque.

As with the SLS AMG, the bodyshell is all-aluminium for impressive weight reduction: some 170kg less than before. Meanwhile, the ‘expressive’ front section is dominated by the new ‘twin blade’ radiator grille and a front apron with a lower cross strut in high-sheen chrome. The lightweight construction also contributes to improved fuel efficiency – now a Combined figure of 24.4mpg, a fairly staggering 17 per cent improvement on the previous SL 65 AMG and, claims Mercedes, a new benchmark in the 12-cylinder petrol engine segment.

Also helping keep the fuel consumption down is the AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic transmission and Eco start/stop function.

But what about performance? We’re promised 0-62mph in 4 seconds flat, with – even more remarkably – 125mph on the clock after just 11.8 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.