To paraphrase Janis Joplin, O Lord, won't you buy me the new Mercedes-Benz? The S65 AMG Coupe, in particular. The line-topping, twin-turbocharged 6.0 liter V12-powered two-door is expected to rocket into U.S. showrooms around December of this year.
This new luxo-boat will place 621 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque at the driver's foot. That foot will send all that power to the rear wheels through the courtesy of a seven-speed automatic transmission.
The AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic has more than a whiz-bang name; it also offers three driver-selectable modes: Controlled Efficiency, Sport, and Manual. Controlled Efficiency mode brings the car's ECO start/stop function into play, while Sport and Manual deliver more power, acceleration and finesse. The power is delivered to 20-inch tires.
"There are AMG fans for whom our V12 engine is the measure of all things," said Tobias Moers, chief executive of Mercedes' AMG performance division.
The car replaces a similar CL model in the line. Mercedes is in the midst of moving CL models into the S-Class category.
The AMG tag indicates that the S65 is an addition to Mercedes' performance line of automobiles, built for power, precise and quick steering, sharp handling and speed. For those who like their 0-60 times to be fleeting, the company is quoting a preliminary pace of four seconds. Top speed is electronically capped at 186 mph.
As it is the shop steward of all Mercedes, it will get every conceivable bell and whistle in the Mercedes part bin, both performance and luxury, to justify its expected $220,000 sticker price.
Examples of imaginative technological wonders onboard include a road-scanning camera system that adjusts the suspension for curves and road undulations that it detects. An advanced air suspension system stiffens or cushions wheels when rounding curves in the road. The curve-tilting function is part of Mercedes' Magic Body Control system
On the brief option list are carbon ceramic brakes for reduced fading, also knocking 20 percent off the average weight of conventional brakes.
A new lithium-ion battery takes the place of the starter battery and backup battery, also saving 44 pounds.
Automatic cruise control, lane-keeping sensors and automatic collision braking bring modern safety features into play.
The driver will see two 12-inch screens in the dashboard -- one for instruments, the other for infotainment -- navigating through your journey and navigating through your play list. Diamond-patterned seats made of nappa leather caress torsos, and are infinitely adjustable for every ergonomic consideration. A heads-up display and touchpad controls add safety and efficiency to the driving experience.
The coupe offers noticeably swoopier styling over the S65 AMG 4-door sedan that is also heading to M-B showrooms.
