The 2022 F1 season was far from memorable for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team. Having collected seven drivers’ titles and eight constructors’ titles between 2014 to 2021, technical rule changes for 2022 had them struggling with their W13 race package. Nevertheless, Mercedes-AMG, the Affalterbach-based performance arm of Mercedes-Benz, is marking the end of the 2022 Formula 1 season by introducing a special model of the SL63 roadster, taking cues from the Mercedes-AMG F1 W13 E Performance racing car. Dubbed the “Motorsport Collectors Edition”, the special edition will be limited to just 100 units globally.
While there are enhancements under the bonnet where you’ll find the same twin-turbo 4.5-litre V8 engine, there are quite a few visual upgrades over the stock SL63. These include a paint job that features a colour graduation from silver metallic to obsidian black metallic, much like the F1 car. The roadster also gets the star pattern on its flanks with Petronas-coloured contrasts on the front apron, side sill panels and rear diffuser. The Petronas colours can also be seen on the rim flanges of the 21-inch AMG 10-twin-spoke forged wheels that are finished in matte black. And in keeping with the colour scheme, the soft retractable top of the car also gets a black treatment.
Apart from these special touches, the limited-edition roadster also comes equipped with the AMG Night package, giving a high gloss black finish to the front splitter, side sill panels, mirror caps and rear diffuser trim. Meanwhile, the AMG Night package II brings in elements of black chrome, including on the radiator grille, lettering, and the Mercedes tristar at the rear. Additionally, the AMG Aerodynamics package adds larger flics on the front and rear aprons, and a bigger rear diffuser. Other than imparting visual drama, these, along with the active profile in the underbody contribute to enhancing the car’s downforce and reducing aerodynamic drag.
Inside, the SL63’s standard AMG Performance seats are available with two upholstery options in the special car: black Nappa leather/microfibre with red topstitching and embossed AMG emblem in the headrests, or black Nappa leather/microfibre with yellow topstitching and embossed AMG emblem in the headrests. All the cabin trim elements get AMG carbon-fibre treatment, including the heated AMG Performance steering wheel.
To keep the special edition car protected, each vehicle is equipped with the Guard 360 antitheft system, and a customised AMG indoor car cover made of tear-resistant synthetic fabric featuring an anti-static inner lining of woven flannel. The limited model’s price has not been announced yet.
