The 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS transmission matches this high-performance shifting technology with seven speeds for the first time. Four driving modes can be selected on demand by the driver: "Controlled Efficiency" features a fuel-saving new ECO Start/Stop function. "Sport" mode raises the shift points and reduces shift times by 30%. And both a "Sport+" and paddle-shifted "Manual" mode offers lightning-quick 100-millisecond shifts and maintains the selected gear at full throttle or upon reaching the redline.  

A pair of aluminum paddles strategically positioned behind the upper steering-wheel spokes allows you to manually upshift and downshift the 7-speed automatic transmission with just a flick of your fingers.  

Arguably the most advanced suspension in production, ABC is a fully active suspension that ideally balances comfort and response in virtually every situation. A network of advanced sensors and electronically controlled hydraulics is designed to counteract the effects of roll, vibration, pitch, dive and squat during cornering, braking and acceleration. The AMG sport suspension endows ABC with exclusively developed AMG spring-struts specifically tailored for the demands of high-performance driving. A driver-selectable Sport mode effectively suppresses the body roll normally caused by quick handling maneuvers, for virtually flat handling.  

A fuel-saving new ECO Start/Stop system automatically shuts off the engine at stoplights and other idle situations. As soon as the driver lifts off the brake, the engine instantly restarts, for immediate acceleration response. The ECO Start/Stop system can alsobe shut off by the driver at any time.  

Perhaps the most enticing and intriguing set of controls in the SL65, the AMG DRIVE UNIT beckons from the center console. Its driver-oriented pushbutton controls enable the selection of individual settings for the 3-stage ESP®, the suspension setup and the AMG drive modes. A rotary control selects the mode for the 7-speed transmission. The distinctive centerpiece comes in the shape of the AMG E-SELECT selector lever embossed with the AMG crest, allowing the driver to shift directly between R, N and D with a gentle nudge, with each command carried out electronically. A brief tap of the "P" button is sufficient to activate the parking lock.  

Advanced, lightweight and highly efficient electromechanical power steering allows for more precise control of steering effort and feedback. Direct-steer automatically varies the steering ratio based on how far you turn the steering wheel. It provides quicker steering and lighter effort while parking while maintaining excellent directional stability and crisp feel at higher speeds.  

Standard Torque Vectoring Brake technology provides additional control and precision in turns via targeted rear-wheel braking. If the vehicle's Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) detects understeer while cornering, the system applies the brake to the inside rear wheel, temporarily shifting torque distribution in favor of the outside wheel. This causes the vehicle to gently pivot in compensation, putting it on a line of travel, or vector, better suited to the turn.  

This safety breakthrough first introduced by Mercedes-Benz continually monitors your driving inputs and the vehicle's motion to help keep it going in your intended direction, especially in corners and during evasive maneuvers. If it detects wheelspin, severe understeer (plowing), or oversteer (fishtailing), ESP can brake individual wheels and reduce engine power to help bring the vehicle under control.   (Disclaimer)

AMG high-performance brakes shed both speed and heat with remarkable power, thanks to perforated and internally ventilated compound discs at all four wheels. Front discs measure 15.4 inches and are grasped by Silver-painted 6-piston fixed-type calipers. Rear brakes are 14.2 inches in diameter and Silver-painted single-piston sliding calipers.   (Disclaimer)

Powerful 4-wheel disc brakes feature a number of advances. If you lift off the accelerator quickly, Predictive Brake Priming sets the pads closer to the discs for more immediate response when you apply the brakes. In the rain, Automatic Brake Drying periodically applies the brakes just enough to sweep water build-up from the discs. During uphill starts, Hill-Start Assist helps prevent unwanted rollback. And a HOLD feature can make long red lights or stopped traffic a little easier.   (Disclaimer)

The Antilock Braking System (ABS) senses impending wheel lockup under heavy braking and pumps the front brakes individually or the rear brakes together. This intelligent system can pump the brakes as needed up to 30 times per second, to prevent lockup and preserve the driver's steering ability.   (Disclaimer)

Classic roadster proportions team with celebrated AMG enhancements for a decidedly powerful presence. The iconic grille with its large central Star is bisected by a double crossbar evoke that evokes the car's dual Mercedes-Benz/AMG heritage. The front apron is deep and purposeful, with mesh air intakes, AMG-specific LED running lamps and functional side air outlets. Side fender vents affirm the DNA shared with the exotic SLS AMG and iconic 300SL Gullwing. Chiseled, wind-taming side sills draw the eye past the substantial wheels to the sculpted rear valance, where a Silver center diffuser is flanked by four trapezoidal AMG tailpipes. A subtle but effective rear spoiler crowns the trunklid, itself formed over a lightweight carbon-fiber inner frame.  

