2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series

If AMG’s manic creations simply aren’t enough for you, there are a very small number of models that have been improved to Black Series specification, and the SL 65 joins the ranks in 2009. Starting with the standard SL 65 AMG, already potently endowed with a twin-turbocharged V12, AMG mainly focuses on weight reduction. The folding hardtop and metal fenders, front bumper, and trunk are ditched for units made of carbon fiber composite, saving more than 200 lbs. (a lot of which was in the roof, so the center of gravity is lowered somewhat). Engineers also managed to enhance engine output by almost 60 horsepower, for a total of 661 horsepower (although torque, while still immense, is unchanged at 738 ft-lbs.). Performance is about what you’d expect given the modifications to the SL-Class, with a 0-60 time of well under 4 seconds and a top speed well in excess of 215 mph. It’s not a coupe for the faint-of-heart, but if you’re looking for a DTM-style driving experience without having to wear a fireproof suit every time you drive it, perhaps the SL 65 AMG Black Series is your car.