2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG Pictures, Specifications, Information

The SL63 AMG has one of the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8s ever, boasting a wealth of exciting features derived from AMG’s highly successful racing efforts. Built almost completely from a high-strength silicon-aluminum alloy, the 518-hp engine features four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, bucket-type cam followers (rather than rocker arms), and a variable intake manifold.

The cylinder bores feature a twin-wire-arc-sprayed (TWAS) coating, a new process that results in impressively low friction and running surfaces that are twice as hard as conventional cast-iron cylinders. Designed exclusively by AMG, the engine shares no components with other Mercedes-Benz V8 engines.

ABC Active Suspension Gives Cat-Like Agility

The SL chassis uses a double-control-arm front suspension and the patented Mercedes-Benz five-link rear suspension. All SL models come with Active Body Control (ABC), the Mercedes-Benz active suspension that virtually eliminates body roll in cornering, squat under acceleration and dive during braking. Active suspension solves the usual tradeoff between ride comfort and handling, so SL roadsters offer excellent comfort and league-leading handling. On AMG models, special struts with firmer damping and fully reworked systems such as ABS anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist, traction control and ESP stability control complement the enhanced AMG chassis.