Few companies can make a 518-horsepower V-8-powered roadster look inadequate like Mercedes-Benz can. Joining the SL550, SL600, and 604-horsepower V-12 SL65 AMG for the 2009 model year is the SL63 AMG.

While the SL65 AMG’s ridiculous 738 lb-ft of torque is handled by a modified five-speed automatic, the 2009 SL63 AMG bows with Mercedes-Benz’s MCT transmission. The seven-speed transmission, exclusive to the SL63 AMG, has four shift modes: Comfort, Sport, Sport plus, and Manual. Mercedes says that shifting times in Manual mode — at 100 milliseconds a shift — are a significant 50 percent quicker than in Comfort mode. A new start-up clutch that runs in an oil bath takes the place of a conventional torque converter, improving the transmission’s responsiveness.

Via: Motor Trend