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New SA-bound S65 AMG Coupe for R3m

AFFALTERBACH, Germany - Mercedes-Benz has unleashed a new S 65 AMG Coupe, the new 12-cylinder, top-of-the-range, model in the S-Class Coupe series.

The car is available to order in the UK already for the equivalent of almost R3-million but will only be officially launched in September 2014. Merc SA says it will reach us in November 2014 but, as usual with our bouncing rand, cannot confirm prices.

The automaker says the new model offers “unique driving comfort, benchmark performance and exquisite appointments” and its contours have been accentuated by design elements in high-sheen chrome.

The AMG six-litre V12 biturbo engine makes 463kW from 4800-5400rpm and 1000Nm from 2300-4300rpm. It rides on an AMG sports suspension with "magic body control" that tilts the car left or right according to road-surface scanning.

UNIQUE CAR

Mercedes-AMG management board chairman Tobias Moers said: "There are AMG fans for whom our V12 biturbo engine is the measure of all things. For them we have developed a unique car in the form of the new S 65 AMG Coupe. From driving dynamics to comfort and equipment – our new 12-cylinder coupé surpasses even the highest of expectations."

The new S 65 AMG Coupe is the fourth AMG high-performance car with a V12, says Mercedes-Benz. The company claims that no other car manufacturer offers such a wide portfolio of 12-cylinder vehicles.

IMAGE GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG Coupe

The automaker says: “Back in 2003 the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz presented a coupe with a powerful V12 biturbo engine in the form of the CL 65 AMG (C215 model series). Its successor, the CL 65 AMG (C216 model series) was available from 2007-14 and was the direct predecessor to the new S 65 AMG Coupe.”

Fuel consumption is rated at 11.9 litres/100km with 279g/km CO2 emissions. It reaches 100km/h in 4.1sec and has an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

Under the bonnet lies an exclusive carbon fibre/aluminium engine cover synonymous with the strengths of the V12 engine, built in Affalterbach according to the "one man, one engine" principle. Merc says the AMG engine plate bearing the engine technician's signature is also a clear testament to the peerless DNA of Mercedes-Benz's high-performance brand.

Technical highlights of the biturbo engine include:

An aluminium crankcase,
Forged crankshaft in high-grade alloy steel
• Multi-spark ignition with 12 twin-spark ignition units
Air-to-water intercooler with low-temperature circuit
Alternator management
Stop/start

The car comes with the AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic transmission and sends power to the rear axle. The transmission offers three modes: Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S) and Manual (M) by pushing a button on the centre console.

MAGIC BODY CONTROL

The car also features a lithium-Ion battery as standard which replaces both the starter battery and the back-up battery – resulting in a weight saving of more than 20 kg.

The sports suspension is based on the "magic body control' that allows the car to lean into bends - like a speedboat - instead of out of them. Mercedes says: "The lateral acceleration acting on the occupants is similar to driving in a banked curve. On country roads, in particular, the curve tilting function heightens motoring enjoyment and comfort.

"The object is not to reach higher cornering speeds but to produce an even more pleasant motoring experience. The curve-tilting function can be selected as one of three drive modes using the active body control switch; it works from 15-180km/h."

Standard goodies on the car include:
360° camera
Active parking assist with parktronic
Burmester3D surround sound system
Driving assistance package+, including Distronic+ with steering assist and stop/go pilot
Pre-safe Brake, brake assist system plus with cross-traffic assist, active blind spot assist, active lane keeping assist and pre-safe+
Seat comfort package for front row
Exclusive leather upholstery
• Keyless-Go package
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