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The South African
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- The South African
POWER broker: Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance driven
Ahead of me is a convoy of Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance super sports cars, on the world-famous Clarence Drive near Gordon's Bay. Along for the ride is the new SL 63 and CLE 53. It's a regular AMG Christmas in July. The concept behind the event was for media to sample a selection of the latest AMG products. In reverse power order, there's the six-cylinder 48V mild-hybrid CLE 53 AMG with 330 kW and 600 Nm. Then the AMG SL 63 Roadster (non-hybrid) twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, good for 430 kW and 800 Nm. And finally, the top dog Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance with a scarcely believable 600 kW and 1 420 Nm of torque, aided by a 6.1 kWh plug-in battery on top of its twin-turbo V8. So, let's get driving … The fixed rear wing, 21-inch wheels and more aggressive bodywork takes the AMG GT's aesthetics up a notch. Image: Mercedes-Benz Press We pull hard through a series of sweeping bends towards a tight hairpin surrounded by unforgiving rock. Ahead of me is the SL 63 Roadster, which is certainly no hairdryer with its force-fed V8 guffawing at maximum voice. I've got the best bucket seat in the house as we attack the famed coast road that once played host to the Mercedes SLR world launch. Double-clutch transmissions rata-tata up and down shifts like a pair of intoxicated drum majorettes … Our duo roars in happy unison in the damp conditions, until the SL enters the next hairpin too cautiously and I line up alongside. The road is clear of traffic all the way around, so I squeeze the throttle and trust the Michelin Cup rubber is warm enough to grip up. Boy, does it ever! The electric-boosted Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance performs its teleportation trick and I slingshot tens of metres ahead in the blink of an eye. I drop anchor hard in the next hairpin with the standard carbon ceramic brakes and shove my surrounds into reverse. This gains me yet more distance on my open-top pursuer. This is exciting! Any worries the new-generation AMG GT would be too soft has been well and truly eliminated. Image: Mercedes-Benz Press Beyond the awe-inspiring figures – zero to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and 320 km/h plus top speed, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance is simply a joy to drive. It clings hard to the tarmac with active aerodynamics, in the form of a movable front chin spoiler. There is a multi-mode traction control system so you can dial in just the right amount of electronic aid for the conditions. And rear-wheel steering helps pinch your line in tight corners and stabilise the chassis in the fast stuff. Now, in clear air with glorious open road ahead, I pin the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance's ears back. I trust the brute and I'm well and truly up to speed. The steering in Race mode is tight, suspension taut like a freshly tuned guitar string. We flow like electrified mercury, with speed and physics my guide. And allow me to report that the combination of twin-turbo V8 with instant electrical assistance on throttle is simply incredible. There is no lag, no hesitation, and all the while it's as if the drivetrain is pure and naturally aspirated. Yet, the savagery underfoot matches that of battery electric acceleration. Wow, just wow, what a piece of engineering, Affalterbach. The only part of the AMG super sports car most will get to see on the road. Image: Mercedes-Benz Press At the end of the pass, adrenalin purged, we pull over for some photography with the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance and vanquished SL 63 sister. Together, their AMG Panamericana grilles, long forward prow and cabin-back stance are unmistakably attractive. The high-tech, opulent cabins are wonderful, too, with more computing power on board than a space agency. Of course, they've shared a platform since the last AMG GT and both therefore qualify as ultimate dream cars. The SL 63 is for the exhibitionist in you and the Mercedes AMG 63 is if you love playing g-force dodgems with your internal organs. However, amongst their overflowing bag of talents, I'd proffer the real takeaway is how unintimidating they are to drive in every-day conditions. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance shows that electrification isn't something to shy away from. It can be utilised for all the right reasons in a super-sports-car application. And by Jove, if you could just keep it out of Race mode, it would be darn economical, too. Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance (600 kW & 1 420 Nm) – R4 369 287 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Roadster (430 kW & 800 Nm) – R3 943 156 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid (450 kW & 750 Nm) – R2 499 596 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 (330 kW & 600 Nm) – R2 065 982 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. Pic: Peter Frost
