SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL55 AMG Top speed.
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SL55 AMG Top speed.
It is my understanding that AMG allows it's cars to be sold without the top speed limiter as an option only due to the "Gentlemen's Agreement" (155mp/h or about 250kp/h) between BMW, AUdi, and Mercedes-Benz.
"A derestricted SL55 with essentially the same 5.4 litre supercharged V8 made monkeys of a bunch of supercars at a Nardo test [A speed track in italy] organised by Auto Motor und Sport magazine, topping out at 202 mph..." (Evo, pg.100, Feb. 2003, issue 052) More information is at www.evo.co.uk
I can only presume that both the Vision SLR and the SL65 and CL65 have top speeds well over 200 mp/h (320 km/h). But I do know that the speedometer of the CL65 (since I have seen it from the AMG website) goes up to 340 km/h!
"A derestricted SL55 with essentially the same 5.4 litre supercharged V8 made monkeys of a bunch of supercars at a Nardo test [A speed track in italy] organised by Auto Motor und Sport magazine, topping out at 202 mph..." (Evo, pg.100, Feb. 2003, issue 052) More information is at www.evo.co.uk
I can only presume that both the Vision SLR and the SL65 and CL65 have top speeds well over 200 mp/h (320 km/h). But I do know that the speedometer of the CL65 (since I have seen it from the AMG website) goes up to 340 km/h!
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CL55 Top Speed 187mph?
I don't understand how the people at motor trend couldn't get a closer top speed to the SL55 tested by Evo magazine? They've got the same engine! The top speed of the CL55 should be closer to 200 mph! I think the people at motor trend either tested wrong (by means of faulty equipment) or they didn't have the right kind of road for testing! To find top speed, a wide straight, smooth, long road is needed, and a lot of GUTS!!! I can't think of any variables as to why the top speed of the CL55 came short of 200 mph. Could the resistance of wind, altitude, temperature, humidity, or drag of the car mean anything? The CL has a Cd, (coefficient drag, meaning resistance to the wind) of 0.26. The SL, which I don't know exactly, should be about the same. GM's (General motor's) EV1, the electric car, has a Cd of 0.19!! The lowest in the car making industry! The Corvette coupe is 0.29! So I don't think the Cd is the factor here, but more likely the testing venue and environmental factors are at play here... 
I can't think of any variables as to why the top speed of the CL55 came short of 200 mph. Could the resistance of wind, altitude, temperature, humidity, or drag of the car mean anything? The CL has a Cd, (coefficient drag, meaning resistance to the wind) of 0.26. The SL, which I don't know exactly, should be about the same. GM's (General motor's) EV1, the electric car, has a Cd of 0.19!! The lowest in the car making industry! The Corvette coupe is 0.29! So I don't think the Cd is the factor here, but more likely the testing venue and environmental factors are at play here...
Last edited by Jano; May 6, 2003 at 02:58 PM.
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This has been discussed at length in previous threads
The Gentleman's agreement you refer to is to limit cars to 155mph.
AMG will for a price delimit your car but only up to 186mph as there are no production street tires made for are car as heavy as the SL 55 and rated for higher than 186.
The Nardo test was done with special tires provided by AMG with their blessing.
It has been said that for a price (large), AMG will set up your car for a one time unlimited test on the autobahn with these special tires under their careful supervision.
The Gentleman's agreement you refer to is to limit cars to 155mph.
AMG will for a price delimit your car but only up to 186mph as there are no production street tires made for are car as heavy as the SL 55 and rated for higher than 186.
The Nardo test was done with special tires provided by AMG with their blessing.
It has been said that for a price (large), AMG will set up your car for a one time unlimited test on the autobahn with these special tires under their careful supervision.
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2003 SL55, 2004 E500, 2004 Porsche Turbo Cab, 2007 Ferrari 599, 1988 Ferrari GTS
If redline is 6500RPM and at 80MPH the engine revs to 2500RPM, therefore top speed is theoretically 2.6x80=208 MPH???? At least these are the numbers on my car!
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Re: CL55 Top Speed 187mph?
Originally posted by Jano
I don't understand how the people at motor trend couldn't get a closer top speed to the SL55 tested by Evo magazine? They've got the same engine! The top speed of the CL55 should be closer to 200 mph! I think the people at motor trend either tested wrong (by means of faulty equipment) or they didn't have the right kind of road for testing! To find top speed, a wide straight, smooth, long road is needed, and a lot of GUTS!!! I can't think of any variables as to why the top speed of the CL55 came short of 200 mph. Could the resistance of wind, altitude, temperature, humidity, or drag of the car mean anything? The CL has a Cd, (coefficient drag, meaning resistance to the wind) of 0.26. The SL, which I don't know exactly, should be about the same. GM's (General motor's) EV1, the electric car, has a Cd of 0.19!! The lowest in the car making industry! The Corvette coupe is 0.29! So I don't think the Cd is the factor here, but more likely the testing venue and environmental factors are at play here...
I don't understand how the people at motor trend couldn't get a closer top speed to the SL55 tested by Evo magazine? They've got the same engine! The top speed of the CL55 should be closer to 200 mph! I think the people at motor trend either tested wrong (by means of faulty equipment) or they didn't have the right kind of road for testing! To find top speed, a wide straight, smooth, long road is needed, and a lot of GUTS!!!
