|
Price |
|
-- |
Production |
|
-- |
|
Engine |
3.5
liter V6 |
Weight |
-- |
|
Aspiration |
natural |
Torque |
266
lb-ft |
|
HP |
316
hp @ 6500 rpm |
HP/Weight |
-- |
|
HP/Liter |
90.3
hp per liter |
1/4 mile |
-- |
|
0-62 mph |
6.2
seconds |
Top Speed |
-- |
(from Daimler Press
Release) Mercedes-Benz will continue its long tradition of
producing legendary sports cars when it launches the new-generation
SL-Class in spring 2008. The world's most successful premium
roadster in its class features a new design with the emphasis firmly
on sportiness and effortless assurance. These traits are also
reflected in the handling qualities of the two-seater model, which
now delivers even more athletic performance thanks to the new
direct-steer system as well as offering enhanced comfort and safety.
The SL 350 is powered by a newly developed, extremely high-revving
sports engine boasting an impressive output of 232 kW/316 hp yet
returns a fuel consumption figure that is 0.4 litres per 100
kilometres lower than that of its predecessor (NEDC). The SL range
will now feature two six-cylinder models in the shape of the SL 350
and the new SL 280 (170 kW/231 hp) as well as the familiar SL 500
with a V8 engine and the top-of-the-range SL 600 with a V12
powerplant. The Mercedes sports car extends its lead in the safety
stakes courtesy of bi-xenon headlamps, included as standard, and the
Intelligent Light System whose light functions are designed
specifically for typical driving situations. Further new features on
board include AIRSCARF neck-level heating. This system - invented by
Mercedes-Benz and available as an optional extra - enhances comfort
when driving with the roof down, extending the roadster season until
well into the winter months. SL passengers are kept informed and
entertained by the standard-fit COMAND multimedia system, which has
also been fully redeveloped and features additional functions.
The new-generation SL
caps a glorious history of Mercedes sports cars, which began in 1954
with the introduction of the legendary 300 SL "Gullwing", followed
in 1957 by the launch of the first SL Roadster. To date, the
Stuttgart manufacturer has produced a total of over 630,000 SL
sports cars.
Like its predecessors, the new-generation SL also merits its
"incomparable" tag. No other sports car in this market segment
offers such a perfect balance of sportiness, safety and comfort.
These three qualities are the cornerstones of highly eventful,
active motoring that provides a profound sense of well-being - for
hallmark Mercedes refinement at the highest, sportiest level.
New design idiom with unmistakable
sporty overtones
When it came to
developing a concept and design for the new-generation SL‑Class, the
Mercedes-Benz engineers set out with the aim of accentuating the
Roadster's sporty attributes even more strongly than before. This
aspiration is reflected in the new front-end design featuring as its
centrepiece a wide and, therefore, very dominant radiator grille
whose V‑shape symbolises sporty virtues such as forwards thrust and
performance potential.
A horizontal louvre
makes the radiator grille appear wider and, in doing so, emphasises
the powerful aspect of the SL's front end, making it seem
surprisingly new yet also very familiar. By using expressive
stylistics in this way, the Mercedes designers are able to forge a
link with the SL's history and create a front-end design that is
reminiscent of the earlier SL Roadster models, which also expressed
their poise and assurance through wide, very distinctive radiator
grilles. Hence the front-end design of the new-generation SL shows
Mercedes-Benz taking the styling of the legendary sports car to the
next level.
The designers also pay
homage to the forefather of the SL model series: the two powerdomes
on the bonnet and the gill-style air outlets in the front wings are
unmistakable hallmarks of the 300 SL from 1954 and have been given a
modern interpretation for the new Mercedes sports car.
These classic design
features drawn from five decades of roadster tradition are in
stylish harmony with new elements of the modern Mercedes design
idiom, including the distinctive V-shape of the front section and,
above all, the headlamps, which are drawn deeply into the flanks,
thus further emphasising the impression of breadth at the front end.
