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Powerful new Mercedes-AMG SL63 is a top sports roadster (pictures)

The 2017 Mercedes-AMG SL63 delivers excellent sports performance and power in a car that hearkens back to the historic Mercedes-Benz 300SL.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
2017 Mercedes-AMG SL63
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Along with the new Mercedes-Benz SL450 and SL550 comes this Mercedes-AMG SL63, a powerful variant with improved handling.

2017 Mercedes-AMG SL63
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The new SL-Class benefits from weight-reducing aluminum body panels.

2017 Mercedes-AMG SL63
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Much of the styling between the standard SLs and the AMG SL is similar, although these fender vents get the V8 Biturbo logo.

2017 Mercedes-AMG SL63
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The SL63 gets a split-grille crossbar inset with the AMG logo, as opposed to the single crossbar in the standard SL-Class.

2017 Mercedes-AMG SL63
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The SL63's AMG-built V-8 engine displaces 5.5 liters and uses twin turbochargers to make 577 horsepower.

2017 Mercedes-AMG SL63
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With the retractable hard top up, the SL63 assumes a Gran Turismo profile.

2017 Mercedes-AMG SL63
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The retractable hard top can be operated at speeds up to 25 mph.

2017 Mercedes-AMG SL63
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The SL63's adaptive suspension is well-tuned for light, nimble handling.

2017 Mercedes-AMG SL63
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Carbon fiber supports for the trunk lid help reduce weight.

2017 Mercedes-AMG SL63
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Quad rectangular exhaust tips are a nice touch for a performance look.

2017 Mercedes-AMG SL63
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The top retracts into the trunk, allowing enough room for a couple of backpacks, or a couple of small roller bags.

2017 Mercedes-AMG SL63
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Although a bona fide performance car, the SL63 shows off luxury appointments in the cabin.

2017 Mercedes-AMG SL63
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The SL63's electric power steering allows for quick, precise steering.

2017 Mercedes-AMG SL63
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You can quickly choose different drive modes and suspension settings with these console controls.

2017 Mercedes-AMG SL63
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The SL63 shares its infotainment system with its SL-Class siblings.

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