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Merc unleashes 1000Nm S65 AMG

Mercedes-Benz debuted its monstrous 12-cyclinder 463kW S65 AMG at the 2014 Geneva International Auto Show.

The S65 is powered by AMG six-litre V12 biturbo capable of 463kW/1000Nm, mated to a Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic, that replaces the previous models’ five-speed auto.

The S65 AMG accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.3sec but top speed is limited to 250km/h. Fuel consumption is listed as 11.9 litres/100km with emissions of 279g/km.

The 7G-TRONIC has three modes; controlled efficiency, sSport and manual. In the last two the emphasis is on sportiness with stiffer suspension and steering. In C-mode the ECO start/stop function is always activated and there’s more steering assistance.

Like the S63 AMG, the S65 AMG uses a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 78 Amp hours to replaces both the starter and backup battery, resulting in a weight saving of more than 20kg.

MAGIC BODY CONTROL

The S65 AMG features the automaker’s 'magic' body control suspension. It detects road surface undulations with a camera and adjusts  the suspension accordingly. There's also as system that means, Merc says, "no irritating understeer".

For the first time, the S65 AMG is available exclusively with AMG forged 16-spoke light-alloy rims. In standard spec its fitted with 255/40 R 20 and 285/35 R 20 tyres.

Three other AMG forged rimsets (10 and five-spoke) are options.

Theceramic high-performance composite braking system has 420m front brake discs and is recognisable by the "AMG Carbon Ceramic" logo on the callipers.

In terms of design it benefits from a three-dimensional chromed grille and a huge front apron with large cooling air intakes. At the rear it has chromed exhausts. The front section sports the AMG-typical, stylised "A", along its flanks you’ll spot "V12 BITURBO" lettering and the S 65 AMG badge on the boot lid.

The interior  has nappa leather throughout, wood trim and AMG stainless-steel door sills illuminated in white. Other interior highlights include AMG badging, AMG instrumentation with animated dials, two-spoked sports steering wheel with alluminium shift paddles and animated dials.

Customers ordering nappa leather upholstery are able to choose between black, brown and grey.

NEXT-GEN TOUCHPAD, HUD

New is a head-up display and touchpad. The HUD projects information such as speed limit and navigation onthe windscreen. In addition, the display shows digital speed, engine speed and gear selection. In manual mode, a colour shift bar is projected.

The new touchpad, Merc says, “makes it significantly easier to operate radio, phone and satnav." The input area is about 6.5 x 4.5cm and is integrated into the handrest. It can be controlled in the same way as a smartphone or tablet PC in that it recognises one and two-finger swipe or zoom gestures. It is also possible to enter letters, numbers and special characters using handwriting.

Another highlight is the new hand-resting recognition - a sensor signal detects whether the driver's hand is simply resting or whether the driver is actually making an input with one or two fingers. This prevents incorrect inputs and improves the safety of operation.

As an alternative to the touchpad, the driver can use the command controller and voice control for the radio, phone and satnav.

New safety systems include a rear crash-mitigation system and infra-red night vision.

The car comes only on a long wheelbase.
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