As well as giving the SL a highly contemporary look, this striking
headlamp design also sees the Roadster continuing its traditional
role as a trendsetter. Just like its predecessors, the
new‑generation SL features a front-end design that will serve as a
template for future Mercedes passenger cars.
At the rear, too, the
new-generation SL demonstrates its sporty nature even more clearly
than before. This is achieved above all by a new, diffuser-look
bumper which adds a motorsport touch. In conjunction with the
equally new trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes this design element
emphasises the width of the body, further symbolising the power just
waiting to be unleashed by the roadster.
Direct-steer system: consummate
sporty driving pleasure
The SL name is
synonymous with driving pleasure as well as design. These Mercedes
sports cars have always offered a scintillating driving experience
that does not deal in compromises - neither in terms of handling
dynamics nor by any means when it comes to comfort or safety. It was
under this premise that the Mercedes engineers modified and
perfected the SL technology, one example being the new, optionally
available direct-steer system, which is as simple as it is ingenious
and provides a whole new driving experience when cornering.
This new development is
based on the familiar standard-fit speed-sensitive power steering
system with lower steering forces - the benefit of which is
noticeable above all when driving slowly, manoeuvring or parking.
New features include a variable rack ratio, which adjusts in line
with the steering angle, increasing sharply as soon as this reaches
five degrees. All of which means that, compared to a steering system
with a constant ratio, the driver does not have to move the steering
wheel as much when cornering. The car's response is therefore
noticeably more direct, allowing the driver to steer more
spontaneously or, in other words, more sportily.
When driving slowly or
parking, the new technology combines with the speed-sensitive power
steering to provide even more comfort than before because the large
ratio further reduces the steering effort required.
In addition, the SL
still offers some of the very finest chassis technology available in
the shape of four-link front suspension and multi-link independent
rear suspension. Meanwhile the Active Body Control (ABC) system,
specified as standard for the SL 500 and the SL 600, is a unique
masterpiece. It compensates pitch, roll and yaw on the part of the
body and adapts the suspension settings automatically to suit the
current driving situation. This makes for excellent agility on the
one hand and optimum driving stability on the other, without
compromising the car's super levels of comfort. Mercedes‑Benz has
further fine-tuned the ABC shock-absorber settings for the
new-generation SL in order to bring a whole new quality to this
unique blend of sportiness, comfort and safety.
Size 255/45 R 17
wide-base tyres and 17-inch light-alloy wheels are fitted as
standard on the new SL 280 and SL 350 models, whereas the V8-powered
SL 500 Roadster runs on 18-inch wheels shod with 255/40 R 18 tyres.
And the exclusive character of the twelve-cylinder SL 600 model is
accentuated by 18-inch ten-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels with 255/40
R 18 tyres at the front and 285/35 R 18 tyres at the rear.
Engines: new, extremely sporty
six-cylinder powerplant
Mercedes-Benz is
extending the SL-Class line-up by introducing an attractive
entry-level model in the shape of the SL 280 developing 170 kW/231
hp. The six‑cylinder powerplant delivers its peak torque of 300 Nm
from 2500 rpm and accelerates the roadster from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8
seconds, whilst fuel consumption (NEDC) is just 9.4 litres per 100
kilometres.
For the SL 350, the
Mercedes engineers have developed a V6 powerplant that brings the
sporty qualities of the new SL generation right to the fore. The
term "sports engine" could not be more apt: through a process of
meticulous engineering, the Stuttgart specialists have further
enlivened the temperament of the six-cylinder unit, enhancing its
dynamic response dramatically. The engine responds instantaneously
to movements of the accelerator pedal and can rev up to 7200 rpm in
order to make full use of its power reserves in certain driving
situations. Compared to the previous 3.5-litre engine, the output
has been boosted by 16 percent to 232 kW/316 hp (at 6500 rpm), while
the peak torque has been increased by 10 Nm and now stands at 360
Nm. This powerplant accelerates the new SL 350 from 0 to 100 km/h in
a mere 6.2 seconds, making it 0.4 seconds faster than the outgoing
SL 350.