Transform your SL from closed coupe to open roadster in about 16 seconds, the quickest in its class and perhaps the entire industry. With a single button on the console, the hardtop folds into the trunk. The rear window pivots 180 degrees as the top lowers to help preserve cargo space with the top stowed.  

A Mercedes-Benz exclusive, this innovative evolution of the Panorama roof concept alters the transparency of the roof when electrical current is applied. At its darkened setting, the thermal energy entering the cabin is less than a household light bulb. And even in its fully transparent mode, both UV and infrared rays are effectively blocked, helping keep the cabin cooler.  

Lavished in soft, smooth Exclusive leather, genuine carbon fiber (or hand-finished wood as a no-charge option), and a bounty of user-friendly technology, the SL65 cabin keeps its two occupants feeling coddled, connected and captivated. Classic round air vents and advanced controls and displays reflect two longstanding SL traditions: timeless style and ahead-of-its-time technology.  

Legendary AMG wheels offer the ultimate in rigidity and light weight, with exotic forged-alloy construction and ten micro-thin spokes whose delicate appearance defies their exceptional strength. The staggered-size 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels and high-performance tires are both wider and larger in diameter at the rear axle for greater launch grip, and narrower up front for crisper steering feedback.   (Disclaimer)

Subtle in style yet designed for function, the standard rear lip spoiler helps reduce rear-end lift at higher speeds, to enhance tire adhesion and overall stability.  

For maximum driving pleasure, the sport steering wheel features a grippy Premium leather-wrapped rim with raised thumbgrips at the ideal "10 and 2 o'clock" positions and a racing-inspired flat-bottom design. For fingertip access to some of the vehicle functions you use most often, convenient buttons on the wheel let you control the audio volume and selection, send and end calls on your Bluetooth-enabled phone, and scroll through the features of the multifunction display in the instrument cluster.  

With its pronounced contouring, thick padding and Premium leather-wrapped rim, the 3-spoke AMG sport steering wheel puts the delights of precise handling literally in the driver's hands. Dual aluminum AMG shift paddles provide instant control of gear changes while keeping the driver's hands on the wheel. Convenient multifunction controls do likewise while operating the most frequently needed vehicle features. Raised thumbrests are placed at the ideal "10 and 2 o'clock" positions. And both the top and bottom sections are flattened, not only to facilitate ingress and egress, but also to offer tactile feedback of the steering wheel's rotational orientation.  

The AMG-exclusive instrument cluster features illuminated red indicator needles and unique gauge graphics within silver metallic bezels. Controls on the AMG steering wheel offer three instrumentation modes: "Warmup" displays the engine oil and coolant temperature. "Setup" reveals the selected driving modes from the AMG DRIVE UNIT, including ESP, transmission and suspension settings. "Race" mode brings up the exclusive RACETIMER, allowing the driver to record lap times on dedicated racing circuits.  

An exclusively racy addition to the instrumentation, a central analog clock is poised top and center in the dash. Modeled after the classic IWC Ingenieur sports watch, it's also a tribute the vehicle's thoroughbred racing heritage.  

Bi-Xenon headlamps help deliver greater visibility than halogen headlamps because their brighter, whiter light is much closer to natural daylight. Active Curve Illumination helps you see better into corners at night, swiveling the headlamps as you steer to increase usable illumination by up to 90% over conventional fixed headlamps.  

Superlatively smooth in grain and buttery-soft, AMG Exclusive leather is hand-fitted to the seats, armrests and console. Contrasting piping, double-stitched seams and embossed AMG Affalterbach crests add sporty elegance. A particularly stylish ambience is created by the extent to which the Exclusive leather is used throughout the cabin. It covers not only the seats and door inserts (both of which are sewn with an exquisite diamond pattern) but also the entire dashboard, the side sections of the center console and the rear shelf. The hardtop and windshield frame are lined in DINAMICA, a microfiber with the rich feel of suede but far easier care and greater durability.  

