2008 MERCEDES BENZ SL 65 AMG (R230) 6.0 V12 Biturbo 5AT (612 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The hard-top convertible 2008 SL65 AMG was one of the vehicles with the highest torque in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. But besides the high-performance drivetrain, it was a luxury roadster as well.

In March 2008, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the second facelift for the SL-class. It was unusual for a brand to build two facelifted versions of the same generation. Between 2001 and 2008, there were new pollution and safety norms that were changed and the customer’s expectations were higher.

The 2008 SL65 AMG featured a new headlights design, whit the former double-rounded unit discarded. A new shape and a new grille with one horizontal slat were characteristic of the SL65 AMG. The front bumper was taller, with a wide air-intake in the center and two side-pods where the fog-lights were installed. On the front fenders, the SL65 featured two exhaust vents and a V12 Biturbo chromed badge. Four oval exhausts in the rear completed the image.

The driver was reminded every moment that he was driving a beast. On the instrument cluster, inside the speedometer and the tachometer gauges, the manufacturer placed the AMG and the V12 Biturbo logos, respectively. There was a new steering wheel with aluminum paddle shifters behind it, and two round groups of buttons on the left and right spokes. A new infotainment unit was added.

For the technical department, the AMG chose a bi-turbo unit mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox. It was the older 5G-Tronic unit, which was able to handle the massive 1000 Nm (738 lb-ft) torque. The newer 7G-Tronic could not do that. The front brakes were equipped with 390 mm (15.35”) brake discs while 360 mm (14.17”) discs provided the deceleration at the rear.