Most powerful AMG Mercedes ever unveiled

The Black Series represents the most extreme high-performance cars produced by the AMG division of Mercedes-Benz and the new SL 65 AMG version is the most powerful car ever released by the company.

Boasting 661bhp from a revised twin-turbo V12 engine and an electronically limited 738lb.ft of torque, it's no wonder the new SL manages to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds. In-gear shove should be even more impressive, as is the top speed that has been limited to 199mph.

Along with the enhanced powerplant, AMG has significantly lightened the SL 65 by the extensive use of carbon fibre in its new, beefed-up bodywork and the SL's folding hard top has also been eliminated.

That makes the new Black Series a two-seat coupé. Other body changes include a much wider track - necessitating large carbon fibre wheelarch extensions - and a rear spoiler that automatically rises 12-centimetres when the car exceeds 75mph.

The suspension has been extensively changed too, allowing owners to adjust it to suit their preferences. New lightweight alloy wheels (19-inch in size up front, 20-inch at the rear) and grippy Dunlop tyres should ensure the new SL is a force to be reckoned with in the corners as well as in a straight line.

Inside, buyers will be greeted by deep, figure-hugging sports seats and swathes of Nappa leather, Alcantara and even more carbon fibre, along with a bespoke set of instruments that includes a speedo reading as high as 225mph.

No word yet on launch dates for the extreme SL, but it's likely that the first British buyers will take delivery before the summer of 2009. The price? Somewhere between £200,000 and £250,000...

Shane O' Donoghue