Genuine carbon fiber is meticulously crafted and fitted to the doors, dash and console, bringing the rich racing heritage of AMG directly to the SL65 AMG cockpit.  

In the case of a rear impact exceeding a preset threshold, NECK-PRO head restraints move forward and slightly upward, reducing the distance between the head restraints and the heads of front-seat occupants. This action helps to reduce the possibility or severity of whiplash-type neck injuries.  

Another Mercedes-Benz safety breakthrough, PRE-SAFE® is a predictive occupant-protection system that helps prepare for an accident in the critical moments before it occurs. If sensors detect certain vehicle movements that indicate that an accident is possible, PRE-SAFE takes action: Reversible electronic tensioners tighten the seat belts. The occupied passenger seat adjusts to a more favorable position for air-bag and seat-belt effectiveness, while both active head restraints adjust for optimum protection. If severe skidding indicates that a rollover is likely, PRE-SAFE closes theside windows. If no accident occurs, the seat-belt tensioners reverse, and you simply readjust your seat, open the windows and continue on your way.   (Disclaimer)

Engineered from road to roof not just as a convertible but as a genuine Mercedes-Benz, the SL-Class body structure enhances both its occupant protection and its precise handling. Composed vitually entirely from stamped, cast, chilled-cast, thermoformed and extruded aluminum, the body shell is nearly 300 lbs lighter than before yet is 20% higher in torsional rigidity. The only structural steel in the body comprises the windshield frame, and features high-strength "tube-in-tube" pillars for robust support with minimal vision obstruction.  

In 1989, Mercedes-Benz pioneered the pop-up roll bar, a significant advancement in convertible safety. When sensors detect an impending rollover, the dual roll bars of the new SL deploy in just 0.3 seconds to help preserve and protect occupant space.   (Disclaimer)

Equipped with Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs) and belt force limiters, 3-point seat belts are arguably our most important passive safety feature. If a collision exceeds a preset threshold, the ETDs instantly remove slack from the seat belts. Belt force limiters allow a slight amount of give in the seat belts and reduce the peak seat-belt forces on the occupant.  

This advanced, radar-based cruise control monitors the vehicle ahead and adjusts your speed to help maintain a chosen following distance. It can even bring the car to a halt if it senses stopped traffic, then resume automatically. Should the car ahead slow or stop suddenly, the PRE-SAFE Brake system can automatically engage up to 40% of available braking power and issue an audiovisual alarm. If you still haven't applied the brakes within 0.6 seconds of a calculated impact, it automatically engages 100% braking power.   (Disclaimer)

At speeds above approximately 20 mph, this system can alert the driver to some unseen vehicles in the next lane. If radar sensors in the rear bumper detect a vehicle in the "blind spot" area to either side, an indicator lights up in the appropriate side mirror. If you activate a turn signal while a vehicle is detected, a warning sounds. And if you disregard the alerts and begin changing lanes, advanced active technology can apply the brake to a single rear wheel, to help guide the car back into its lane.   (Disclaimer)

With technology that monitors ordinary road markings, Lane Keeping Assist helps detect unintended drifting off-course, and alerts the driver by vibrating the steering wheel. If the driver continues to drift, it can apply the brake to a single rear wheel to help guide the car back into its lane.   (Disclaimer)

This innovative driver-assistance feature helps you to see directly behind your vehicle when reversing. Shift into Reverse, and a wide-angle camera mounted in the rear displays a live view of what's behind the vehicle on the COMAND screen in the dashboard. Active parking guidelines on the screen help you back into a parking space.   (Disclaimer)

The SL's powerful 4-wheel disc brakes feature a number of advances. If you lift off the accelerator quickly, Predictive Brake Priming sets the pads closer to the discs for more immediate response when you apply the brakes. In the rain, Automatic Brake Drying notes when the wipers are switched on, and periodically applies the brakes just enough to sweep water build-up from the discs.   (Disclaimer)

Enjoy the strong, controlled stopping power of dual-circuit power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes, backed by an Antilock Braking System (ABS). ABS senses impending wheel lockup under heavy braking and pumps the front brakes individually or the rear brakes together. This intelligent system can pump the brakes as needed up to 30 times per second, to prevent lockup and preserve the driver's steering ability.   (Disclaimer)

Bi-Xenon headlamps help deliver greater visibility than halogen headlamps because their brighter, whiter light is much closer to natural daylight. Active Curve Illumination helps you see better into corners at night, swiveling the headlamps as you steer to increase usable illumination by up to 90% over conventional fixed headlamps.  