The Citizen
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Mercedes-AMG SL 63 confirmed for South Africa
Spiritual successor of the 300 SL, the all-new Mercedes-AMG SL 63 has now been confirmed for South Africa and will cost local buyers a shade under R4m. Here is what you will get for their money. Looking for a new or used Mercedes-Benz? Find It here with CARmag! Mercedes-AMG has revived the legendary SL nameplate in what it calls its most performance-focused form yet. The new Mercedes-AMG SL 63 marks a return to the model's 300 SL roots and reintroduces a classic soft top and a purist 2+2 layout. This latest iteration of the storied moniker has been developed entirely in Affalterbach by Mercedes-AMG, with a bespoke platform and architecture that shares no components with its predecessors or other models in the Mercedes-Benz line-up. Most importantly, the V8 lives on here… Related: 2025 Mercedes-AMG E53 Lands in Mzansi – Pricing and Specs Speaking of which, the beating heart of the SL 63 is AMG's 4l V8 biturbo engine which continues the tradition of being hand-assembled under AMG's 'One Man, One Engine' philosophy. Producing 430kW and 800Nm, it launches the roadster from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 315km/h. The engine benefits from extensive refinement, including revised intercoolers, active crankcase ventilation, and enhanced exhaust gas flow for improved performance and efficiency. Power is channelled through a nine-speed automatic transmission, which uses a wet start-off clutch instead of a torque converter for sharper response and quicker shifts. For the first time in SL history, all-wheel drive comes standard, with AMG Performance 4Matic+ distributing power to all corners while active rear-axle steering is said to enhance agility at lower speeds and stability at higher ones. Related: The Six Cylinder E53 Mercedes-AMG is Coming to SA in 2025 Harking back to its 1950s forebear, the SL 63 retains a long bonnet, with a wide stance and short overhangs. The fabric soft top, which replaces the heavier metal vario roof of recent SLs, weighs 21kg less and folds away in just 15 seconds at speeds of up to 60km/h. When its down, a better look inside shows the 'hyperanalogue' cockpit. The fully digital instrument cluster is housed in a three-dimensional visor, while the central touchscreen can be adjusted for better visibility with the roof down. AMG sports seats come standard, featuring integrated headrests and the brand's signature Airscarf system, which blows warm air around the neck and shoulders. Outfitted with a plethora of aerodynamic tech, the two-stage Airpanel system controls airflow through vertical and horizontal louvres to improve cooling and reduce lift, while the deployable rear spoiler adjusts its position based on speed and driving dynamics. The optional active front underbody element extends at 80km/h to create a Venturi effect, further enhancing stability. Combined with a choice of aerodynamically optimised 19-, 20-, or 21-inch wheels, Mercedes-AMG state these features give the SL exceptional composure and responsiveness. Mercedes-AMG SL 63 pricing Mercedes-AMG SL 63 – R 3 943 156 Total Price includes VAT incl and five-year/100 000km PremiumDrive Comfort Care Service and Maintenance Plan. Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Confirmed for South Africa – Pricing and Spec appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The Citizen
08-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Mercedes-AMG GT63 knocks Porsche 911 GT2 RS from its perch
600kW beast from Affalterbach clocks a new 0-100km/h record time of 2.76 seconds. A plan was hatched. A team of the best of the best from the AMG Driving Academy, three half-decent driver/journalists, and an invaluable backup crew were going to invade Knysna with the latest in high performance Mercedes-AMG toys to attack the Simola Hillclimb with one goal in mind. Bring home the standard production road car, 2025 King of the Hill, title. Nothing less than a win would do. And win they did, the fastest standard production road car up the hill this year was none other than AMG Driving Academy boss, Clint Weston, in the new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance Coupe. But the team from Mercedes-Benz South Africa were not done. They were looking for more silverware for their trophy cabinet. One call later and the car that was fastest up the hill was on its way to Gerotek to see if it could become the fastest standard production road car The Citizen Motoring has ever tested in a straight line. Gunning for Porsche's crown To earn this title, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance Coupe, would have to better Porsche's 911 GT2 RS' record-breaking run of 2.85 seconds to 100km/h that was achieved in 