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Mercedes SL Black
By
Georg Kacher
Spyshots
30 January 2008 12:17
The recently facelifted SL is just the tip of the sports car iceberg for Mercedes. CAR Magazine Online can today reveal the company’s plans for a hardcore SL65 Black Series that will transform the slick SL into a 670bhp hardcore coupe aimed at Lamborghini and Porsche.
The exclusive Black Series model, scooped here by CAR Magazine Online, will be launched in autumn 2008. It’s been developed in close cooperation with HWA of DTM/German Touring Car Championship fame. Only 400 units will be available – and you’ll need a stiff £193,000 (€260,000) to bag the ultimate SL, we hear.
The fixed-roof Black Series model sports much wider wings, massive 19/20in (front/rear) wheels, stronger steel brakes and a new Sportshift transmission which mates a new wet clutch (in lieu of the torque converter) to the familiar seven-speed cogworks.
Mercedes SL65 Black Series: the design
It’ll be easy to spot the uber SL, thanks to additional air intakes and a massive adjustable rear wing. Much of that soaraway price tag is spent on carbonfibre body panels, helping the Black shed a substantial 260kg over the SL65. Fireworks under the long bonnet are provided by the unloved SLR’s supercharged V8 developing a heady 670bhp and a maximum torque of 737lb ft, restricted to 555lb ft in first and second gears to protect the drivetrain.
Click ‘Next’ to read the full spec lowdown on the SL Black