Engineered to maximize road illumination without creating glare for other drivers. Adaptive Highbeam Assist uses continuous input from a camera to automatically vary the range of your high-beam headlamps, based on the distance to oncoming vehicles and to those ahead of you.  

To help you negotiate tight turns, corner-illuminating front lamps shine toward the inside of the turn. Activated by turning the steering wheel or using the turn signals at low speeds, they're particularly useful in parking structures, suburban neighborhoods or when turning into driveways.  

Bright white LED Daytime Running Lamps help increase the visibility of your vehicle to oncoming traffic by illuminating front lights whenever the car is switched on. With long life and low energy consumption, the light-emitting diode (LED) lamps also add a distinctive high-tech styling touch. LED technology also delivers quicker illumination of the brake lamps. By offering drivers behind you more time to react, their stopping distance may be reduced by several feet, which could make a critical difference in a panic stop.  

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) can automatically detect a substantial loss of tire pressure in any wheel and alert the driver via a warning message in the multifunction display. The advanced TPMS can also display the numeric tire pressure for each mounted wheel.  

The SmartKey remote control integrates remote door locks and trunk opener, a removable valet key, and a remote panic alarm. You may selectively unlock only the driver's door and fuel filler, or both doors plus the trunk and fuel filler. And for added convenience when parking with the top down, the glovebox and console compartments automatically lock when you remote-lock the car.  

From your car, your computer or your compatible smartphone, mbrace2™ offers the industry's most comprehensive range of features for more connected, safe and productive drive time. From making your everyday life easier to helping out in an emergency, mbrace2 combines advanced cloud-based and GPS technology with 24-hour support from helpful experts. Two mbrace packages are offered, and every 2013 Mercedes-Benz includes a 6-month mbrace trial subscription.   (Disclaimer)

The standard antitheft alarm system is armed automatically when you lock your Mercedes from the outside. It sounds the horn and flashes the exterior lights if a door, the trunk or the hood is opened without first unlocking the vehicle. You can also sound the alarm by pressing the red "panic" button on your SmartKey remote when you're within range of your vehicle.  

Rain-sensing windshield wipers automatically adjust the intermittent wiper frequency based on the amount of rainfall.  

Intuitive, seat-shaped controls help you and your passenger find your ideal seating positions with 12-way power adjustment, including cushion length. A memory system for each seat recalls three stored seat positions with the touch of a button. The driver-seat memory also includes the power steering column and side mirror positions.  

Separate left and right temperature controls allow the driver and passenger to enjoy personalized comfort. In addition to fully automatic or manual control of blower speed and airflow distribution, the system includes sun and humidity sensors, a dust/pollen filter, and an activated charcoal filter that automatically recirculates cabin air upon detecting a significant increase in smog. It also automatically adjusts to whether the retractable hardtop is open or closed.  

Active multicontour seats feature adjustable lumbar supports, side bolsters and shoulder supports, for custom-tailored support. A massage feature helps prevent fatigue on longer drives, and offers settings ranging from gentle to more vigorous. Active side bolsters can be set to automatically increase lateral support in cornering maneuvers, or even in the event of a potential accident.  

Heated and Active Ventilated seats are a luxury you'll soon consider a necessity. Three levels of heating and cooling ventilation are offered. By gently circulating air through perforations in the seat and backrest, Active Ventilated seats help keep you cooler and your clothes dryer during warmer months. On cold or damp days, using both the ventilation and heating features together can circulate the seat heating more quickly, to help keep you warm and dry.  

