2006 Mercedes Benz S 65 AMG

The 2006 version of the Mercedes Benz S 65 AMG, when it was first launched at the Chicago Auto Show in late 2005, came with the title of the speediest standard four door saloon on the road at that time. Whilst making no concessions to their high standards of finish, Mercedes have produced in their S 65 AMG, a highly powerful automobile that is capable of reaching 0-60 miles per hour in around 4 seconds.

Anyone who didn’t know any better would see nothing out of the ordinary in the S 65 AMG. The usual Mercedes combination of elegance with a sport undertone. The flaring wheel arches that have become more and more a feature of recent Mercedes design providing it with a sleek line, with just a hint of power. Where one might begin to suspect that there might be some heavy power under the bonnet is in the bonnet of the car, with a front apron specially designed for the AMG series with specially enlarged air intakes. Adding a further touch of class and hint of power are the slanted struts with integral fog lamps set in chrome, giving the car more of a low set look.

The rear apron of the AMG comprises combined tailpipes combined with the sporty 19-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels continues to give the impression that this car hides a secret.

The interior of the S 65 AMG may be a little more subdued, with the AMG logo very much in evidence. Characterized by Mercedes’ favorite burr walnut trim and leather upholstery, the AMG again tantalizes with custom designed driver and front passenger seats that have a distinct racy feel. Ergonomics are very much in evidence in the sports steering wheel and aluminum based gearshift panels.

Amongst all the latest digital updates available to the driver there is another very string hint that this is more than a road car. The RACETIMER function which allows the AMG driver to calculate lap times on a private racetrack. Capable of storing times for the fastest lap, as well as the average and top speed on any lap. This information can be stored and reinstated every time the owner wants to test the cars performance over a given distance.

So if anyone begins to suspect that this car is more than it seems, there suspicions will be confirmed when they discover the power that Mercedes S65 AMG engine is capable of generating Power that will propel the car from 0-60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds and to prove the point the care will also travel from 0 to 120 miles per hour in just 13.3 seconds. The 2006 Mercedes Benz S 65 AMG is expected to have a top speed of 150 miles per hour (250 km/h) To tempt the curiosity of future owners the car’s maximum speed will be limited electronically.

The engine is standard both in the AMG saloon as well as in the coupe version, the CL65-AMG, although a 12-cylinder twin-turbocharged version of the CLS coupe hybrid may well be produced in future models.

The 5980-cc V12 hand built engine that powers the S65 AMG was developed by Mercedes-AMG to reach the highest specifications. With a maximum output of 450 kW/612 hp capable of maintaining between 4750 to 5100 revolutions per minute (rpm). A maximum torque of 1000 Nm can be called on from 2000 to 4000 rpm, and even if the rpm’s hit as low as 1000, the AMG V12 Biturbo is guaranteed to delivers 570 Nm of torque to the crankshaft.

All metal components in the engine are made from high strength materials capable of withstanding high levels of temperature and pressure. Engine cooling is take care of through a specially designed oil pump that will enable that oil lubrication points are being taken care of, even when the engine is being pushed to its limits. Additionally the AMG has been fitted with an additional engine coolant radiator to allow 70 percent more cooling capacity to cope with a possible maximum charge pressure of 1.5 bar.

Drive power from this high powered masterpiece is transferred to the S65 AMG’s wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission. The subtle difference is that the Mercedes have made obsolete the conventional automatic selector lever, usually found in the car’s centre console. Instead AMG drivers will select gears through a lever placed on the steering column. The options available are P-park, N-neutral, R- reverse and D-drive.

Another variation in the theme allows the AMG driver to select “S/C/M” mode SCM mode is reached by pressing a button in the centre console allowing the move into either “Sport”, “Comfort” and “Manual” shift programs. These programs alter the transmission characteristics as well as the accelerator response.
Fuel supply is electronically controlled under a variable system pressure between 3.6 and 5.0 bar with pick up that is almost instantaneous, translating the command from the accelerator within milliseconds
Braking on the S65 AMG is also state of the art, based on an adaptive braking system. Composite brake discs at the front with a diameter of 15 1/2 inch and at the back with a 141/2inch diameter provide a balance of short stopping with outstanding control sensitivity. On a normal road surface, the electronically controlled dual-circuit hydraulic braking system provides immaculate comfort and improved safety conditions.

All in all the 2006 Mercedes Benz S65 AMG provides many pleasant surprises, and looks like being part of a winning series from the stable for the coming years.







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March 10, 2008, 8:45 am