The Black Series represents the most extreme high-performance cars produced by the AMG division of Mercedes-Benz and the new SL 65 AMG version is the most powerful car ever released by the company.

Boasting 661bhp from a revised twin-turbo V12 engine and an electronically limited 738lb.ft of torque, it's no wonder the new SL manages to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. In-gear shove should be even more impressive, as is the top speed that has been limited to 320 km/h.

Along with the enhanced powerplant, AMG has significantly lightened the SL 65 by the extensive use of carbon fibre in its new, beefed-up bodywork and the SL's folding hard top has also been eliminated.

That makes the new Black Series a two-seat coupé. Other body changes include a much wider track - necessitating large carbon fibre wheelarch extensions - and a rear spoiler that automatically rises 12-centimetres when the car exceeds 120 km/h.

The suspension has been extensively changed too, allowing owners to adjust it to suit their preferences. New lightweight alloy wheels (19-inch in size up front, 20-inch at the rear) and grippy Dunlop tires should ensure the new SL is a force to be reckoned with in the corners as well as in a straight line.

Inside, buyers will be greeted by deep, figure-hugging sports seats and swathes of Nappa leather, Alcantara and even more carbon fibre, along with a bespoke set of instruments that includes a speedo reading as high as 360 km/h.

No word yet on launch dates for the extreme SL.