I can't think of any variables as to why the top speed of the CL55 came short of 200 mph. Could the resistance of wind, altitude, temperature, humidity, or drag of the car mean anything? The CL has a Cd, (coefficient drag, meaning resistance to the wind) of 0.26. The SL, which I don't know exactly, should be about the same. GM's (General motor's) EV1, the electric car, has a Cd of 0.19!! The lowest in the car making industry! The Corvette coupe is 0.29! So I don't think the Cd is the factor here, but more likely the testing venue and environmental factors are at play here...
The Cl55 was still limited at 187. Unlimited, it would probably top 200.
The CL65's spedometer goes to 360 mph.
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Re: Re: CL55 Top Speed 187mph?
Originally posted by benznut
The track was not suited for top speed testing as the straight were not long enough. they barely extracted 193 mph from the murcielago (and not 202 as stated above).
The Cl55 was still limited at 187. Unlimited, it would probably top 200.
The CL65's spedometer goes to 360 mph.
The track was not suited for top speed testing as the straight were not long enough. they barely extracted 193 mph from the murcielago (and not 202 as stated above).
The Cl55 was still limited at 187. Unlimited, it would probably top 200.
The CL65's spedometer goes to 360 mph.
As an option in Europe, AMG will only unlock the car to 300 km/h, given that this is the top speed for currently available street tires for cars that heavy. You cannot get AMG to remove (fully open) the governor.
It looks like that's what was available for the Motortrend test. In addition, I believe that the Nardo test car was a pre-production car with a probably "slightly" optimized engine
Hope this helps...
Wolfman
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As an option in Europe, AMG will only unlock the car to 300 km/h, given that this is the top speed for currently available street tires for cars that heavy. You cannot get AMG to remove (fully open) the governor.
It has been said that for a price (large), AMG will set up your car for a one time unlimited test on the autobahn with these special tires under their careful supervision.
The Nardo test was done with special tires provided by AMG with their blessing.
Other than that there is no indication of anything different about the car from the production version on th nardo test car.
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Originally posted by jco-amg
I repeat what I stated above:
It has been said that for a price (large), AMG will set up your car for a one time unlimited test on the autobahn with these special tires under their careful supervision.
The Nardo test was done with special tires provided by AMG with their blessing.
Other than that there is no indication of anything different about the car from the production version on th nardo test car.
I repeat what I stated above:
It has been said that for a price (large), AMG will set up your car for a one time unlimited test on the autobahn with these special tires under their careful supervision.
The Nardo test was done with special tires provided by AMG with their blessing.
Other than that there is no indication of anything different about the car from the production version on th nardo test car.
I assume that means that I now have some AMG dude sitting next to me and supervising me instead of my lovely wife just to get an extra 20 miles an hour for one time? Boring!
I've spent years driving on the autobahn and it's fun when you open up your car as you encouter an good, open stretch. Better yet, do that chasing (or racing with) other cars
Part of the package is that you'll encouter unexpected real traffic situations (unlike Nardo) that really put your brakes and tires to the test.
I personally wouldn't want to worry at any time that something could be less than perfectly safe. My concern would not just be the tires, but also the life expectancy of the supercharger.
So, give me a couple of other car enthusiasts and let's have fun at 187 mph
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I realize I made a typo earler, it is indeed 360 kmh.
To get to some of the most recent messages in here, at least it is not like with the upcoming Bugatti Veyrom. In order to access the car's 250mph (yes, this time is Mph), you need to put a call to your personal Bugatti factory liaison, who will come and drop by a set of special tires and remove the limiter under the hood. Otherwise, you are "stuck" with a measely 186 mph just any other "lesser" supercar. I wonder what the response time of these liaisons is, since you need those tires and that top speed in a hurry once the guy in the next lane with a Murcielago is getting ready to overpass you, and he paid about one fourth of what you had to cough for his speedy ride.
To get to some of the most recent messages in here, at least it is not like with the upcoming Bugatti Veyrom. In order to access the car's 250mph (yes, this time is Mph), you need to put a call to your personal Bugatti factory liaison, who will come and drop by a set of special tires and remove the limiter under the hood. Otherwise, you are "stuck" with a measely 186 mph just any other "lesser" supercar. I wonder what the response time of these liaisons is, since you need those tires and that top speed in a hurry once the guy in the next lane with a Murcielago is getting ready to overpass you, and he paid about one fourth of what you had to cough for his speedy ride.
Last edited by benznut; May 7, 2003 at 06:28 PM.
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MOre top speed from AMG
Thanks wolfman and Jco-amg, you guys cleared some things up concerning the top speed of AMG's top cars...
But I don't understand why AMG produced the 6.5 liter V-12 engines if all their cars are restricted to 186 mph?! I suppose the AMG 65's (CL and SL) simply reach 186 mph faster... hmmm, oh well.
My other question is why doesn't AMG sell their cars with the special speed rated tires to their 200+ mph cars? Does AMG think it unsafe or something? I mean other supercar manufacturers allow their cars to be sold with the ability 200mph or more right?
