Mercedes Benz SL65 AMG Black Series
Words from Popular Mechanics and Pictures by Jason Tang

"Like the other Black Series cars, the SL65's transformation is all-encompassing. The boy-racer bodywork is no simple body kit, but a nearly complete replacement of the SL's duds. The Black Series shares only its doors with the SL, and except for the rear fenders, the rest of the unique Black Series body is made from lightweight carbon fiber. Even the SL's convertible top was ditched in favor of an aerodynamic fixed roof.

Mechanically, engineers attacked the soft-riding SL suspension, yanked the heavy and complex hydraulic spring system (known as ABC body control), and swapped in a set of adjustable coil-overs. The suspension links were redesigned, and the mounting points moved to increase camber gain. Harder suspension bushings increase steering precision and feel, and manhole-size brake rotors sport aluminum hats and huge cooling ducts. Massive aluminum wheels and Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires fill the width provided by those gargantuan fender flares.

The hand-built twin-turbo V12 is the same unit we've seen in Mercedes cars for years, but careful tweaking, new turbos and more boost bump power to the new height of 661 hp. The five-speed automatic transmission was selected over the newer, Benz seven-speed box, because it can handle more torque. But even that tranny can't handle all the grunt this engine can produce, and as a result, the engine's torque peak was limited to only 778 lb.-ft. Uh, trust us, it's plenty.

A peak behind the mesh front grille reveals what it takes to keep this powerplant healthy. There's is a sea of six heat exchangers to cool the engine, transmission, air-water intercoolers, and power-steering fluid. A horizontally mounted engine-oil cooler resides in the curb strike zone, just above the front splitter. A frontal impact in this car will cost thousands to repair, but as the saying goes, if you have to ask what it costs, you probably can't afford it." -Popular Mechanics

By chance I came across this one particular example sitting in the showroom at my local dealership with a shining red bow sitting on top of it. The perfect Christmas gift for those with a dark soul or perhaps simply a dark driving style. Not being one to shy away from snapping a few shots, I went to work. In the flesh, this stunning example has curves in all the right places. This is quite possibly the only Mercedes Benz that I would even consider buying and that is saying a lot. -Jason Tang

 

Great pics Jason!! Thx for sharing

 

Most insane looking mercedes ever

 

This Porsche was test driven ?

 

Awesome JT, feature it on the TS fbook page as well!

 

SICK JT!!! great pics. rep!

 

One of my fav cars, love it. Perhaps the best OEM wheels ever.