Mercedes-AMG Reveals V-12 Drop-Top S65 Supercar

STUTTGART, Germany – Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance-car division reveals its new S65 Cabriolet ahead of the opulent 4-seater’s public debut at next month’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Planned for North American sale in 2016, the new-to-range S65 Cabriolet receives the same upgraded twin-turbocharged 6.0L V-12 gasoline engine as the recently introduced S65 Coupe – the M279 as the 60-degree unit is codenamed.

Now assembled at parent company Daimler’s commercial-vehicle factory in Mannheim rather than on-site at AMG’s traditional Affalterbach headquarters, the 3-valve-per-cylinder powerplant produces 621 hp at 4,800 rpm and a stout 737 lb.-ft. (1,000 Nm) of torque between 2,300 and 4,300 rpm.

The heady reserves, channeled through Mercedes-Benz’s 9G-Tronic torque converter, feature a 7-speed automatic gearbox with three differing drive modes – controlled efficient, Sport and Manual – driving standard 20-in. rear wheels.

Despite carrying an extra 386 lbs. (175 kg) brought on by the added bracing incorporated within its platform, Mercedes-AMG claims the 4,806-lb. (2,180-kg) S65 Cabriolet boasts the same 0-62 mph (100 km) time as the 4,486-lb. (2,035-kg) S65 Coupe at 4.1 seconds.

That’s 0.2 seconds slower than the 4,652-lb. (2,110-kg) all-wheel-drive Mercedes-AMG S63 Cabriolet 4Matic, whose twin-turbocharged 6.2L V-8 produces 577 hp and 663 lb.-ft. (900 Nm) of torque.

The new AMG model’s top speed nominally is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), although customers can choose to raise it to 186 mph (300 km/h) with an optional Driver’s Package. Combined-cycle fuel consumption on the European cycle is 19.6 mpg (12.0 L/100 km).

The S65 Cabriolet visually differs from other S-class Cabriolet models through its more liberal use of chrome within the air ducts incorporated in the front bumper, unique wheel design, V-12 bi-turbo badges along the flanks as well as a high-gloss black diffuser, quad trapezoidal-shaped tailpipes and S63 identification at the rear.

The multilayer fabric roof is available in black, dark blue, beige and dark red. It can be opened and closed on the move at speeds up to 31 mph (50 km/h), with the whole process taking a claimed 17 seconds.

Inside, the new 4-seat cabriolet receives standard features including Mercedes-Benz’s Aircap wind-protection deflector, Airscarf heating element in the backrests of the front seats and heated armrests.

Pricing for the S65 Cabriolet is yet to be announced, although with the S65 Coupe already pitched at $234,050, it is expected to nudge the $250,000 mark when U.S. sales get under way during first-half 2016.