Hot new Mercedes SL63 AMG - first pics

The SL63 AMG will showcase Mercedes’ all-new seven-speed automatic gearbox

Click here for more pictures of the new Mercedes SL63 AMG

Mercedes has taken the wraps off the hotly-anticipated SL63 AMG – the successor to the supercharged SL55 AMG.

The new Mercedes SL63 AMG produces 525bhp and 464lb/ft of pulling power and is powered by a 6.3-litre V8 petrol engine.

This propels the all-new SL63 AMG from 0-62mph in just 4.6 seconds.

And the SL63 AMG will showcase Mercedes’ all-new seven-speed automatic gearbox – dubbed AMG Speedshift MCT 7.

The new seven-speed auto ‘box comes with four drive modes – Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Manual. Selecting Manual means gearshifts take just 100 milliseconds.

The driver is surrounded by an AMG instrument cluster which displays the selected gear, a ‘Racetimer’ with lap times, oil temperature, battery voltage, and the selected ESP mode.

The AMG boffins have developed a unique suspension setup for the SL63 and kitted the monster Merc with a host of electronic driver aids.

The SL63 AMG boasts an aggressive front bumper, larger cooling intakes, AMG side skirts and two chromed twin exhaust pipes at the rear.

The standard spec also includes leather upholstery, carbon-fibre trim and multi-functional AMG sports seats with memory functions, seat heating and AMG lettering.

And for the ultimate in luxury and power, Mercedes has also rolled out the V12 bi-turbo SL65 AMG – which produces a massive 612bhp and 737lb/ft of pulling power – completing the 0-62mph sprint in just 4.2 seconds.

Prices for the new SL63 AMG have not been announced, but expect to pay a similar price for the old SL55 AMG at just under £100,000 when it goes on sale in April 2008.

Click here for more pictures of the new Mercedes SL63 AMG