2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG - 2012 Geneva Auto Show

Ultimate SL roadster is headed to Geneva.

With the seventh generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL roadster already launched, it was only a matter of time until the power brokers at AMG got their hands on it. Set to debut during the 2012 Geneva Auto Show in early March, Mercedes-Benz has served up the SL63 AMG, a lighter and faster version of the brand's iconic drop-top. Like the SL550 upon which it's based, a new aluminum body shell has trimmed weight and improved everything from performance to fuel economy. Tipping the scales at 4,059 lbs, Mercedes estimates the weight of the new SL63 AMG has been reduced by 275 lbs. Fuel economy has improved by approximately 30 percent, though official EPA figures have yet to be released.

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Biturbo V-8

There are now two choices when it comes to engine specification. An AMG-tuned twin-turbo 5.5-liter V-8 is nestled under the hood and delivers 530 bhp in standard form. However, opting for the AMG Performance Package nudges output to 557 bhp and 664 lb.-ft. of torque. Equipped with the AMG Performance Package, the SL63 AMG sprints from 0 to 60 mph in only 4.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 186 mph. The standard car is no slouch, with the run to 60 mph taking 4.2 seconds (only a tenth behind). On the other hand, top speed is only 155 mph.

To keep everything under control, the SL63 AMG is fitted with an AMG active suspension, speed-sensitive sports steering, a high performance braking system, and 7-speed automatic transmission. A sports exhaust gives the V-8 the requisite snarl and snort, albeit in a dignified manner befitting a luxurious German sports car. It will only take 20 seconds to retract the folding hardtop, so you can show off the cabin's heady mix of rich leather and polished metal. There are two types of top to choose: a glass roof or Mercedes' Magic Sky Control top that can be switched from a light to dark tint with the push of a button.