Tuner Pushes Mercedes-AMG SL63 To 789 HP, Hits 211 MPH

For its latest project, the German tuners at G-Power turn their attention toward the Mercedes-AMG SL63 and push its 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 to 789 horsepower (588 kilowatts) and 811 pound-feet (1,100 Newton-meters). For comparison, the mill makes 577 hp (430 kW) and 664 lb-ft (900 Newton-meters) in stock trim, so this is quite a major upgrade.

Making such a power boost happen requires G-Power to fit a few new parts. Mechanically, the firm offers a larger pair of turbochargers for 5,420 euros ($6,109 at current exchange rates), revised downpipes for 4,084 euros ($4,603), and a redesigned stainless steel exhaust for 1,807 euros ($2,036). There's also new software for 3,319 euros ($3,741) that configures the engine to make the most of components. Removing the usual top speed limiter is an extra 500 euros ($564).

With all of these new parts, an SL63 is able to sprint to 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in a brisk 3.5 seconds, versus 4 seconds for a stock example to reach 60 mph (96 kph). Without the top speed limiter, the luxury roadster can reach 211 mph (340 kph).

G-Power largely leaves the SL-Class' look alone, but the firm offers a set of forged 21-inch wheels for 7,521 euros ($8,479). They feature five pairs of double spokes with machined faces and black details.

Mercedes currently has a new generation of the SL-Class on the drawing board. The designers intend to create a roadster that evokes the iconic 300 SL, suggesting the possibility of a curvier body instead of the current chiselled appearance. From a mechanical perspective, the roadster should be lighter through greater use of aluminum and the return to a soft top rather than the folding metal roof from the last several generations.