Mercedes Benz Black

Black editions are what Mercedes tuning house AMG produces when it throws subtlety to the wind. These cars run bodywork which mimics the racers in Germany's DTM series and have more than enough power to back up the visual boast.

There's already an SLK Black and a CLK Black but they're just appetisers for the real king of the range: the SL 65 AMG Black, details of which have just been released.

If the picture doesn't tell the story the numbers will: under the bonnet is a 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged V12 which produces 493kW of power at 5400rpm and 1000Nm from 2200rpm. It drives the rear wheels via a super-quick five-speed automatic gearbox. The torque output would be even higher if it wasn't reined-in electronically, and top speed is similarly constrained to 320km/h. But it can reach 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds.

Weight-saving measures have carved 250kg off the mass of a “standard” SL 65 AMG, although the Black version is still a fairly hefty 1870kg in its socks. Which makes its performance all the more impressive.

The two-seater has been pumped and pimped throughout using carbon fibre and the retractable roof is lower and flatter than the standard item. A carbon fibre rear spoiler deploys at 120km/h.

Special forged alloys — 19-inch at the front and 20 at the rear — combine with motorsport-inspired suspension and enormous brakes to ensure track prowess. The cabin is a feast of nappa leather, alcantara and carbon available only in black.

The SL 65 AMG Black Series will arrive early next year in Australia at a stratospheric price yet to be announced.

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