Mercedes S65 AMG lifts the power game

MERCEDES-BENZ calls it the world's most powerful series-production car.

We're not about to dispute it because the new S65 AMG delivers 450kW and has a peak torque figure of 1000Nm – more than any other vehicle in its segment.

It gives exclusivity and dynamism in a wholly new dimension and one that is sure to lure showgoers at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, which starts on January 8.

Visually, there is no missing the latest AMG weapon.

The S65's styling has pronounced flared wheel arches, a redesigned AMG front apron with enlarged air intakes while two slanted struts and integrated round fog lights set in chrome rings make the S-Class look even wider and lower.

The discreet side skirts emphasise the dynamic feel of the side view all reinforced through the "V12 biturbo" lettering on the front mudguards.

New multi-piece 19-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels with a star on the centre of the wheel painted in titanium grey blend harmoniously into the overall lines.

At the rear the massive AMG sports exhaust system comprising two combined twin tailpipes, provide a perfect finishing touch to the car’s design.

The S65 also boasts some innovative technologies - the AMG high-performance brakes a composite with twin sliding callipers at the front.

The composite brake discs are 390mm at the front and 365mm at the rear, ensuring the shortest stopping distances and longevity.

The standard specification list is also long and includes a new AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control, unmistakable AMG body styling, multi-piece 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, Mercedes five-speed "Direct Select" gearshift with AMG steering-wheel gearshift paddles as well as a new AMG main menu with racetimer.

The conventional automatic selector on the centre console has been replaced by a steering column mounted lever.

The driver can use the sport, comfort and manual mode button on the centre console to select specific programs that not only change the transmission characteristics but also accelerator response and suspension settings.

The gears can also be shifted at any time using the silver-coloured aluminium gearshift paddles on the sports steering wheel.

Its ultra-powerful AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine delivers performance that many sports car drivers can only dream about.

It will accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h in just 13.3 seconds and has an electronically controlled top speed of 250 km/h.

Twelve-cylinder biturbo engine uses motor racing know-how to give the car a power figure of 450 kW from 4750 to 5100 rpm, while the maximum torque of 1000Nm can be called on from 2000 rpm to 4000 rpm.

Even as low as 1000 rpm, the AMG V12 biturbo engine already delivers 570 Nm of its available torque, while 750 Nm is on tap at 1500 rpm.

The AMG V12 has a precision-balanced crankshaft made out of high-strength

materials, forged pistons made out of special material that are extremely resistant to temperature and pressure, a more effective oil-spray cooling system with a separate individual nozzle for each piston plus larger piston pins.

The main and big-end bearings are also made out of improved materials to compensate for peak temperatures and pressures more effectively.

The charge cycle in the cylinder heads benefits from optimised combustion chambers and longer opening times of the intake valves.

A modified oil pump ensures that all lubrication points are supplied with oil - even in highly demanding conditions.

An engine oil cooler is integrated into the AMG front apron, with an additional engine coolant radiator located in the wheel arch.

The charge-air cooler has also been redesigned with a low-temperature radiator in the front of the vehicle that is around 70 per cent larger.

The AMG sports exhaust with two twin chrome tailpipes in the new V12 design provides the telltale AMG twelve-cylinder vocals.

The ultra-powerful V12 is Euro 4 compliant and is readied for the specific requirements of the US market such as LEV II and oxygen sensor diagnosis.

With the current S65L AMG selling for $435,900, expect the newest Benz rocket to have similar stratospheric pricing.