NOw MB has dual clutch sequential shift technology!

Mercedes to unveil SL63 AMG at Swiss show
The Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG
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By BOB GRITZINGER AND MICHAEL TAYLOR







PHOTO GALLERY
Mercedes-Benz will drop the SL55 AMG for 2009, replacing it with the SL63 AMG in keeping with other AMG models in the Mercedes lineup. The refreshed SL lineup will be revealed at the Geneva motor show in March and will go on sale in the United States this spring.

Hailed by Mercedes as "the sportiest SL roadster ever," the new SL63 AMG is powered by a 6.3-liter normally aspirated V8 producing 518 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque (versus the SL55's 5.5-liter, 510-hp, 531-lb-ft supercharged V8).

The engine is coupled to a newly developed seven-speed multi-clutch transmission exclusive to the SL63 that Mercedes says combines the convenience of an automatic with the direct connection of a manual gearbox and "the lightning-quick automatic gear shifts of a Formula 1 race car." The tranny features a start-up wet clutch that replaces a conventional torque converter and features four shift modes and a double-clutching function.

A more agile AMG sports suspension completes the package. Serious performance buyers will want the P30 performance upgrade that boosts top speed to 186 mph and includes larger front brakes with two-piece vented 15.3-inch ceramic rotors, a limited-slip differential and 19-inch forged-alloy wheels.

In addition, Mercedes will unveil mid-model styling upgrades across the SL line. Changes include a restyled hood, headlamps, grille and fenders. Larger rearview mirrors contain arrow-shaped turn signals. New air diffusers were added to the bumper.

The new sheetmetal introduces a chunkier, stronger design theme that first appeared last year on the 2008 C-Class. The front end features new headlights and a more dominant radiator grille with one horizontal bar. While they serve no practical function, a pair of power domes on the hood reflect earlier SLs, while fender air outlets behind the front wheels are a modern twist on the operational outlets on the 1954 300SL.

Inside, there's a new three-spoke steering wheel and a restyled instrument cluster with bold redfaced dials that jump to maximum at start-up before returning to rest. The SL also gets Airscarf, a headrest heater that blows warm air onto the driver's and passenger's necks during cool-weather, top-down driving.

Besides the SL63 AMG, U.S. models and powertrains remain the same, including the naturally aspirated 5.5-liter, 382-hp, 391-lb-ft V8-powered SL550; the twin-turbo 5.5-liter, 510-hp, 612-lb-ft V12 SL600; and the twin-turbo 6.0-liter, 604-hp, 738-lb-ft V12 SL65 AMG.

Mercedes also will show a redone 2009 CLS sedan with revised styling and a 186-mph top-speed option at Geneva.