Performance Review: Mercedes SL Class 65 AMG V12 Black Series R230 - [2008]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Mercedes SL Class Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Mercedes SL Class 65 AMG V12 Black Series R230 is the 5 speed / Semi-Auto version and was first brought out in 2008. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2008 Ariel Atom V8 500 and the 2008 SSC Ultimate Aero TT.This particular Mercedes SL Class has a 5980cc Twin Turbo Petrol powerplant with 12 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V12's includes the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Spider 6.5 V12

The SL Class shares its Petrol V12 engine configuration with the likes of the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Spider 6.5 V12 and the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Coupe 6.5 V12. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the SL Class's Rear Wheel Drive, Coupe combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1870 kgs (4122 lbs) this makes the Mercedes SL Class 65 AMG V12 Black Series R230 in the same weight category as the 2023 Aston-Martin DBS 770 Ultimate 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Mercedes SL Class shares the same bhp with the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 5.5 V8 C8 (670 bhp)

In terms of power the 5980cc 36V V12 engine produces 661 bhp (492 kW) @ 5400 rpm similar to the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 5.5 V8 C8 (670 bhp) or the 2023 BMW i7 M70 xDrive G70 (651 bhp).

The Twin Turbo V12 throws out 738 lb-ft (1000.5 Nm) @ 2200 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2022 Lotus Eletre R 905 bhp (726 lb-ft) or the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 6.2 V8 Supercharged C8 (715 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Mercedes SL Class you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2009 Ferrari 458 4.5 V8 (378.4 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Mercedes SL Class.

The Mercedes SL Class has a Power to weight ratio of 353.4 bhp per ton and 394.6 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2008 SL Class competing with the 2009 Ferrari 458 4.5 V8 (378.4 bhp per ton) or the 2013 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performante Edizione (378.4 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Mercedes SL Class generating around 394.6 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2015 McLaren 675 LT 3.8 V8 Twin Turbo (419.5 lb-ft per ton) or the 2015 Radical RXC Turbo 500 3.5 V6 (412.5 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 3.70 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 3.8 secs, this made the Mercedes SL Class 65 AMG V12 Black Series R230 as fast as the 2022 BMW 8 Series M850i xDrive 4.4 V8 Turbo G15 (3.70 secs) the 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (3.70 secs) the 2021 Porsche 911 GT3 992 (3.70 secs) the or the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 6.2 V8 Supercharged Convertible (3.70 secs). This Mercedes SL Class 65 AMG V12 Black Series R230 is also faster than the 2023 BMW X5 M Competition 4.4 Turbo F95 (3.80 secs) the 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera T 3.0 Turbo PDK 992 (3.80 secs) the 2021 BMW i4 M50 (3.80 secs) the and the 2021 Mercedes SL Class 55 4Matic+ 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo (3.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the SL Class and the 2007 Lotus Elise SC 1.8

When talking about the performance of the Mercedes SL Class on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 11.75 secs @ 116.4 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2007 Lotus Elise SC 1.8 (11.70 secs), the 2003 Jaguar XJ R 4.2 V8 Supercharged (11.70 secs), and the 2009 Porsche Boxster 3.4 Spyder 987 (11.70 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2008 version of the Mercedes SL Class 65 AMG V12 Black Series R230 has a maximum speed of 199mph.

Top Speed of the 2008 SL Class equals the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 6.2 V8 Supercharged C7 (210 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2008 Mercedes SL Class 65 AMG V12 Black Series R230 then how about the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 6.2 V8 Supercharged C7 (210 mph), the 2018 Lamborghini SC18 Alston 6.5 V8 (210 mph), or the 2017 Pagani Huayra Roadster 6.0 V12 (210 mph).

Related Links:

2008 SL Class Rivals List.

A Brief History of Mercedes

Car Comparison