Detroit Motor Show: Mercedes-AMG S65 Cabriolet revealed

Mercedes-AMG has revealed what is the most powerful S-Class cabriolet ever at the Detroit Motor Show overnight.

Employing the work of the company’s ubiquitous 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12, the new S65 chop-top makes 463kW and a colossal 1001Nm.

That’s enough torque to twist the most powerful bygone S-Class Cabriolet, the 1969 300SE, in to a fusilli stick.

Mated to a brave seven-speed transmission, the S65 will hit 100km/h in 4.0 seconds, and tear away to a 249km/h limited top speed.

The AMG driver’s package, standard on US vehicles, will raise that limit to 299km/h. A ceiling it could easily surpass.

Besides the engine which will be hand built in Mannheim, Germany, the S65 scores a host other parts to distinguish it from the rest of the range.

Chrome lathers its front badge, side flics, front splitter and front grille. “V12 Biturbo” also features on its wings, and high-sheen ceramic wheels under its guards.

Dynamically, the S65 has been revealed exclusively in rear-wheel drive format. Its agility will be aided by the fact it weighs the same as the S65 coupe, and provides similar torsional rigidity.

The AMG S65 will launch in the US this June, but expect to see it land in Australia for more than the S65 AMG Coupe’s $498,610.