S 65 AMG and SLS AMG GT FINAL EDITION in Tokyo and Los Angeles

Two motor shows, two new AMG high-performance vehicles: Mercedes-AMG is presenting the S 65 AMG and the SLS AMG GT FINAL EDITION simultaneously at the Los Angeles Auto Show and the Tokyo Motor Show (both from 20 November to 1 December 2013).

Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH says: "The two new AMG high-performance vehicles represent the spectacular next level for our exciting model array. The S 65 AMG stands for maximum exclusiveness and the unparalleled dynamism of a V12. With the SLS AMG GT FINAL EDITION we are showing an ultimate, particularly attractive variant of our super sports car."

Twelve cylinders, biturbo charging, an output of 630 hp and torque of 1000 Nm – the new Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG sets new standards. These figures enable the S 65 AMG to outperform all other models in its segment. This superiority is highlighted by the car's performance: the S 65 AMG accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 4.3 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited).

With fuel consumption of 23.7 mpg (NEDC combined), the new S 65 AMG is the world's most fuel-efficient V12 high-performance saloon in terms of power and torque. The range-topping 12-cylinder model already meets the requirements of the EU6 emissions standard, which is not due to come into force until 2015.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC in the S 65 AMG has three individual transmission modes, which can be selected at the press of a button in the centre console: Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S) and Manual (M). The ECO start/stop function is always activated in "C" mode.

Like the S 63 AMG, the S 65 AMG features a lithium-ion battery. This innovative technology offers numerous advantages over a conventional battery concept: with a capacity of 78 Ah, the lithium-ion battery replaces both the starter battery and the backup battery – resulting in a weight saving of over 20 kilograms.

AMG sports suspension with MAGIC BODY CONTROL

The S 65 AMG features as standard the AMG sports suspension based on MAGIC BODY CONTROL. The new S-Class is the first car in the world which is able to recognise road surface undulations in advance. If ROAD SURFACE SCAN detects such undulations with the help of the stereo camera, MAGIC BODY CONTROL adjusts the suspension in advance to suit the situation. The "Comfort" and "Sport" modes are available for a driver-defined suspension setup.

AMG forged wheels, AMG ceramic braking system optionally available

The S 65 AMG is available exclusively with AMG forged light-alloy wheels. In the standard specification, the S 65 AMG is fitted with multi-spoke light-alloy wheels in sizes 8.5 x 20 (front) and 9.5 x 20 (rear), and tyres in sizes 255/40 R 20 and 285/35 R 20 respectively. As an alternative to the AMG high-performance composite braking system, for the first time the S 65 AMG is optionally available with an AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system.

Design and equipment: dynamic, exclusive and premium quality

Luxurious and stately, powerful and exclusive, dynamic and prestigious – the S 65 AMG is a true eye-catcher with a self-assured presence. High-gloss chrome: on the S 65 AMG this design element makes a real impact, adorning the V12 radiator grille, louvres and flics (aerodynamic elements), the front splitter, the side sill panels, the rear diffuser and the twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system. The interior is characterised by an exceptional ambience coupled with exquisite, premium-quality materials – manifested in the exclusive nappa leather upholstery with seat upholstery layout featuring an exclusive diamond design and sophisticated delineated perforations. Further AMG equipment features include a sports steering wheel, the instrument cluster and the high-quality IWC-designed analogue clock.

Head-up display and touchpad as standard

Two new innovative developments are fitted in the S 65 AMG as standard: the head-up display projects important information, such as vehicle speed, speed limits, navigation information, traffic signs and information from DISTRONIC PLUS onto the windscreen. The new, innovative touchpad makes it significantly easier to operate the radio, telephone and navigation system. The input area is integrated into the handrest with a cover for the keypad. The head-up display and touchpad are standard features.

Saving the best for last: SLS AMG GT FINAL EDITION

The SLS AMG GT FINAL EDITION brings an impressive era to an end. The FINAL EDITION model, built in a limited run of just 350 units, represents the last opportunity for customers to order a SLS AMG – while at the same time reflecting the unrivalled success story and unique scope offered by the first complete vehicle to be built by Mercedes-AMG. The super sports car, with its 591 hp AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine, offers an exciting combination of truly exceptional design and equipment features. Ever since it was presented in 2009 the SLS AMG has been an icon of the Mercedes-Benz brand and is highly sought-after around the world.

Thanks to the wide variety of models – from a gullwing model to the roadster, GT, the Black Series, an electric drive and its success in motorsport as the GT3 variant – the SLS AMG has become ever more attractive and is now one of the legendary dream cars from the brand with the star.

Aston Martin ONE-77 -- Techie stuff

The ceramic based material that originally allowed F1 teams to exploit the ‘blown diffuser’ aerodynamic advantage has made its road car debut on Aston Martin’s One-77. Developed by Oxfordshire-based Zircotec, the ThermoHold® for composites material is applied to both the car’s diffuser and underbonnet air intakes, enabling Aston Martin’s designers to specify lightweight and aesthetic materials for high temperature environments.

“Composites are often unsuited to high temperature environments,” says Zircotec’s managing director Terry Graham. “Traditionally this leads to vehicle makers opting for more conservative materials that add weight or they rely on bulky heatshields that ultimately blunt performance. Our discreet ceramic coating protects the One-77 composites components and in the case of the diffuser, enables exhaust gases to pass through, just as they did in F1.”

Zircotec’s coating, proven in F1 and at Le Mans, can lower composite surface temperatures by more than 125˚C, creating opportunities to use composites under the bonnet. “Our coating not only protects the composite induction system from heat but also ensures that the air intake temperature is lower. Moreover, a decrease in this temperature creates a denser charge and is a feature relied upon by many Le Mans racing teams we supply,” adds Graham.

Zircotec’s proprietary process uses a gas plasma flame running at 12,000°C to apply the unique ThermoHold® heat resistant formulation in molten powder form on to the composite components. Unlike paint, Zircotec’s plasma spray application process ensures better adhesion.

As the automotive industry seeks to adopt more composites to achieve higher efficiency, the coating technology pioneered on the Aston Martin One-77 is likely to be adopted by other OEMs.  “Engine downsizing is leading to hotter engines with tighter packaging,” suggests Graham. “We are seeing future specifications suggesting underbonnet temperature increases to close to 200˚C. Our coating is a true enabling technology and will enable composites to be considered in this area of the car.”