Meet the new Mercedes SL65 AMG

The new Mercedes Benz SL65 AMG, presented here for your delectation, weighs 170kg less than its predecessor. Using our patented Animal-To-Cars-Analogiserer, that's the equivalent of Benz removing a newborn baby elephant from the old SL65.

And there's more, too. Specifically, more power. As expected, the new SL65 AMG - Mercedes' flagship roadster - gets an uprated version of the twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12. It gets a new internal codename, fact fans (M279), and features new exhaust gas turbochargers with an increased spiral cross-section, new manifolds and wastegates, optimised cylinder heads and a new ECU.

As such, it boosts power by 18bhp, so you're looking at 630bhp and 737lb ft of torque (1000NM). The new AMG exhaust system, together with a better catalytic converter and revised AMG seven-speed gearbox helps reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions, too. For the "small but loyal community" of SL65 fans, the headline green stats are 24.4mpg and 270g/km of CO2 (down from 333g/km). Though we doubt you'll be too concerned with such nuances.

See more pics of the new Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG

What you will be concerned about though, is speed. Despite the SL's fancy new aluminium bodyshell allied with carbon fibre parts, the 65 AMG still weighs 1950kg. But that bombastic V12 promises a 0-62mph time of four seconds dead (two tenths quicker than the outgoing model) and a limited top speed of 155mph. This, if you're unaware, is actually quite a fast way to spend your life.

It comes with three stage ESP, an AMG rear axle diff and AMG braking system, and active body control that comes with just two modes: Sport and Comfort.

As on the more sporting SL63 AMG, the 65 gets lots of CAPITALISED assistant stuff, such as attention assist, parktronic, keyless go and Merc's airscarf system. The interior appointments are what you would expect of a V12 Benz (lavish) and Merc says the styling has mirrored the SLS supercar.

First deliveries are expected in Autumn this year, with prices announced closer to the date. Have a click through the gallery, and then tell us below what you think of the new Mercedes Benz SL65 AMG. Wonder what the Black Series version might look like...