In this case, however,
the extra power does not come at the expense of fuel economy: with a
consumption figure of 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC), the new
SL 350 undercuts the previous model developing 200 kW/272 hp by 0.4
litres per 100 kilometres.
The sporty character of
the V6 power unit is also clearly audible. Its powerfully sonorous
sound is the result of meticulous work carried out by sound
designers. So these specialists also contribute to the sporty
driving pleasure. In this respect, the standard-fit seven-speed
automatic transmission also has an important role to play: on the
one hand by allowing fast multiple downshifts when accelerating, on
the other hand by providing a new double-declutching function that
is activated during manual downshifts. As well as producing a sporty
sound, this function also enhances comfort and safety as the
double-declutching equalises the rotational speeds of the crankshaft
and transmission. This set-up gives the driver the advantage of even
more harmonious gear changes. Plus there is a noticeable reduction
in load-change reactions.
The flagship engines in
the SL line-up remain the eight-cylinder unit in the SL 500
developing 285 kW/388 hp and the V12 powerplant in the SL 600, which
develops 380 kW/517 hp thanks to its twin turbochargers. The
Mercedes engineers also worked meticulously on these models to
further reduce fuel consumption by up to 0.4 litres per 100
kilometres.
Safety: lights for every driving
situation, whatever the weather
For five decades,
Mercedes sports cars have been setting the pace when it comes to
innovative developments in active and passive safety for open-top
cars: in the 1960s the SL was the first sports car to feature a
safety body based on Bla Barnyi's principle, while in the 1970s
the SL pointed the way ahead with its three-point inertia-reel seat
belts fitted as standard. These developments were followed by ABS
and the airbag in the 1980s, while the automatic roll-over bar and
the robust integral seats celebrated their world premieres in the
early 1990s. The comprehensive range of safety equipment available
for the Mercedes sports car was rounded off in 2001 following the
introduction of innovations such as adaptive front airbags and
head/thorax sidebags.
The new-generation SL
continues this tradition, the main focus of the engineers' efforts
this time being to improve driving safety at night and in fog. Hence
the sports car is equipped as standard with powerful bi-xenon
headlamps, which are considerably more powerful and more
energy-efficient than comparable LED headlamps. In addition, the
optionally available Intelligent Light System provides five
different light functions designed specifically for typical driving
situations and weather conditions: country mode, motorway mode,
enhanced fog lamps, cornering light function and active light
function. The variable-control bi-xenon headlamps activate the
various light functions automatically. Motorway mode is activated in
two stages when the speed exceeds 90 km/h, increasing the driver's
range of vision by up to 60 percent.
When the active light
function is activated, the headlamps pivot to the side in line with
the steering angle when the driver enters a bend, allowing them to
see around 25 metres further into a long bend than is the case with
conventional dipped beam. The cornering light function is activated
automatically at speeds below 70 km/h when the driver steers and/or
indicates. This means that, as well as enhancing safety when turning
at junctions or on slip roads, this light function is also active
when cornering at low speed and improves illumination of the areas
at the side of the carriageway. The enhanced fog lamps ensure better
illumination of the verges, making it easier for drivers to get
their bearings. The intelligent headlamp technology installed in the
SL can therefore make an important contribution to road safety.
Interior: sporty ambience and
hallmark Mercedes comfort
A look inside the
new-generation SL shows what Mercedes designers mean when they talk
about the "balance of sportiness and comfort". The integral seats,
the new-look three-spoke leather steering wheel and the completely
restyled instrument cluster immediately make it clear that this is a
thoroughbred sports car. Everything fits perfectly, all the controls
are easy to see and within just as easy reach. The speedometer and
rev counter sport a classic chronometer design with new-look dials
that promise unerring precision.
