See 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63/65 AMG Full Photo Gallery

Those with a taste for ultra-luxury roadsters will be pleased to see the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG, which made its world debut in New York. The SL65 AMG's distinctive front end gets a new look, now showcasing a new twin blade grille comprised of two blade-shaped fins and a lower horizontal bar in high-gloss chrome, visually (but subtly) distinguishing it from the SL63 AMG. Like the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL, the 2013 model has a space-saving electro-hydraulic retractable hard top, but it now features Magic Sky Control, which transforms the top from dark to light with a simple button.

See 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63/65 AMG Full Photo Gallery

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 that generates 621 hp and 738 lb-ft. of torque. Enhancements, including new turbochargers and manifolds, give the engine a 17 hp increase over the previous model. The V12 is now paired with the seven-speed AMG Speedshift Plus automatic transmission which has lowering revving to reduce fuel consumption.

See 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63/65 AMG Full Photo Gallery

The SL65 AMG has an all-aluminum body that is lighter and stiffer than the steel body of the previous model. Mercedes engineers focused on reducing the weight in the chassis as well, using many aluminum components. The result of the weight loss is further improvements in handling and performance, which are accentuated by new electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering and the Active Body Control active suspension system found on the current model.

The interior features list is long, including power adjustable AMG ventilated sport seats with a single color or two-tone leather upholstery with AMG-specific V12 diamond stitching, as well as soft-close doors, Airscarf neck-level heating, a Bang & Olufsen AMG-specific surround sound system, multi-color ambient lighting, in-dash 6-disc DCD changer, enhanced voice control for audio, telephone and navigation.

See 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63/65 AMG Full Photo Gallery

A special SL65 AMG 45^th Anniversary model will be produced in a limited edition of just 45 units. These models will come in an exclusive color called Designo Magno Graphite, a gray with a matte finish, and carbon-fiber accents and a 45^th Anniversary specific interior in titanium grey pearl and ginger beige and carbon fiber accents.

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG arrives in November.

Here's what others are saying:

Car and Driver: "The additional power and reduced mass should help the SL65 AMG hit 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, according to Mercedes-Benz. We clocked the previous SL65 AMG to 60 in 3.8 seconds, though, so we’re expecting the actual time to be in the mid-threes. "

Jalopnik: "The new SL 65 V12 lets out a banshee yell with the engine off. Though, given the 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, I'd recommend keeping the glorious mill on as much as possible. Bad for your checkbook. Terrible for the environment. Good for the soul."

MotorTrend: "Drivers will have their choice of four transmission modes: Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S), Sport plus (S+), and Manual (M). With the boost in horsepower and a new transmission, there's a good chance the SL65 will get to 60 mph much quicker than the claimed time of 3.9 seconds, so long as the tires have enough grip."

The New York Times: "Distinguishing the SL65 from the SL63 in the valet lot will be a hairsplitting affair, with V-12 Biturbo badging on the side vents among the few outward signifiers of the SL65’s 31-horsepower advantage over the SL63, and the extra tens of thousands of dollars spent by its owner."