Extend your top-down driving enjoyment further into a cool evening or later into the season with the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system. Vents beneath each head restraint deliver warmed airflow to your neck, head and shoulders, like a virtual scarf. With individual 3-stage temperature controls and airflow automatically adjusted to your driving speed, AIRSCARF means you don't have to put the top up just because the sun, or thermometer, has gone down.  

At the touch of a button, a mesh screen rises from the rear cabin wall, helping to calm drafts and buffeting in the cabin for more comfortable and quiet top-down motoring. When not needed, it retracts elegantly into the rear cabin wall, out of sight and without taking up trunk space.  

A leap in ease and efficiency pioneered by Mercedes-Benz, KEYLESS-GO lets you unlock, start and drive away without removing the SmartKey from your pocket or purse. You can lock and unlock the doors with a touch of the exterior handles, and start the engine by stepping on the brake pedal and pushing the Start/Stop button on the dash. You can also start the vehicle in the conventional way by removing the Start/Stop button and inserting the SmartKey into the ignition.  

As sensors on the inside mirror detect the headlights of vehicles behind you, both the inside and driver-side rear view mirrors gradually darken to reduce reflected glare. To help maintain your rear vision, dimming is automatically cancelled when you shift to Reverse or if an interior light is switched on.  

Program your Mercedes-Benz to illuminate its exterior lights when you unlock it in darkness, to help illuminate a path to your vehicle.  

For added convenience in the rain or with an armful of packages, you can fully open the trunk via a switch on the driver's interior door panel or a button on the SmartKey remote. Press a button on the driver's door or the underside of the trunk lid and it powers itself closed. A sensor automatically stops the lid if it detects an obstruction. A new, even easier feature, HANDS-FREE ACCESS, opens or closes the trunk with a wave of your foot under the rear bumper.  

Whether you're stuck traversing hills or merely waiting in traffic, the Mercedes-Benz HOLD Function keeps your vehicle stationary without requiring any interaction with the brake pedal. Much like conventional cruise control, the HOLD function cleverly integrates into your natural interaction with the brake pedal, activating when you press beyond the brake pedal's range, and deactivating with a simple press of the accelerator.  

Featuring a high-resolution color-LCD display and a central controller on the console, the Cockpit Management and Data (COMAND) system gives you convenient control of audio, video, hands-free calling and navigation functions. Many features can also be accessed via the integrated steering-wheel controls.   (Disclaimer)

Using GPS technology and a 80GB hard drive to store maps, points of interest, and Zagat® Survey ratings for restaurants, hotels and golf courses, this virtual copilot provides detailed driving directions with remarkable speed and a friendly voice. The COMAND system's large color-LCD screen also displays gas stations, ATMs and Mercedes-Benz dealerships along your route within the contiguous U.S., Canada and Oahu, Hawaii, with periodic updates available at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.   (Disclaimer)

A leap forward in open-roadster audio quality, FrontBass takes advantage of the SL's innovative aluminum bodyshell by utilizing the rigid front frame members as resonance chambers for twin under-dash subwoofers. In addition to providing rich, precise bass regardless of the hardtop's position, the design saves weight and frees up space in the cabin and doors.  

A true audiophile-quality system, its12 high-performance speakers (including two Acoustic Lens tweeters) deliver 900 total watts from two amplifiers: a compact 500-watt ICEpower unit and a 400-watt digital processor that converts stereo and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio into 7.1-channel surround sound. Reproduction quality is exceptional at every seating position, yet very little sound, even the powerful bass, is audible outside the car with the top up. Even when not in use, the system elevates the cabin's aesthetics with its signature aluminum speaker grilles and dash-mounted Acoustic Lens tweeters.  

The MP3 Media Interface turns your Mercedes-Benz into an extension of your iPod or compatible electronic device. Browse, select and play your musical accompaniment of choice using steering-wheel, COMAND-system or stereo controls.   (Disclaimer)

Delivering remarkably clear audio that gives AM stations the crispness of FM radio, and FM stations CD-grade sound, HD Radio® also offers a larger bandwidth that can actually increase the number of stations available to you.   (Disclaimer)

Music Register allows you to store up to 10GB of your own digital music on the in-dash hard drive. It lets you copy songs from your CDs and DVDs and save them to your vehicle's audio system, so you can listen to them anytime and anywhere you drive.