Geneva Motor Show: Euro premiere of the Mercedes S65 AMG
At 612 hp and the highest torque rating in its segment (thanks to a 6.0-litre V12 biturbo mill), the S65 AMG is Mercedes' cheetah in sheep's clothing (or fine woolen three-piece, at any rate). Because we're talking about the Geneva show (the S65 AMG originally debuted at the North American International Auto Show in January), we'll put these numbers in metric perspective: 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and to 200 km/h in just 13.3 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
As you can tell from Alberto's snapshots, it was a little crowded on the stand, but you get the picture.
(More photos and an S65-related excerpt from AMG's release after the jump)
The new S 65 AMG: the world's most powerful series-production saloon
Exclusivity and dynamism in a wholly new dimension: the new Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG in a nutshell. The top-of-the-line model of the new S Class delivers 450 kW/612 hp and reaches peak torque of 1000 Nm – more than any other vehicle in this segment. With such power at its command, the AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine delivers awesome performance: it accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and to 200 km/h in just 13.3 seconds. The top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).
The new S 65 AMG comes with the exclusive high-tech credentials to match its performance potential, from the transmission, through the suspension to the brake system: the drive power is transferred to the wheels in the new S 65 AMG via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission with AMG shift paddles and DIRECT SELECT gearshift. The AMG sports suspension with Active Body Control is the perfect complement to the sophisticated drive technology. The suspension all but entirely eliminates the body movements that occur when moving off, negotiating bends and braking.
The completely newly developed AMG high-performance brakes with twin sliding callipers at the front based on the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system set new standards in terms of stopping power, sensitivity and fade resistance. Composite brake discs at the front and rear ensure the shortest stopping distances, remarkable resistance to fading and outstanding sensitivity. Multi-piece AMG 19-inch light-alloy wheels with mixed-size tyres keep the S 65 AMG firmly in contact with the road.
Flagship AMG V12 model with exclusive standard specification
Hallmark Mercedes elegance coupled with distinctive sportiness – the impression the new S 65 AMG leaves you with at first glance. At the front, the restyled AMG front apron with enlarged air intakes adds an athletic touch. The side skirts pick up the line of the AMG front apron and emphasise the dynamic feel of the side view; all reinforced by the "V12 Biturbo" lettering on the front wings. The exclusive interior appointments do full justice to the dynamic exterior, with "Exclusive PASSION" leather upholstery plus AMG multicontour dynamic sports seats with their own distinctive design. The AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with its specially sculpted rim and aluminium AMG shift paddles marked "up" and "down" is a joy to hold and behold. One of the most eye-catching features in the interior of the new S 65 AMG is the exclusive analogue clock with its "IWC Ingenieur" design in the centre console. The AMG instrument cluster includes the AMG main menu with RACETIMER.
[Source: DaimlerChrysler]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Sam 4:20PM (3/01/2006)
wait...why would they name the damn thing the 65 when there changing everything to the 63....wtf?
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kevin 4:35PM (3/01/2006)
"twin sliding calipers"? any pictures of this?
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samstayton 4:39PM (3/01/2006)
I thought it used to be the wolf. When did it change to Cheetah? I hope Lexus stops pussy-footing around and soon builds a competitor to S65. A 7.1 L 600 hp LS 710, vow now thats something. Make it the most fuel efficient V12 and you will have the environmentalists in your pocket.
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sam, you're an idiot 4:54PM (3/01/2006)
sam, you're an idiot
the AMG63 is a naturally aspirated V8
the AMG65 is a twin-turbo V12
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Sebastian 4:58PM (3/01/2006)
I believe the S65 is seperate from the 63 numbered vehicles. All AMG 55 cars are becoming 63 but the S65 was always above the S55, thus Mercedes decided to keep the name. WHo knows maybe they will also have a S63 so nthat they can keeo the dual AMG options they had on the previous model
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brad 5:09PM (3/01/2006)
the sliding calipers are for drifting. I am surprised to see AMG heading in that direction, but i suppose it is a possible market for that much horse power.
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JS 5:35PM (3/01/2006)
for a car that is going to cost that much I really thought the interior looked plain jane. And the extior accoutrements were great till I got a shot of the rear and almost screamed out loud in my little cube at the site of such a hideous display.
Loose the lamo lights MB and make the interior at least LOOK like it belongs in a $100K+ car. Nice performance but when I invite my buddies inside I want they to say WOW not "nice car but did they get the interior at a swap meet?".
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oneighturbo 5:39PM (3/01/2006)
the S65 uses the V12 6.0L Biturbo at 604hp/738tq
the new 6.3L v8 will be in the CLK63, CLS63, R63
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m 7:56PM (3/01/2006)
info about sliding calipers (and fixed and floating calipers):
http://off-roadweb.com/tech/0401or_brake/
even thought this is on off-roadweb.com it is still a relevant if you read the article all the way through.
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winter 9:57PM (3/01/2006)
IMHO:
The front lights look cheesy. They'd look better more square and in line with the grile. The body around the wheels looks corny too.
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Mikael 10:18AM (4/13/2006)
The S65 has a V12 (5980cm3) 612bhp (450kW) @4800rpm and 1000nm torque @2000rpm, dual turbos and 2 valve / cylinder..
-plain scary
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