2013 Mercedes SL63 AMG Revealed With 530-HP: Geneva Motor Show Preview

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its latest grand touring SL63 AMG hardtop convertible ahead of a planned debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

Weighing 275 pounds less than the outgoing model, the new SL63 offers the laughter-inducing, hand-built M157 bi-turbo 5.5 V8 engine mated to the MCT seven-speed automatic transmission. The MCT features a trick start-up clutch that runs in an oil bath rather than a conventional torque converter. The inherent low centrifugal mass allows the transmission to engage extremely quickly.

Other hardware add-ons by AMG include 6-piston brakes that bite onto huge 15.3 inch compound discs at the front and 14.3-inch integral discs with single-piston floating calipers in the rear. An adjustable AMG sports suspension (sport or comfort) based on the Mercedes-Benz active damping system and speed-sensitive steering provide the handling needed to match the power. Custom driving dynamics are available as well, from “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport Plus), and “M” (Manual). In “C”, an engine stop-start feature works to control fuel consumption.

Power in the SL63 starts at 530 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, capable of 4.2 seconds to 60 mph and a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. If more oomph is desired, the AMG Performance package provides an extra bump in output to 557 hp and 664 lb-ft, 4.1 seconds to 60 mph and a higher top speed limited to 186 mph.

Despite the dynamite hardware, Mercedes-Benz has chosen to go with an elegant and quiet exterior. Other than daytime LED, custom sport exhausts, and 19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch also available), there’s little to differentiate the AMG from the standard SL. The AMG will also be available with the optional Sky Control panoramic glass roof found in the standard convertible.

As for the interior, the SL AMG receives rich Nappa leather AMG sport seats, an integrated AMG DRIVE UNIT infotainment system with harmon/kardon Logic 7 audio, and an unique AMG instrument cluster.

Find out more about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG as we get closer to the upcoming 2012 Geneva Motor Show.