Sneak Peek: The 2013 Mercedes Benz SL65 AMG

The 2013 SL65 AMG (Credit: Mercedes Benz USA)

 

Making its debut at the upcoming New York International Auto Show, the 2013 Mercedes Benz SL65 AMG will not be available to buyers until November. As one  would expect of a luxury automobile with a six-digit price tag, Mercedes Benz promises the new roadster will  be a blend of design, performance, and technology.

The AMG 6.0-liter V12 bi-turbo engine generates a peak output of 621  horsepower and a maximum torque of 738 lb-ft. The use of an all-aluminum  body-in-white delivers a drastic weight reduction as the MY13 SL65 AMG is 254  pounds lighter than before. The distinctive front end is dominated by the new  “twin-blade” grille with two blade-shaped fins and the lower horizontal bar in  the front skirt in high-gloss chrome.

“The combination of exclusive V12 dynamics and cultivated roadster pleasure  was already unique in the previous model. We are certain that, with the new SL65  AMG, we have developed a stunning high-performance automobile beyond compare for  a small, but loyal fan base,” says Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The lightweight design of the body shell also contributes to the reduction of  fuel consumption. A key element in the improved fuel efficiency is the result of  the AMG Speedshift Plus 7-Speed transmission, the ECO stop/start  function, and improvements to the internal efficiency of the engine and  alternator management. Despite a considerable improvement in fuel economy, the  peak output of the AMG 6.0-liter V12 bi-turbo engine is up from 604 hp to 621  hp.
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This output provides amazing propulsion for the new SL65 AMG – acceleration  from 0 to 60 mph takes 3.9 seconds. Top speed in the U.S. market stands at 186  mph. The key attributes of the AMG bi-turbo twelve-cylinder include its  heart-stopping acceleration, and seamless power delivery combined with a  distinctive AMG V12 soundtrack. In short, the SL65 AMG captures the imagination  with its refined, stylish performance.

The sixth generation of the SL offers a space-saving electro-hydraulic  retractable hard-top that converts the SL65 AMG from a roadster to a coupe in  less than 20 seconds. In contrast to the previous model, the new SL comes with  the unique Magic Sky Control. Its transparency can be switched from  light to dark at the touch of a button.

Inside, the SL65 AMG is distinguished from its eight-cylinder sibling by  highly exclusive design and equipment features. One particular eye-catcher is  the electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with one or two-color upholstery in  exclusive leather featuring AMG-specific V12 diamond stitching. This distinctive  upholstery also appears on the center door panels. The AMG logo embossed on the  seat backs is a standard feature, as are airscarf neck-level heating,  the multi-contour function, seat memory and seat ventilation.

When released, the SL65 AMG will be available locally at Mercedes Benz of Palm Springs.

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A few photos from the Spring Fling Auto Cross…

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The Palm Springs Corvette Club held their annual Spring Fling Auto Cross March 17 – 18 in Indio, CA. The event began with a Vette / Viper challenge.

 

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Nissan North America tempts Peyton Manning with a Titan deal

2012 Nissan Titan (Credit: Nissan North America)

Although it may be a few days before Peyton Manning makes a decision as to  which NFL team to throw for, Nissan’s Tennessee-based North American operation is trying  to persuade him to join the Titans by offering a custom Titan. As fans all over the country speculate  on whether future Hall of Fame NFL quarterback Peyton Manning will sign with  Tennessee, Denver, or some other team, Nissan North America has just sweetened  the deal by offering to “… make Manning a Titan.” The automaker, which is based  in Franklin, Tenn., a suburb of Nashville, where the Tennessee NFL franchise  plays, is offering to “make,” or rather, “build” Manning a 2012 Nissan Titan  Pro-4X pickup truck.

Nissan issued the following open letter to Manning:

Dear Peyton,

We hope it’s okay to be informal and call you Peyton. You’ve been like one of  the family to sports fans, especially Tennesseans, since your record-setting  college days at the University of Tennessee.

Like you, we at Nissan North America were not all born to Rocky Top. But it  is now home to our corporate headquarters and three manufacturing facilities  employing more than 6,000 Tennesseans.

At Nissan, we too have fans all over the U.S.A. and we appreciate them all.  And like all of your fans, we’re awaiting your decision on where to play next  season. While we are in no position to sign you to any particular NFL franchise,  we at Nissan North America want to make you a Titan – a 2012 Nissan Titan – as a  gesture of gratitude recognizing your great accomplishments and philanthropic  contributions to our national community.

We extend this offer on behalf of a nation of football fans and Nissan fans,  not necessarily to influence your decision. So next time you’re in Nashville,  give us a call and we’ll bring the keys.

Sincerely,

Nissan North America

Tennessee has been the corporate headquarters for Nissan’s operations  covering all of North, Central and South America since 2006 when the company  moved to Nashville from California. The company, now based 15 minutes south in  the suburb of Franklin, Tenn., is one of the state’s largest employers. Nissan  operates technical and design centers in California, Arizona and Michigan, two  assembly plants and one powertrain plant in Tennessee, as well as a third  assembly plant in Canton, Miss.

“The Nissan Titan V-8 engine is built in Tennessee,” said Brian Carolin,  Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Nissan North America. “And even  more poetically for Mr. Manning, the Titan itself is assembled in a place called  Canton.”

Manning played college football for the University of Tennessee. He is  expected to be a first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee when he becomes eligible  after retirement. The NFL Hall of Fame is located in Canton, Ohio.

Titans are available in the Coachella Valley at Torre Nissan in La Quinta and Palm Springs Nissan in Cathedral City.

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