On the outside, the S-Class AMG's exactly what we'd expect — an S-Class with a head that's just a little bit more arrow-shaped and new LED taillights. But the only reason anyone buys the AMG is for what's under the hood.

If the performance numbers sound familiar, it's because both the S63 and S65 have similar performance to the previous models but with lower emissions. The S63 gets a bump up from 518 HP to 525 horses and the S65 goes from 605 HP to 612. So, yeah, go environment!

With the 6.3-liter normally-aspirated V8 you can shoot off the line and reach 62 MPH in a scant 4.6 seconds. WIth the biturbo V12, you can shave 0.2 seconds off that time. Look at it as the perfect paparazzi escape vehicle. Well, as long as the paparazzi have cars slower than the electronically-limited top speed of 15 MPH.

Specific enhancements to the S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG: Exclusive top-of-the-line AMG S-Class models now boast even greater appeal

Affalterbach – The Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG, the powerful
top-of-the-line S-Class models, are now even more appealing: thanks to a series of subtle yet extremely effective fine-tuning measures, the two performance saloons are even more striking and priceless than ever before. The updated technology is aimed at ensuring a more dynamic driving experience as well as optimum active and passive safety.
Exclusivity and dynamism, effortless superiority and high tech – both of the top-of-the-line S-Class models from Mercedes-AMG embody all of these characteristics. Since its market launch some three years ago, the S-Class made by AMGhas won the hearts of over 8000 customers around the world – turning it into the undisputed market leader in the small yet highly exclusive high-performance luxury saloon segment.

Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of Mercedes-AMGGmbH: "Our discerning clientele appreciate the synthesis of uncompromising performance and dynamic, exclusive equipment, a unique proposition in this market segment. We have raised the bar further in terms of driving dynamics, safety and passenger comfort with the extensively updated new series of the S 63 AMGand S 65 AMG."

High-revving V8 engine and effortlessly superior biturbo V12 engine

The S 63 AMG, with its powerful, high-revving 386-kW/525-hp AMG 6.3-litre V8 naturally aspirated engine developing 630 newton metres of torque, is capable of accelerating to a speed of 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The S 65 AMG, meanwhile, demonstrates even greater superiority: its AMG6.0-litre biturbo V12 engine delivers maximum power of 450 kW/612 hp and maximum torque of 1000 newton metres, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. Both AMG saloons are electronically limited to 250 km/h. Despite no changes having been made to the engine data and performance values, it has still been possible to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 3 percent.

Contributing to the even more exceptional status of the models is the new, more pronounced arrow-shaped radiator grille, featuring twin chromed louvres in the case of the S 65 AMG. The new front apron incorporates striking, AMG-specific LED daytime driving lights and two transverse air outlets on each side. Further striking features include the "6.3 AMG" or "V12 Biturbo" lettering on the front wings, and redesigned exterior mirrors.
Side sill panels emphasise the elegant line of the front apron through to the rear of the vehicle, where the new rear apron features yet another highlight: the centre section of the black diffuser insert is now painted in the same colour as the vehicle body.

New tail lights with 52 LEDs in the form of a double "C" also give the S-Class an unmistakable appearance from behind. A distinctive element of both models comes in the guise of the AMG sports exhaust with two chromed twin tailpipes, featuring a V12 design in the case of the S 65 AMG. Visual aspects which distinguish the V8 from the V12 model also include the attractive AMG light-alloy wheels: the S 63 AMG has 19-inch AMGmulti-spoke wheels painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish and fitted with 255/40 (front) and 275/40 (rear) tyres. The S 65 AMG, on the other hand, comes with 20-inch AMG forged wheels painted titanium grey with a mirror finish and fitted with 255/35 (front) and 275/35 (rear) tyres.

Crosswind stabilisation, Torque Vectoring Brake and Direct-Steer system
The AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control (ABC) provides crosswind stabilisation as standard equipment for the first time: thanks to this function, influences caused by crosswinds are compensated for, or – in the case of strong gusts – reduced to a minimum. ABC compensates against the effect of crosswinds by adjusting the wheel load distribution within milliseconds, using the yaw-rate and lateral acceleration sensors of the Electronic Stability Program ESP®.

Also making up the standard equipment is the new Torque Vectoring Brake: when cornering, brief direct application of the brakes has an effect on the vehicle's
inner rear wheel so that the saloon corners precisely and under control at all times. The Torque Vectoring Brake is an additional feature of the Electronic Stability Program ESP®and not only noticeably improves responsiveness but also active handling safety in critical conditions. The driving experience is further heightened thanks to the Direct-Steer system: with its variable ratio depending on steering angle, it helps to ensure a more direct response when cornering, and therefore more responsive handling – in brief: enhanced driving pleasure at the wheel of the Mercedes-AMG S-Class.