2021. A quick technical refresher. The Porsche 911 GT2 RS weighs in at only 1 470kg, and produces a crazy 515kW and 750Nm from its 3.8-litre flat six, bi-turbo set-up. This means this out and out super car has a mental power-to-weight ratio of 350kW per ton. ALSO READ: Eight-cylinders return as Mercedes-AMG prices long awaited SL 63 Producing a combined 600kW of power and 1 420Nm of torque from its 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine that is coupled to an AMG Electric Drive Unit, the claimed 0-100km/h number for the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance Coupe is listed as 2.8 seconds. And no Affalterbach series model has ever gone that quick before. Only one other car tested by our publication in over 25-years of road testing has gone under the three-second mark. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance 4-Door ran a time of 2.96 seconds. Ready to roll. Picture: Mark Jones Acid test for Mercedes-AMG GT63 Despite being down 20kW and 50Nm, the Coupe derivative has lost two doors and 185kg of weight over its four-door sibling. The team from Mercedes-Benz South Africa were confident their new car could get the job done. But the first issue to contend with is that this AMG GT 63 Coupe still comes off the scales an almost incomprehensible 725kg heavier than the GT2 RS. But talk and claims are cheap, it's what happens on the day that counts. Driving the car out to Gerotek left me in no doubt that this GT 63 S E Performance Coupe was the real deal and had a proper chance of bettering the 911 GT2 RS. But even though I have been doing this a very long time, there is no way I could off the cuff say that the Merc was going to be quicker than the Porsche. 2.85-seconds to 100km/h is seriously fast. With anticipation building, the Racelogic VBOX test equipment was loaded into the car and it was time to head down to the start line. ALSO READ: VIDEO: New Mercedes-AMG C63 pips BMW M3 on the drag strip Getting down to business Race Start activated, foot on the brake, mash the accelerator pedal, and let go. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance Coupe bolts off the line like its tail has just been stood on. Shrubbery, grass and tar merge into a blur as the speedo goes past 270km/h before I get on the carbon ceramic brakes at the 800m mark. Heart pounding, adrenalin rushing, the VBOX readout shows 2.86 seconds. We haven't done it. It goes a bit quiet, we know we will do more runs. But all these super high-performance cars get hot under the hood quickly, and the numbers can go the other way. Is it over? Back down to the start I go. Cut and paste the start procedure. Back on the brakes at the end. And as I roll into the pit area. It goes off like a cracker, we have a number of 2.84 seconds on the VBOX. It is done. The GT 63 S E Performance Coupe has just become the fastest standard production road car we have ever tested. Albeit by a whisker. But a whisker is all that is needed for the record books. ALSO READ: Learjet for the road Mercedes-AMG S63 shocks-up a luxury storm Point proven Obviously, we wanted to back this up, the Porsche did, so it was back down to the start again where things only got better as the tyres warmed up a little with all this winter cold around. A 2.82-second run was next, then a 2.78 and then 2.76. Were we going to see the records continue to tumble? There is a new boss in time. Picture: Mark Jones The short answer was no. The temps under the bonnet were now coming into play and the times started going back up. But I kid you not, the car did five runs in a row after this at 2.84-seconds. And that's when we decided we had proved our point. We were tempting fate by barrelling into the braking zone over and over again at 270km/h. So, there you have it, the GT 63 S E Performance Coupe is the fastest standard production we have tested. The Porsche 911 GT2 RS does come back at it as we head further down the long straight at Gerotek, and it remains a do-or-die battle right till the end, but there can only be one King. Mercedes-AMG GT 63 tests data
TimesLIVE
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
New Mercedes-AMG SL 63 lands in South Africa
The latest Mercedes-AMG SL 63 has arrived in South Africa, slotting in between the SL 43 and the flagship SL 63 E Performance in the marque's 2+2-seater roadster line-up. With its distinctive long bonnet, aggressively raked windscreen, short rear deck and compact overhangs, the SL 63 cuts a commanding figure that oozes presence. Lightweight 20" alloy wheels come standard, while 21" rims are available as an option. While the German drop top's menacing front end sports the firm's aero-enhancing Airpanel active air control system, the rear is fitted with a retractable rear spoiler with five different angle settings designed to either optimise handling stability or reduce drag. As with the SL 43, the SL 63 features an electronically operated folding fabric roof, which opens or closes in 15 seconds at speeds