Limited-run Mercedes-Benz SL roadster built to commemorate unremarkable 2022 Formula 1 season
To mark the end of the 2022 Formula 1 season, the 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4MATIC+ Motorsport Collectors Edition has emerged – and it’s said to draw direct styling cues from the F1 W12 E Performance race car.
Following in the tyre tracks of the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series Project One Edition, which was only offered to buyers of the AMG ONE hypercar, the SL 63 Motorsport Collectors Edition gets a special graded paint finish that fades from high-tech silver to obsidian black metallic.
On its rump, the unique SL 63 – which is limited to just 100 units – gets the same star pattern as the F1 car, while Petronas green is found on the front splitter, side sills and rear diffuser.
There’s also large 21-inch 10-twin-spoke alloy wheels that are painted matte black with a Petronas-coloured rim.
Featuring the AMG Aerodynamics pack as standard, the limited Mercedes-AMG roadster gets a more aggressive front bumper, a larger rear diffuser and active wings beneath the bonnet that improve downforce while reducing drag.
Other headline features include the AMG Night pack (I and II) that add plenty of black elements, including the frill, brake callipers and tailpipes.
Inside, AMG Performance seats are fitted, wrapped in black Nappa leather as standard, but with the option of yellow stitching.
There’s also a heated carbon-fibre AMG Performance steering wheel, along with AMG Track Pace telemetry and a high-end premium sound system.
Under the bonnet there’s been no changes, so the muscular twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 still produces the same 430kW/800Nm as it does in the standard SL 63.
Combined with a nine-speed auto and all-wheel drive, the roadster takes just 3.6 seconds to complete the 0-100km/h sprint. Top speed remains 315km/h.
In what wasn’t a vintage year for Mercedes-AMG F1 fans, the German team went on to finish only third with drivers George Russel ranking fourth and Lewis Hamilton sixth in the driver’s championship.
Interestingly, even though it celebrates the 2022 season, the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4MATIC+ Motorsport Collectors Edition copies its livery from the car used in the 2021 season and not the dreaded W13 – the racer the team struggled to grapple with its flawed aerodynamics last year.
Keyword: Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Motorsport Collectors Edition unveiled