Based on the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system, the AMGhigh-performance braking system continues to provide optimum fade resistance, deceleration and sensitivity. The front axle features a double floating brake caliper. This exclusive technology combines the advantages of a sliding-caliper disc brake – reduced heat transfer to the brake fluid and clear advantages in terms of comfort thanks to the brake lining guide mechanism – with the efficiency of an extra large fixed caliper brake.

Extensive range of standard equipment with exclusive flair

The interior appointments are every bit as exclusive as the high-tech package: as soon as its door is opened, the S 65 AMG welcomes the driver with large, animated "AMG V12 BITURBO" lettering in the instrument cluster's central display. The AMG main menu provides the driver with information about engine oil temperature, current gear range and the battery voltage. In the case of the S 63 AMG, the extensive range of standard equipment includes not only PASSION leather appointments, with natural leather in the seat side bolsters, but also front AMG sports seats with climate control, massage, multicontour and dynamic handling function. The Exclusive PASSION leather upholstery in the S 65 AMG, meanwhile, with its AMG V12 diamond pattern design, exudes an air of even greater refinement. Ample use of trim elements and the AMG-specific analogue clock, featuring an IWC design, are a given in both AMG models. Both the AMGSPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC of the S 63 AMG, as well as the five-speed automatic AMG SPEEDSHIFT transmission of the S 65 AMG, are fitted with DIRECT SELECT gearshift. Gear changes are carried out by means of AMG aluminium shift paddles on the new AMG sports steering wheel.

New standards in active and passive safety

In addition, both of the top-of-the-line AMGmodels set new standards when it comes to active and passive safety through an unrivalled combination of innovative camera and radar-based driver assistance systems. These include the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and the PRE-SAFE®Brakes, which are linked to the proximity regulating radar and intervene independently in the event of an impending accident to act like an invisible crumple zone. Night View Assist with infrared camera also features a novel pedestrian detection system. The pictures from the windscreen camera are also used by the new Speed Limit Assist, available as an option. The Brake Assist PLUS and DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control support the driver in the event of emergency braking. The PRE-SAFE®positioning function and NECK-PRO luxury head restraints in the front are now also included as standard.

New infotainment systems, including COMAND APSwith new SPLITVIEW display, which shows different images for driver and front passenger simultaneously, enhance occupant comfort even further.
Exclusive optional extras are also available from the AMGPERFORMANCE STUDIO:

RENNtech PKG365

Lake Park, FL - 28JAN2008 - RENNtech PKG365

The last few years have seen a flood of 500 horsepower sedans almost
pouring out of Germany from BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. Earlier
this month, however, representatives from Mercedes and AMG announced
that the "horsepower wars" were over, saying that outright power would
no longer be the "main focus" for future sports sedans.

Apparently, no-one sent that "war over" memo to RENNTECH.

This morning, RENNTECH announced a new "stage 3" tune for the 2008 65
series AMG models, which makes use of what RENNTECH calls
"next-generation ECU software" to get 695 hp and 890 lb-ft of torque
from the AMG's twin-turbo V12.

"Power will always be important to many customers, especially torque."
explains Hartmut Feyhl, RENNTECH's president and ex technical director
of AMG North America. "Our cars have always been able to make
considerable torque, and have been praised in magazines for their
drivability. Still, we are constantly trying to improve our product."

Commitment to constant improvement is one reason RENNTECH has become
known as one of the world's premier tuning firms, and America's
foremost authority on Mercedes-Benz. RENNTECH believes their new
software will further cement that knowledge in the public mind. "We
now have two in-house engineers that are doing software full-time, and
others that work with the software on a part-time or contract basis.
We are always looking for improvements. The latest software takes
advantage of the increased power of the new engine computers, and
offers a number of small improvements that add up to a big 'overall'
improvement," Feyhl explains. "It really is that 'next-generation'
sort of product that is much more advanced than what we were capable
of offering before. Compared to earlier versions, our new software
gives customers more power and better drivability in a way that is
more reliable, smoother power curve, and even improves emissions and
gas mileage."

In addition to the software upgrades, RENNTECH adds a larger
intercooler pump and secondary heat exchanger, as well as a pair of
carbon fiber airboxes to improve the flow of cool air into the big
AMG's V12. The intercooler system upgrades reduce air intake
temperatures by more than 20 degrees, delivering more consistent power
compared to stock and allowing RENNTECH to more safely increase boost
throughout the rpm range.

RENNTECH's stainless steel sport mufflers (also part of the new
package) produce a deep, distinctive growl that is suitably aggressive
for a high-end luxury car. Feyhl suggests that his mufflers "let the
car sound the way it is supposed to sound."