of up to 60km/h. It's also 21kg lighter than the previous-generation metal vario-roof, contributing to a lower centre of gravity. Powering the SL 63 is a 4.0 l twin-turbocharged V8 engine pumping out 430kW and 800Nm of torque. Sent to all four paws via a variable 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system and AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission, Affalterbach's BMW M8 Convertible rival will scorch its way from 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 315km/h. Complementing this straight-line shove is a capable chassis featuring a multi-link front axle with five links arranged within the rim. A similar design is found at the rear. Both ends of the SL 63 benefit from a newly developed AMG Active Ride Control suspension, while rear axle steering boosts low-speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability. Drivers can cycle through six AMG Dynamic Select drive modes — Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual and Race — using either the centre console controls or the AMG steering wheel toggles. Each mode alters the behaviour of the powertrain, transmission, steering, suspension and exhaust. Inside, the SL 63 is generously equipped. Highlights include a 12.3" digital instrument cluster, an 11.9" MBUX infotainment display on the centre console and support for the brand's AMG Performance and Track Pace apps, which allow drivers to log lap and performance data. Standard luxury features include Nappa leather seats, carbon fibre interior trim, Airscarf neck warmers, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, an AMG Performance multifunction steering wheel, adaptive cruise control and lane-keep and steering assist. Pricing for the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 starts at R3,943,156, inclusive of a five-year/100,000km service and maintenance plan.
The Citizen
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Eight-cylinders return as Mercedes-AMG prices long awaited SL 63
Soft-top sibling of the AMG GT will still get from 0-100 km/h in four seconds and hit a top sped of 315 km/h. Mercedes-AMG has finally added to the SL63 to its line-up in South Africa. Image: Mercedes-AMG Its line-up having remained stagnent since the arrival of the four-cylinder '43' almost two years ago, Mercedes-AMG has finally confirmed pricing of the '63' variant of the new SL. No electric assistance Shown as far back as 2021, the first ever AMG-developed SL sits opposite the coupe-only AMG GT as being offered solely with a fabric roof-top roof that opens and closes in a Z-pattern in 15 seconds at up to 60 km/h. ALSO READ: Modernised Mercedes SL43 lives up to its proud heritage Known internally as the R232, the first new SL since the R231 that stayed in production from 2012 to 2021 also becomes the first to offer the 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive, which until now, hasn't been applicable to South Africa as the mentioned '43' only comes with rear-wheel-drive. Despite the availability of the entry-level eight-cylinder SL 55 and the range-topping plug-in hybrid SL 63 S revealed at the end of 2023, the mid-spec SL 63 will for now top the local range with outputs of 430kW/800Nm from its non-electrically assisted 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8. Fabric roof opens and closes in 15 seconds up to 60 km/h. Image: Mercedes-AMG Paired to the nine-speed MCT transmission, with the 4Matic+ system sending the amount of twist to all four corners, the SL 63 will get from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and a hit top speed of 315 km/h. Spec As in Europe, South African models have the option of alloy wheels ranging from 19 to 21-inches, although in a departure, the rear-axle steering system has been fitted as standard and not as an option. Also included are the Digital LED headlights, the Airscarf neck warmers integrated into the headrests of the front seats, the adaptive Active Ride Control dampers and the electronic limited slip differential. In total, the AMG Dynamic Select system offers six modes; Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual and a first-time Race mode not available on the SL 43 or the SL 55. Bar the obvious move to right-hand-drive, the interior has not been changed from the depicted European-market model. Image: Mercedes-AMG As part of the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package, buyers get more engine mounts, yellow AMG branded brake calipers, a ride height drop of 10 mm and carbon fibre exterior trim. Inside, no specification differences from the European SL have taken place, meaning the retention of the 11.9-inch MBUX infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the new AMG Performance steering wheel and, as an option, the AMG Performance seats. Price Priced from R3 943 156, the SL 63's sticker includes a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan as standard. NOW READ: All-new AMG developed Mercedes-Benz SL revealed
