Even the mighty Mercedes-Bezn SL63 AMG can’t escape from the horsepower-possessed German tuning firms. Thanks to a series of modifications that include a new sport exhaust system, Kicherer has managed to boost the SL63 AMG’s naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine output by 35 HP to a total of 560 HP while torque is also increased to 670Nm (494lb-ft). The 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint now comes in 4.3 seconds or 0.4 sec faster than the standard SL63 AMG, while the roadster’s top speed is electronically limited to 320 km/h or 199 mph.

To match the SL63 AMG’s performance, Kicherer has developed a new bodykit with carbon fiber accessories than include a front apron, a rear diffuser that houses a new set of exhaust tailpipes and mirror caps. To complete the looks the German tuning firm offers a set of 20-inch RS-1 aluminium wheels. See photos after the jump Continued

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Autoblog does a lot of posts on car-related timepieces, and that’s thanks to Noah who has an affinity for the finer automotive-inspired paraphernalia in life. Unfortunately, he’s not here right now, so I get to tell you about this new limited edition Mercedes-Benz SL 63 that’s being produced in conjunction with Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen. Only 200 will be made, and each features the first application of a new white paint finish dubbed designo magno Kashmir. Though my desensitized retinas see plain old white where others see shades of Pearl and Egg Shell, there’s no denying this brilliant veneer looks like a million bucks on the SL 63 AMG. Contrast that with the matte black finish of other components on the car’s exterior, and you’ve got the world’s most expensive Storm Trooper. Tobago Brown nappa leather will cradle your bum in the AMG sport seats while your feet fall on special black floormats that are one of about a dozen interior surfaces emblazoned with the AMG logo. The rest is pretty much standard SL 63 AMG fare, if you can call anything about this 525-hp convertible standard with a straight face.

Oh, yeah, the watchmaker tie-in: All 200 owners of the SL 63 AMG Edition IWC will also get a limited edition example of IWC’s “Grosser Ingenieur” watch. Nothing can replace my Swatch, but I would definitely take the car.

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Expect to see Mercedes with even more crazed power outputs some time soon - but AMG is also preparing a new range of super saloons that juggle clout with cleanliness. CAR Online has been given exclusive insight into the tuner’s plans, which include new models, engines and even hybrids.

A mere 12 months after the launch of the acclaimed high-revving big-bore V8, AMG is tweaking its engine philosophy again. Why? Because the 6.2-litre unit lacks power and torque compared to the now defunct 5.5-litre Kompressor motor.

AMG engines lack power and torque, you say? Are you mad?!

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As we’ve heard before, the next generation of AMG-massaged Mercs will have to balance high output with low emissions. That means more turbos, less displacement and (gasp) hybrids.

The big and bad 6.2-liter V8 won’t be around much longer. Instead, AMG is turning its focus towards a new, twin-turbo 5.0-liter V8 that will produce 570 hp and 665 lb.-ft. of torque, with output possibly reaching 700 hp and 885 lb.-ft. to replace the outgoing 612-hp V12 mill.

Forced induction is only part of the equation, as AMG is looking to a new hybrid-equipped V8, dubbed BluePower, that will either come with the X-Trac Flybrid system or a 100-hp electric motor integrated into the transmission. There’s also talk that AMG will be releasing its own plug-in hybrid by 2012 and that diesels will continue to become an important part of the brand.

The other issue with which AMG has to contend is Mercedes’ own turbocharged offerings. Future M-Bs will be sporting turbo’d V8s displacing 4.0-, 4.6- and 5.5-liters, with outputs ranging from 355 to 544 hp.

And what of the upcoming AMG supercar? Car says that the gullwing super coupe, codenamed C197, will debut in March of 2010 and be powered by the same 6.2-liter V8 (likely the last application of that engine) while sending all that energy through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

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What began as a rumor that Mercedes-Benz would begin supplying Aston Martin with engines has evolved into a full-blown partnership that may include both automakers co-developing platforms and technology. The newest report comes courtesy of Autocar, suggesting that M-B is considering purchasing a stake in Aston Martin and the Kuwaiti Investment Authority would in turn receive a seven-percent slice of the Daimler AG pie. The partnership would make sense on several levels. Aston Martin, which is a small fish in a very large pool, will need to purchase major components from mainstream suppliers once its ties with Ford are officially severed. Imagine AMG-levels of power nestled inside Aston’s sensuous sheet metal. Yum. But the partnership wouldn’t be one sided. Recent reports coming out of Germany say that M-B is looking to employ a lightweight aluminum platform for the next generation SL. Aston Martin has the technology to help develop such an architecture, and with Mercedes stepping away from McLaren next year after production of the SLR ends, M-B needs a new supercar manufacturer to join the party.

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AMG versions of Mercedes’ top-of-the-line SL-Class roadster keep on getting more and more powerful, with virtually no end in sight as the scenery continues to rush by at unprecedented speeds from the well-appointed cabin. As if the 538-hp SL63 AMG and 604-hp SL65 AMG weren’t time-warping enough, word on the street has it that Mercedes’ in-house tuning division is working on a yet more powerful SL to headline its supercar-rivaling Black Series, spy shots of which we’ve seen popping up for months now.

Little is known at this point as to what features will distinguish the Black Series model from its only-by-comparison “lesser” stablemates, but reports indicate an even more thoroughly massaged version of the twin-turbo V12 in the – now this is a stretch – “standard” SL65 AMG. Sources suggest that while Affalterbach could have easily extracted 720 hp from the powerplant, the production version will be held back to only 680 horses. Performance will reportedly be further enhanced through the use of carbon-fiber body panels and a fixed roof, while upgraded brakes, suspension and rolling stock are sure to round out the package that promises to eclipse every performance Mercedes that came before it, including AMG Black Series versions of the SLK and CLK, and even exclusive supercars like the 574-hp CLK DTM and the company’s current fastest model, the 650-hp SLR McLaren 722.

Production of the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series, whose name takes far longer to pronounce than the car itself would need to hit 60, will likely be extremely limited and command a considerable premium, and we look forward to bringing you more as details emerge.

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