With almost 900 lb-ft of torque available from the engine, RENNTECH's
upgrades deliver a real, noticeable improvement in terms power and
acceleration compared to the already impressive performance of the
stock 65 series AMG cars. MSRP for RENNTECH's new performance "PKG3"
for 65 series AMG is $18,990 (plus installation). PKG365 is available
for S65, CL65, and SL65 AMG. Contact RENNTECH for more.

Oh, lucky US drivers of the highly moneyed persuasion, your freaking hot-ass chariot nouveau est arriv . Why all the pomp and circumlocution? It's in honor of the new Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG, which will celebrate its world premiere at the Detroit show next month. With a hand-signed AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo propelling it from zero to 62 in 4.4 seconds (yes, top speed is limited to 155mph), it looks like the four-door rocket sled may have been worth the wait. Whether it's worth the estimated $170,000 is an entirely separate matter. Click through for pics and press release.

The world s most powerful series-production car: The new S 65 AMG: in a class of its own
Stuttgart

Dec 28, 2005 — Exclusivity and dynamism in a wholly new dimension: the new Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG in a nutshell:

· The compelling top-of-the-line model of the brand new S-Class delivers 450 kW/612 hp and reaches peak torque of 1000 Nm more than any other vehicle in this segment.
· The use of the new, innovative AMG high-performance composite brakes with twin sliding callipers at the front further illustrates the unique technological prowess of the powerful AMG Saloon.
· The standard specification of the new S 65 AMG includes a new AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control
· The unmistakable AMG bodystyling, multi-piece 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, DIRECT SELECT gearshift with AMG steering-wheel gearshift paddles as well as the new AMG main menu with RACETIMER.
· The powerful AMG Saloon stands self-confidently ahead of the competition, testimony to the outstanding role of Mercedes-AMG GmbH in developing extraordinary vehicles and powerful drive systems.

Twelve-cylinder biturbo engine with know-how from motorsport

This exclusive performance is made possible by the 5980-cc V12 engine developed by Mercedes-AMG. The engine s credentials are outstanding: maximum output of 450 kW/612 hp is maintained from 4750 to 5100 rpm, while the maximum torque of 1000 Nm can be called on from 2000 to 4000 rpm. Even as low as 1000 rpm, the AMG V12 biturbo engine already delivers 570 Nm of torque to the crankshaft, while 750 Nm is on tap at 1500 rpm.

When designing and building the V12 engine the AMG designers drew on the vast know-how amassed over many years of motorsport involvement. The AMG V12 engine has a precision-balanced crankshaft made out of high-strength materials, forged pistons made out of special material which is extremely resistant to temperature and pressure, a more effective oil-spray cooling system with a separate individual nozzle for each piston plus larger piston pins. The main and big-end bearings are also made out of improved materials to compensate for peak temperatures and pressures more effectively. The charge cycle in the cylinder heads benefits from optimised combustion chambers and longer opening times of the intake valves. A modified oil pump ensures that all lubrication points are supplied with oil - even in highly demanding conditions. An engine oil cooler is integrated into the AMG front apron, with an additional engine coolant radiator located in the wheel arch.

Highly efficient charge-air cooler

The charge-air cooler has also been redesigned with a low-temperature radiator in the front of the vehicle that is around 70 percent larger. The system works on the principle of the air/water heat exchanger for particularly effective cooling of the intake air (which has been compressed by the turbochargers) before it enters the combustion chambers. The increased surface area of the low-temperature radiator provides a 25 percent reduction in intake temperature and guarantees high power and torque output under all operating conditions and regardless of the outside temperature, even when the engine is operating at full load. The housings of the compressor and turbine in both turbochargers as well as the turbine and compressor wheels have been enlarged to cope with the maximum charge pressure of 1.5 bar.

The electronically controlled fuel supply with newly developed components operates with a variable system pressure between 3.6 and 5.0 bar. Depending on the power requirements and outside temperature, the fuel pressure is variably controlled almost instantly. The engine management system translates the command from the accelerator within milliseconds, delivering an extremely fast response from the engine in all load situations.

AMG sports exhaust system for typical AMG twelve-cylinder vocals

The AMG sports exhaust system with two twin chrome tailpipes in the new V12 design provides the telltale AMG twelve-cylinder vocals on the new S 65 AMG. The new tri-metallic coating used in the catalytic converters provides a faster response from a cold start, improved emission control as well as longer life. Naturally the S 65 AMG fulfils all standard exhaust emissions limits such as EU 4. The ultra-powerful twelve-cylinder unit takes the specific requirements of the U.S. market such as LEV II, On-Board Diagnosis II and oxygen sensor diagnosis in its stride.

The special position of the AMG V12 engine was singled out at the International Engine of the Year Awards 2004 : in the Best Performance Engine category the jury chose the 450-kW/612-hp AMG engine as the winner, beating off a field of 70 renowned competitors from Europe, the USA and Japan. In the AMG engine manufacturing facility, each engine is traditionally hand-built according to the One man, one engine philosophy. That means that each complete AMG V12 engine is assembled from start to finish by a single technician documented with the technician s signature on the AMG engine plate.

