We got a good look at the refreshed 2009 Mercedes SL550 a couple weeks ago, but the Geneva auto show was the official debut of the SL63 AMG. Instead of the SL550's 5.5-liter V8 with 388 horsepower, the SL63 uses a 6.2-liter V8 with 525 hp. It's also the first application of Mercedes' new seven-speed transmission. It's called MCT Sportshift and it combines the smoothness of an automatic with the direct feel of a manual...
Sure, all automatics promise that, but this one does it better because it has a clutch pack in place of a torque converter according to Mercedes-Benz. There are four shift programs and a launch control feature that will deliver a 0-60-mph time of just 4.6 seconds. Again, Mercedes' numbers, not ours.
The SL63 AMG also gets a sport suspension with Active Body Control, 14.2-inch composite brake rotors up front and aluminum six-piston calipers. The wheels measure 19 inches in diameter and wear tires sized 255/35 in front and 285/30 in back. There are plenty of AMG-specific styling cues as well, some more tasteful than others. We can live with the blacked-out grille, rear diffuser and quad exhaust pipes, but those silver quarter-panel vents are tacky looking on a six-figure car. -- Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor, Inside Line
The SL63 AMG also gets a sport suspension with Active Body Control, 14.2-inch composite brake rotors up front and aluminum six-piston calipers. The wheels measure 19 inches in diameter and wear tires sized 255/35 in front and 285/30 in back. There are plenty of AMG-specific styling cues as well, some more tasteful than others. We can live with the blacked-out grille, rear diffuser and quad exhaust pipes, but those silver quarter-panel vents are tacky looking on a six-figure car. -- Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor, Inside Line
calmb4thestrm says:
12:09 PM, 03/ 5/08
It's nice but i wish mercedes would do somthing about those tail lights!
picswim says:
06:05 AM, 03/ 6/08
Porsche called, they would like their Turbo's wheels back.
ateixeira says:
08:51 AM, 03/ 6/08
And I don't even like those wheels. Usuaully AMG chooses more substantial looking rims.
Sad that this OE car looks more like aftermarket.
racer8 says:
04:41 AM, 03/ 7/08
gorgeous except for the tail lights...
mrryte says:
07:50 AM, 03/12/08
Anyone have more info on the MCT Sportshift? Is it supposed to be the next step above the dual/twin-clutch transmissions?