Images: Mercedes R230 SL 55, SL 63 and SL 65 AMG (2002-12)
Released in Australia in November 2002, the Mercedes-Benz R230 SL 55 AMG was a two-seat roadster with a retractable metal roof. Manufactured in Bremen, Germany, the rear-wheel drive R230 SL 55 AMG was powered by a supercharged 5.4-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Available in Australia from September 2004, the SL 65 AMG was powered by a 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 petrol engine; it also had a five-speed automatic transmission… Read full Mercedes R230 SL 55, SL 63 and SL 65 AMG review
Images: Mercedes R230.II SL 55 and SL 65 AMG (2006-08)
Released in April 2006, the Mercedes R230 Series II (R230.II) SL 55 AMG and SL 65 AMG introduced cosmetic updates, an AMG Speedshift transmission with steering wheel gearshift paddles, re-engineered suspension and revised steering; the engine for the SL 55 AMG was also upgraded. The Mercedes R230.I SL 55 AMG and SL 65 AMG could be identified by their new front aprons which had a more pronounced wedge shape, chrome-ringed fog lamps, AMG radiator grille with three black louvres and new tail-lights. Inside, there new carbon-fibre trim elements, an AMG steering wheel with gearshift paddles, AMG main menu in the instrument cluster with ‘Racetimer’ function for recording lap times on racing circuits, metal door sill panels with ‘AMG’ lettering, new-look instrument cluster shroud trimmed in nappa leather and a new digital clock.
Images: Mercedes R230.III SL 63 and SL 65 AMG (2008-12)
Released in June 2008, the Mercedes R230 Series III (R230.III) SL range consisted of the SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG, with the former replacing the SL 55 AMG. The Mercedes R230.III SL 63 and SL 65 AMG could be identified by their new front aprons with larger air intakes, black radiator grilles and new door mirrors with arrow-shaped LED indicators. Inside, the SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG had a new three spoke AMG steering wheel with perforated leather grip areas, while the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz NTG 2.5 telematics system was accompanied by a 6.5-inch, high-resolution colour display for COMAND APS and a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies.