World first: newly developed AMG high-performance composite brakes

The completely newly developed AMG high-performance composite brakes based on the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system set new standards in terms of stopping distances, sensitivity and durability. A new twin sliding calliper is used for the front brakes, the kind of innovation people have come to expect from AMG. This new, unique technology combines the advantages of a floating-calliper brake lower heat transfer to the brake fluid and significantly improved ride comfort due to the way the brake pads are located with the performance of a large fixed-calliper brake. At the rear a large sliding frame-type calliper provides the braking. Composite brake discs at the front and rear with a diameter of 390 and 365 millimetres respectively ensure the shortest stopping distances, remarkable strength and outstanding sensitivity. The dual-circuit hydraulic braking system is controlled electronically and supports numerous driver assistance functions that improve safety and comfort. Multi-piece 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with mixed tyres provide the contact with the road. 255/40 ZR 19 tyres are fitted on 8.5-inch-wide wheels at the front, while 275/40 ZR 19 tyres combine with 9.5-inch-wide wheels at the rear.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT 5-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel gearshift paddles

The drive power is transferred to the wheels in the new S 65 AMG via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission with AMG steering-wheel gearshift paddles and DIRECT SELECT gearshift. The conventional automatic selector lever in the centre console is replaced by a lever on the steering column, which the driver nudges to select the transmission settings P , N , R and D .

The driver can use the S/C/M mode button in the centre console to select from the Sport , Comfort and Manual shift programmes that not only change the transmission characteristics but also the accelerator response and the spring/damper settings of the AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control. The gears can also be shifted at any time using the silver-coloured aluminium gearshift paddles on the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel.

High torque requires a reinforced powertrain

The unrivalled 1000 Nm torque requires a systematically reinforced powertrain on the S 65 AMG. In the automatic transmission this includes newly developed clutch plates with a high-quality metallic coating and the modified shift and torque converter logic. Redesigned drive shafts, larger hub carriers as well as strengthened steel spring links supplement these measures.

AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control

The AMG sports suspension with the Active Body Control system is the perfect complement to the sophisticated drive technology. The active suspension reduces almost all of the body movements that occur when moving off, negotiating bends and braking. Bends are negotiated with far less roll; the body roll with fast evasive manoeuvring is effectively suppressed. Compared with the previous model, the second-generation Active Body Control is even more effective, for instance in reducing body movements in any given driving situation. Thus the S 65 AMG opens up new dimensions in dynamic handling while offering appreciably improved ride comfort.

Unmistakable AMG bodystyling creates a distinctive look

Hallmark Mercedes elegance coupled with distinctive sportiness the first impression you get from the new S 65 AMG. The new AMG bodystyling is combined superbly with the pronounced flared wheel arches, providing a markedly poised and assured appearance. At the front the redesigned AMG front apron with enlarged air intakes adds an athletic touch. The two slanted struts and integrated round fog lamps set in chrome rings make the S-Class look even wider and lower. The side skirts take up the line of the AMG front apron and emphasise the dynamic feel of the side view; all reinforced through the V12 biturbo lettering on the front wings.

The new multi-piece 19-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels with a star on the centre of the wheel painted in titanium grey blend harmoniously into the overall lines and represent additional highlights. The powerful AMG bodystyling design of the rear apron and the AMG sports exhaust system comprising two combined twin tailpipes in the new V12 design provide the perfect finishing touches.

Exclusive interior appointments with multicontour seats and RACETIMER

The exclusive interior appointments fit in perfectly with the dynamic exterior: open the door and the S 65 AMG welcomes the driver with a large AMG logo in the AMG instrument cluster s central display. The integrated custom AMG main menu constantly displays the gear currently selected as well as recommending when to shift up to the next gear. There is also a choice of engine oil temperature, the battery voltage or the RACETIMER . This new function enables the driver for the first time to calculate lap times in the AMG model on a private racetrack, for instance. The RACETIMER stores the time of the fastest lap, the average and top speed as well as the lap distance; all the information can be called up conveniently using the thumb-operated buttons on the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel. The AMG instrument cluster with its 360-km/h dial discreetly indicates the performance of the S 65 AMG.

The extensive burr walnut trim, the Exclusive PASSION leather upholstery and the AMG dynamic sports seats with their own distinctive design add that touch of distinctive flair. The AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with its specially sculpted rim and the AMG aluminium gearshift paddles with up and down lettering is a joy to hold and behold. One of the most eye-catching features in the interior of the new S 65 AMG is the exclusive analogue clock with its IWC Ingenieur design in the centre console. High-quality AMG door sill panels provide the finishing touch for the interior.

Related:
Spy Photos: Mercedes S63 AMG [internal]