As soon as the ignition
is switched on, the cockpit instruments grab the driver's attention:
the red speedometer and rev counter needles are aroused from their
"six o' clock position", rotate once around the dials to their
maximum values and then revert to their zero positions. The message
these needle movements convey to the driver is unmistakable: "start
your engine".
A wide range of colours
and materials allows Mercedes customers to design and appoint the
interior of the new-generation SL to their individual tastes. There
are two types of leather to choose from, as well as five different
aluminium or fine-wood trims and five colour combinations. The
interior looks especially luxurious and refined when specified with
the new natural beige/black colour scheme and the new wood trim
elements in pale burr walnut with a high-sheen finish.
The SL 600 underlines
its top billing in the SL line-up even more clearly than before.
Inside the passengers are cosseted by extremely soft Exclusive nappa
leather and trim elements in elegant poplar wood. V12 emblems on the
seat backrests, on the centre steering wheel spoke and on the door
sills, as well as the uniquely designed interior door panels round
off the refined twelve-cylinder ambience perfectly. On the outside,
the flagship SL model is distinguishable by its exclusive 18-inch
ten-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels and discreet yet highly effective
detailing such as the matt-silver-painted louvres of the side air
outlets and the centre divider in the trapezoidal exhaust tailpipe
trims. Mercedes-Benz has upgraded the already extensive
standard-equipment package by adding the KEYLESS-GO system and a
remote-locking boot lid.
AIRSCARF: Mercedes invention
extends the open-air season
The long list of systems
that help to provide an outstanding level of comfort in the roadster
includes a further innovation in the new-generation SL. AIRSCARF -
the neck-level heating system developed and patented by Mercedes
engineers - is so called because it distributes air at just the
right temperature through the head restraints, forming a warm,
invisible "scarf" around the driver and front passenger.
This Mercedes-Benz invention allows the occupants to enjoy open-air
driving pleasure for longer and even more often than before. The
roadster season lasts until well into the winter months as AIRSCARF
provides the SL occupants with all the warmth they need.
The optionally available
heating system, which celebrated its world premiere in the SLK
Roadster in 2004, has been modified by the Mercedes engineers for
the new SL generation. Now the blower and heating are incorporated
in the head restraints of the integral seats: two small ventilators
suck in air behind the head restraints and channel it through the
electric heating element to ensure rapid heating. The
temperature-controlled air then flows out of special openings on the
front of the head restraints and warms the occupants' head and neck
areas. Both driver and passenger can select the heating temperature
using a three-position switch in the door lining; the system then
controls the desired temperature automatically depending on the
speed at which the car is being driven.
Infotainment: latest multimedia
technology in the centre console
The new-generation SL is
also fit for the future when it comes to information, entertainment
and communications: Mercedes-Benz has further modified the
standard-fit COMAND system, equipping it with additional functions.
The result is infotainment par excellence: the multimedia device
combines a car radio including a dual tuner with telephone controls,
a CD/DVD changer and a slot for SD memory cards. Further new
additions include a Bluetooth receiver, which connects a mobile
phone to the standard-fit hands-free system wirelessly, and a large
colour display (6.5"), which enhances user-friendliness and serves
as a high-resolution screen for playing DVD films - although not
whilst the car is being driven, for obvious safety reasons.
An even wider range of
high-tech electronics is available ex factory: Mercedes customers
can now order the optional COMAND APS system. Its additional
features include a Europe-wide navigation system whose data are
stored on a hard disc and therefore allow extremely fast route
calculations. For playing music, there is an integrated six-disc
CD/DVD changer and a Music Register for around 1000 MP3 tracks. A
saved database enables automatic recognition of the music tracks and
their artists. This information is then posted on the colour
display.
The standard COMAND APS
package also includes the latest-generation LINGUATRONIC
voice-operated control system, which controls the navigation,
telephone and audio systems based on its ability to recognise entire
words. This system is of great benefit as drivers no longer need to
spell out their commands. