Turning the SL65 AMG Black Series into a white-hot horsepower machine.
The most powerful Mercedes-Benz model pumps out a staggering 670 horsepower and gives drivers a merciless blend of sheer muscle and dynamic handling for an unforgettable drive. The Swabian engineers at MKB saw an opportunity to flaunt their mechanical intellect and mark a new era for the company. The result was the MKB P1000; an SL65 AMG Black Series ready and willing to put forth over 1,000 horses to the pavement and reach speeds unattainable with 700-, 800-, or even 900-horsepower.
The future of the automotive industry is one of higher efficiency and lower emissions, leading automakers to downsize engines and utilize forced induction. These goals have led Mercedes-Benz to develop smaller, more efficient engines for their latest models using turbocharging as a means of increasing power and fuel mileage. The utilization of turbochargers in future engines led MKB to set their sights on improving the technology, and their star model to usher in this future is the P1000 – a conversion of the SL65 AMG Black Series that takes the twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12 to extreme levels of performance.
Taking the V-12 and breaking the 1,000-horsepower mark is more than just slapping on a pair of bigger turbochargers. The 6.0-liter of the MKB P1000 underwent a complete transformation with new air intakes, MKB camshafts, ECU retuning, and turbocharger and cooling systems to produce 1,015 horsepower and 959 lb-ft of torque. Turbo lag is not found in the P1000’s vocabulary thanks to the ECU’s streamlined control of exhaust gas flow, ensuring superb drivability. In order to handle the massive amount of torque produced, MKB also had to upgrade the automatic transmission.
To showcase their newest engine conversion MKB took the P1000 to Hockenheim for the international drag race. Sporting normal street tire pressure, the P1000 defeated two American muscle cars in the quarter mile. With a 230-mph final drive ratio, the P1000 only used two gears during the quarter mile race. While the MKB P1000 posted an 11.1-second quarter mile time, 0-62 mph acceleration was measured at 3.6 seconds while 0-124 mph was reached in just 8.9 seconds. Top speed for the P1000 is set to be measured later this year at either the Papenburg oval course or Nardo test track.
For the P1000, MKB engineers left the exterior untouched, as it already achieves superb downforce. The conversion upgrades the entire drivetrain, from engine to transmission. MKB even offers different LSD rear axles with different ratios. The conversion also includes unique engine styling for those that aren’t mesmerized by 1,015 horsepower. Customers do have the option to purchase MKB’s Alpha III three-piece, five double-spoke wheels ranging in size from 8.5 x 19 to 11 x 20 with a silver or polished finish.
The tire-roasting MKB P1000 conversion is offered as a hand-built car by MKB and takes approximately three months. In addition, MKB will offer the conversion to all other AMG models using the 6.0-liter V-12 engine. No production limit is set for the conversion, but at € 116,800 (+/- 148,500 USD) including 19% VAT, expect it to be a rare (and extraordinary) sight.
MKB P1000 Gallery
MKB P1000 Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 6.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-12
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 1,015 at 5,700 RPM
Maximum Torque: 959 lb-ft at 3,300 to 6,000 RPM (electronically limited)
-Air intakes
-Turbocharger system
-Cooling system
-MKB Camshaft
-Revised ECU
-Engine styling kit
Transmission:
Type: Upgraded five-speed automatic
Drive: Rear-wheels
-Optional MKB LSD rear axles
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.6 seconds
Acceleration 0-124 mph: 8.9 seconds
Acceleration 0-186 mph: 21.5 seconds
Quarter-Mile Acceleration: 11.1 seconds
Wheels:
Type: MKB Alpha III three-piece, five double-spoke in silver or polished finish
Sizes: 8.5 x 19, 10 x 19, 8.5 x 20, 10 x 20, 11 x 20
Source: MKB Motorenbau GmbH
Think you can handle 1,015 horses in an SL65 AMG Black Series? Leave a comment and let us know!
