Evolving an icon is no easy task.  Porsche does it exceptionally well with every new generation of its coveted 911, and even non-exclusive brands like Honda are tasked with reinvigorating benchmark cars, in their case the Civic.  The challenge is not so much averting disastrous reviews and horrible sales figures seeing as how most legacies carry on the most important and popular attributes faithfully throughout generations.  On the other hand, it is styling cues and the implementation of new technologies that are most likely to be sticking points.  One such legacy that has been reintroduced is that of the Mercedes-Benz SL and SL AMG series.  With the silver, supercharged example we have in our garage, a 2005 SL55 AMG, we are definite fans of the beastly and fancy GT (like many enthusiasts and consumers), so let’s see if the new 2013 SL63 AMG continues to faithfully adhere to the very lifestyle it created.

First and foremost, the 2013 SL63 AMG is the evolution of our 2005 SL55 AMG.  Many enthusiasts know that “63 & 65 AMG” variants existed alongside the “55 AMG” model earlier in the millennium, but these were super hot versions that often carried forced-induced V12’s; this exists today in the SL65 AMG.  Point is, today’s SL63 AMG is the standard SL/AMG offering just as the SL55 was back in 2005.  With that aside, let’s look at how our heavy breathing GT has rung in a new generation.

As noted earlier, there are some things that, unless the manufacturer completely goes out on a whim, just don’t change when iconic cars are refreshed.  In the case of the Mercedes SL, its divine mix of muscle and luxury are retained and immediately conveyed in the visual (and literal) weight of the car.  Many would agree that seeing a car in person is completely different than in pictures, and we’re sure that holds true to some extent for this car.  Shape is not quite as continuous as our generation in the sense that the dramatic, stretched tail lights and chunky, angular accents mixed with curves can be funky.  But, that is not to say the car isn’t beautiful, because it is.  The “bug eye” style headlights have drawn fire from some as being strange or too large, but ultimately they have a nice mix of menacing and gorgeousness.  All in all, the new SL AMG adheres closely to the long, weighty, sturdy, and luxurious visual proportions of previous modern generations, so a gold star sticker goes to Benzo.

Mechanically, similarities are bountiful…sort of.  The intentions of the car are the most similar.  A big, thumping powerhouse under hood, plenty of techy features, forced induction and stunning GT appointments mark this.  In fact, this generation is in some ways more similar to ours (versus the generation in between from 2008-2012) because of its use of forced induction.  Main difference?  While ours is a 5.5 liter V8 supercharged to 11.6 psi, the new guy carries a 5.5 liter V8 turbocharged to 14.2 psi.  What this makes for is 530 horsepower and 590 ft.lb. of torque, which is good for a 4 second 0-60 run.  In addition, the SL employs a wet clutch 7-speed with paddle shifters and also maintains its heavy proportions, weighing in at about 4,070lbs, which is actually over 300lbs lighter than our SL55 AMG; lighter and faster is never a bad thing.

So, what we have here is one nicely evolved Mercedes SL AMG.  Until we get our hands on one, stats, word of mouth and pictures will have to do, but they are doing well.  The only true quirks, in comparison to our SL55, are mainly based on styling cues that are unnatural at some angles.  But, shed pounds and mechanical advancements seem to liberally make up for it.  When it comes down to it, the Mercedes SL AMG is a car with the soul of a category benchmark and all the right intentions.  And while it’s difficult to get your hands on one at the moment, don’t you hesitate to hop in our SL55 AMG rental for some luxuriously torquey fun.