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Melbourne - The world's most powerful series-production saloon, the
Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG, is now officially on sale in Australia. Based upon the
internationally-acclaimed all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which was released in
Australia in February this year, the exciting new top-of-the-line S 65 AMG is
nothing short of phenomenal. It is powered by a 6.0-litre V12 biturbo AMG engine
that produces 450 kW of power and 1000 Nm of torque - more than any other
production saloon available in Australia.
Its ultra-powerful engine delivers performance that many sports car drivers
can only dream about: it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and 0 to
200 km/h in just 13.3 seconds (provisional figures). The top speed is 250 km/h
(electronically limited).
With a new AMG sports suspension system based on Active Body Control and the
use of new, innovative AMG high-performance composite brakes, the ultra-powerful
saloon's dynamic handling is impressive.
The extensive list of standard equipment in this new AMG V12 flagship further
underscores the model's leadership position. The release of this new V12 biturbo
headline act extends the number of engine variants available in the successful
S-Class range to four.
"The Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG showcases what Mercedes-AMG stands for when it
comes to developing extraordinary cars and powerful drive systems," said Horst
von Sanden, Managing Director for Mercedes Car Group in Australia.
"The S 65 AMG is the final word when it comes to performance motoring in a
luxury car. The benchmark in this segment was re-set earlier this year with the
launch of the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and the S 65 AMG raises the bar
even higher."
Twelve-cylinder biturbo engine with know-how from motorsport
This exclusive performance is made possible by the 5980-cc V12 engine
developed by Mercedes-AMG. The engine's credentials are outstanding: maximum
output of 450 kW is maintained from 4750 to 5100 rpm, while the maximum torque
of 1000 Nm can be called on from 2000 to 4000 rpm. Even as low as 1000 rpm, the
AMG V12 biturbo engine already delivers 570 Nm of torque to the crankshaft,
while 750 Nm is on tap at 1500 rpm. Naturally the S 65 AMG fulfils all standard
exhaust emissions limits, such as EU 4. The 12-cylinder power plant bears the
name and signature of the specialist who hand-assembled it, reflecting the "one
man, one engine" philosophy of Mercedes-AMG.
World first: newly developed AMG high-performance composite brakes
Stopping power for the ultra-powerful saloon comes from the newly developed
AMG high-performance composite brakes. Based on the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system, it
sets new standards in terms of stopping distances, sensitivity and durability. A
new twin sliding calliper is used for the front brakes, the kind of innovation
people have come to expect from AMG. This new, unique technology combines the
advantages of a floating-calliper brake - lower heat transfer to the brake fluid
and significantly improved ride comfort due to the way the brake pads are
located - with the performance of a large fixed-calliper brake. At the rear a
large sliding frame-type calliper provides the braking. Composite brake discs at
the front and rear with a diameter of 390 and 365 millimetres respectively
ensure the shortest stopping distances, remarkable strength and outstanding
sensitivity. The dual-circuit hydraulic braking system is controlled
electronically and supports numerous driver assistance functions that improve
safety and comfort. Finished in titanium grey, the multi-piece 19-inch AMG
light-alloy wheels with mixed tyres provide the contact with the road. 255/40 ZR
19 tyres are fitted on 8.5-inch-wide wheels at the front, while 275/40 ZR 19
tyres combine with 9.5-inch-wide wheels at the rear.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT 5-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel
gearshift paddles
The drive power is transferred to the wheels in the new S 65 AMG via the AMG
SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission with AMG steering-wheel gearshift
paddles and DIRECT SELECT gearshift, the gear selector lever on the steering
column.
The driver can use the "S/C/M" mode button in the centre console to select
from the "Sport", "Comfort" and "Manual" shift programmes that not only change
the transmission characteristics but also the accelerator response and the
spring/damper settings of the AMG sports suspension based on Active Body
Control. The gears can also be shifted at any time using the silver-coloured
aluminium gearshift paddles on the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel.
Drive train components have been optimised in the S 65 AMG in response to the
enormous torque output of the V12 engine. This includes newly developed clutch
plates in the automatic transmission with a high-quality metallic coating and
the modified shift and torque converter logic. Redesigned drive shafts, larger
hub carriers as well as strengthened steel spring links supplement these
measures.
AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control
The AMG sports suspension with the Active Body Control system is the perfect
complement to the sophisticated drive technology. In addition to the 12%
increase in static torsional rigidity found in the body of the new-model
S-Class, the active suspension reduces almost all of the body movements that
occur when moving off, negotiating bends and braking. Bends are negotiated with
far less roll; the body roll with fast evasive manoeuvring is effectively
suppressed. Compared with the previous model, the second-generation Active Body
Control is even more effective, for instance in reducing body movements in any
given driving situation. Thus the S 65 AMG opens up new dimensions in dynamic
handling - while offering appreciably improved ride comfort.
Unmistakable AMG bodystyling, exclusive interior appointments and
"RACETIMER"
The timeless style of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is further athletically
enhanced with the S 65 AMG. The new AMG bodystyling is combined superbly with
the pronounced flared wheel arches, providing a markedly poised and assured
appearance. At the front the redesigned AMG front apron with enlarged air
intakes adds an athletic touch. The side skirts take up the line of the AMG
front apron and emphasise the dynamic feel of the side view; all reinforced
through the "V12 biturbo" lettering on the front wings.
The powerful AMG bodystyling design of the rear apron and the AMG sports
exhaust system comprising two combined twin tailpipes in the new V12 design
provide the perfect finishing touches.
The exclusive interior appointments fit in perfectly with the dynamic
exterior: open the door and the S 65 AMG welcomes the driver with a large AMG
logo in the AMG instrument cluster's central display. The integrated custom AMG
main menu constantly displays the gear currently selected as well as
recommending when to shift up to the next gear. There is also a choice of engine
oil temperature, the battery voltage or the "RACETIMER". This new function
enables the driver for the first time to calculate lap times in the AMG model -
on a private racetrack, for instance. The RACETIMER stores the time of the
fastest lap, the average and top speed as well as the lap distance; all the
information can be called up conveniently using the thumb-operated buttons on
the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel. The AMG instrument cluster with its
360-km/h dial discreetly indicates the performance of the S 65 AMG.
The extensive burr walnut trim, the "Exclusive PASSION" leather upholstery
and the AMG dynamic sports seats with their own distinctive design add that
touch of distinctive flair. The AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with its
specially sculpted rim and the AMG aluminium gearshift paddles with "up" and
"down" lettering 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 all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been the recipient of constant acclaim
and praise the world over since its release, and has even been referred to as
'the luxury car king'", said von Sanden.
"The S 65 AMG takes the entire catalogue of the new model S-Class'
outstanding achievements and innovative technological solutions, such as
DISTRONIC PLUS, ADAPTIVE BRAKE and PRE-SAFE and marries them with the
extraordinary performance Mercedes-AMG is legendary for."
"This is, without doubt, the ultimate luxury car experience, courtesy of
Mercedes-Benz", concluded von Sanden.
The Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG is priced from $450,000 RRP (excluding on-road
costs).
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