Sooner rather later, such a tire will be available in the market place for such a heavy car like the SL or CL to achieve speeds safely 200+ mph! Technology will surely keep going...
It's too bad that cars as light as the "F60" Ferrrari, "Murcielago" Lamborghini, and "Carrera GT" Porsche get to achieve speeds greater than 200 mph because they get to have tires rated for 200+ due to their lighter weight than cars with a heavy weight. I suppose the Vision SLR will be lighter than a Mercedes SL65 AMG?! Since it will achieve speeds greater than 200 mph!
But I don't understand why AMG produced the 6.5 liter V-12 engines if all their cars are restricted to 186 mph?! I suppose the AMG 65's (CL and SL) simply reach 186 mph faster... hmmm, oh well.
My other question is why doesn't AMG sell their cars with the special speed rated tires to their 200+ mph cars? Does AMG think it unsafe or something? I mean other supercar manufacturers allow their cars to be sold with the ability 200mph or more right?
Sooner rather later, such a tire will be available in the market place for such a heavy car like the SL or CL to achieve speeds safely 200+ mph! Technology will surely keep going...
It's too bad that cars as light as the "F60" Ferrrari, "Murcielago" Lamborghini, and "Carrera GT" Porsche get to achieve speeds greater than 200 mph because they get to have tires rated for 200+ due to their lighter weight than cars with a heavy weight. I suppose the Vision SLR will be lighter than a Mercedes SL65 AMG?! Since it will achieve speeds greater than 200 mph!
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Murcielago and 575 Maranelly are both around, or even north of, 4000 pounds. Yet, they still break the 200 mph barrier. Wonder if those their tires have anything that AMG cannot dublicate.
Especially if Mb utilizes the new 7 speed transmission, some good top speeds will be achievable, especially with the AMG v12.
Especially if Mb utilizes the new 7 speed transmission, some good top speeds will be achievable, especially with the AMG v12.
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Originally posted by benznut
Murcielago and 575 Maranelly are both around, or even north of, 4000 pounds. Yet, they still break the 200 mph barrier. Wonder if those their tires have anything that AMG cannot dublicate.
Especially if Mb utilizes the new 7 speed transmission, some good top speeds will be achievable, especially with the AMG v12.
Murcielago and 575 Maranelly are both around, or even north of, 4000 pounds. Yet, they still break the 200 mph barrier. Wonder if those their tires have anything that AMG cannot dublicate.
Especially if Mb utilizes the new 7 speed transmission, some good top speeds will be achievable, especially with the AMG v12.
Until the new SL came along, there was simply no need to get 200 mph+ rated tires for those kinds of vehicle weights and there will be still a question as to how many tires can be sold to offset the development costs (even though I heard that it's only a matter of time until they are out).
Keep in mind that these type of tires are not necessarily great fun to drive with in your avg. driving environment (city, suburbs, etc.). Very high price, relatively short lifespan and a longer bumpy ride until the rubber is warm...
Unlike the exotics the SL's are everyday driver's cars...
Wolfman
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Last time I remember from Car and Driver (sorry, I cannot quote, too lazy to dig up the mag), Maranello was listed around 4200 pounds. Also, from Motor Trend of several months ago, Murcielago was listed at around 4100lbs. the SL is about 4500lbs max. I understand that 300 pounds can make a difference at 200mph, I am no engineer, but still...
AS far as the tires, can't they make them with heated wiring accross and inside the rubber, like on my father's old 500 SEL?
AS far as the tires, can't they make them with heated wiring accross and inside the rubber, like on my father's old 500 SEL?
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Consider the source...C&D
Official kerb weight on the Maranello 575 is 3,815 lbs.
SL 55 is 4,235 lbs.
You have to watch whether they are quoting kerb weight or GVW.
Official kerb weight on the Maranello 575 is 3,815 lbs.
SL 55 is 4,235 lbs.
You have to watch whether they are quoting kerb weight or GVW.
Last edited by jco-amg; May 10, 2003 at 10:07 AM.
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Top speed at 200+ mph!
It's amazing after nearly ten years ago,... that a McLaren F1 could achieve a top speed of 231 mph! What a technological feat at the time!
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Re: Top speed at 200+ mph!
Originally posted by Jano
It's amazing after nearly ten years ago,... that a McLaren F1 could achieve a top speed of 231 mph! What a technological feat at the time!
It's amazing after nearly ten years ago,... that a McLaren F1 could achieve a top speed of 231 mph! What a technological feat at the time!
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Re: Re: Top speed at 200+ mph!
Originally posted by ajayz
indeed one of the greatest, if not the greatest, sports cars ever built.
indeed one of the greatest, if not the greatest, sports cars ever built.
Top speeds are not that hard, all you need is a good engine and aerodynamics to push the car that far.
If you read the way they tested it you would realize that no one in their right mind would push the car past 200 except in very controlled circumstances, its why most manufacturers do not bother pushing beyond that. Its power below that that counts.
Tiff pushed the MC past 200 and his tires turned to crap the moment he did so, that was with a fresh 'special' set of tyres that where meant as a one use set.
