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SL 63 uses latest biturbo V8 to give you 400kW in standard form and 421kW if you choose the performance pack.

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• Pictures of the potent new SL 63 AMG       

The basic synopsis of the all-new Mercedes-Benz SL 63 could really have been cut and pasted from that of any other modern sports car - less weight and a 'downsized' force-fed engine that pumps out more power while using 30 percent less fuel.

That heart, of course, is AMG's latest 5.5-litre direct injection V8 twin-turbo and opting for it in Merc's flagship roadster is much like ordering a curry in Durban, in that you can have it in two flavours - piping hot or downright deadly.

The tamer standard option gives you 400kW at 5000rpm and 800Nm between 2000 and 4500rpm, which will allegedly get you from 0-100km/h in just 4.3 seconds.

PERFORMANCE PACKAGE

Tick the box for the performance package, however, and you're playing with 421kW at 5500rpm and 900Nm at 2250 - 3750rpm, enough to dash to 100 in 4.2 seconds. The top dog also gets its top speed nanny moved from the usual 250km/h to 300km/h.

Perking up the pleasure factor at just about any speed is AMG's sports exhaust system that's said to produce a distinctive engine sound.

Power is shoved to the back wheels via AMG's seven-speed sports automatic transmission with four selectable modes.

Mercedes claims a combined fuel consumption of 9.9 litres per 100km for both versions, making it 30 percent more efficient than before, but we wish you the best of luck in achieving that.

A REAL LIGHTIE

There's no denying that it will be more efficient than before, though, with technologies like idle-stop and an overall kerb weight that's been reduced by 125kg thanks to an all-aluminium body shell and gluttonous use of lightweight materials all over.

Even items like the steering knuckles, the spring links on the four-link front suspension and most of the components of the multi-link rear suspension are made from aluminium.

On that subject, the SL 63 is endowed with an improved version of AMG's Active Body Control spring and shock system that allows firmer damping and less body roll in 'Sport' mode or a more comfy ride when the driver selects 'Comfort'.

Fully revised elastokinematics and a more negative camber at each corner add further to its agility in the bends. Buyers insisting on the ultimate in cornering ability can also tick AMG's rear axle diff lock on the options list.

To provide the necessary driver feedback, this roadster packs in AMG's new electro-mechanical speed-sensitive sports steering system, which varies its assistance in accordance with the suspension settings at the time.

Your safety net comes in the form of a three-stage ESP stability control and a newly-developed AMG high-performance compound braking system that features 390x36mm compound discs with six-piston fixed callipers at the front and 360x26mm integral discs with single-piston floating callipers at the back. Fork out more and you can even have AMG's ceramic compound braking system as seen on the SLS.

MAGIC ROOF

Like all its AMG siblings, the SL 63 receives the necessary visual bits and pieces to set it apart from lesser SLs as well as bespoke 19-inch alloy wheels, which can be swopped for a 19-inch front/20-inch rear combo that's also available in matt black.

As much as the SL 63 sounds like a dedicated performance machine in every respect, it still does the job of an open-top boulevard cruiser, complete with an electrohydraulically operated retractable hard top that can do its trick in under 20 seconds.

Merc's Magic Sky Control is offered as an option - this feature allowing the tint of the panoramic roof to be made lighter or darker at the touch of a button thanks to some advanced moleculer manipulation. If that's not your scene, a conventional painted or transparent glass roof can also be opted for.

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