Following a sneak preview yesterday in Barcelona, Mercedes releases further images and details of the new SL63 AMG.

Making its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the 2013 Mercedes SL63 has got a lot to live up to. Its predecessors, the SL55 and the current SL63, were both fantastic sports luxury roadsters.

In terms of styling, if you don’t like the 2013 Mercedes SL (and who can blame you), you are not going to like this one either. But it does have nice details. It’s more discrete than the previous versions. It gets AMG front and rear aprons, a sporty grille, side skirts, rear spoiler and diffuser and four AMG tailpipes.

Technically though, the new one monsters the old models. It’s about 125kg lighter than the old model and is more powerful as well, courtesy of a 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8 engine developing 537hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to an AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed sports transmission.

If you order the optional AMG Performance Package, the power goes up to 557hp and 664 lb-ft of torque, so it can match the new BMW M6. But even the standard car with 537hp can do 0 to 100 km.h (60mph) in 4.2 seconds and reach a limited top speed of 250km/h (155mph).. The Performance Pack raises the top speed to a fantastic 300km/h (186mph).

The standard SL63 features AMG speed-sensitive sports steering, AMG high-performance compound brake system, AMG sports exhaust system and AMG alloy rims with 255/35R19 front and 285/30R19 rear tires. The AMG Pack will add to that AMG rear axle differential lock, ceramic high-performance compound brakes with red-painted calipers, multispoke AMG forged wheels in matte black with high-performance tires, and AMG performance steering system.

So yes, you definitely want it with the AMG package. But seeing as the standard car has a scary price tag of 158,000 Euro, you may decide you can live without the perks of the AMG kit.

The SL63 is indeed trimmed and equipped like a Mercedes. The standard kit – apart from the normal luxury features you find in any other Mercedes – includes AMG sport seats in single- or two-tone Nappa leather, AMG instrument cluster, carbon-fiber trim, illuminated sills, and special ambient lighting. What’s more you also get a fabulous IWC analog clock on the top of the dashboard.

Options you ca specify for the car include items like Active Parking Assist, Airscarf heating, Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system, Driving Assistance package, ventilated seats and keyless go system.