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Mercedes-Benz go-fast arm AMG will unveil an uber-sports performance version of the flagship SL sports roadster before the end of 2008.

The top-notch V8 SL will be the third model to join the Black Series line-up. Dubbed the SL63 AMG Black Series, the production version of the car follows the lead of the CLK 63 Black Series, making its 'debut' as the pace/safety car for Formula One.

AMG announced the availability of the CLK Black Series towards the end of the first season of the CLK's race duties. The SL announcement is expected to take place mid-year, with the car going on sale in key markets like the USA by September.

AMG officials on hand for the launch of the fettled versions of the new SL roadster range in Palm Springs (California) this week, confirmed the timetable for the new Black Series model.

The company also displayed the SL-based F1 safety car. Sporting fully-adjustable suspension, race seats and harnesses, the two-door eschews a folding hardtop for a fixed version and is fitted with carbon-fibre bonnet, front guards, boot lid, centre roof section and front and rear aero packages. Engine changes were not disclosed.

It's understood that the SL Black Series will follow the same recipe. The first Black Series model, the SLK 55 AMG Black Series also ditched its folding hardtop in the search of extra performance.

According to AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg, the SL 63 AMG (pictured) launched this week in California, and upon which the F1 car is based, is AMG's purest car yet. In addition to the bespoke powerplant, AMG supplies the gearbox, suspension, brakes, steering, ESP system and drive unit -- a first for the company.

The SL-AMG's new MCT7 Speedsports automatic transmission features a computer-controlled wet multi-plate clutch pack in lieu of a conventional torque converter.

Says AMG, the gearbox delivers the sporting ability of a dual-clutch transmission but retains the 'manners' of an automatic transmission in normal driving. It offers four modes including a manual selection that will change gears (via lever or paddles) in 100 milliseconds, matching the likes of VW Group's best DSG boxes.

The new SL 63 AMG will arrive Down Under in late July. The SL Black Series has yet to be confirmed for the Australian market.

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