The Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series is a high performance variant of the R230 SL-Class. The SL 65 AMG Black Series, which unlike other SL variants, was not available as a convertible. As it was intended for supreme performance, the Black Series was only offered as a hardtop as the roof mechanism added too much weight. As well as a fixed roof, the Black Series received a raft of improvements to the suspension, aerodynamics, and drivetrain. Power came from a tuned version of Mercedes' M275 AMG V12 engine. This massive 6.0L powerplant generated 661hp and 738 lb ft of torque, which was sent to the rear wheels via a 7 speed automatic gearbox. Just 350 examples of the SL65 AMG Black Series were produced, of which 175 were for the US market.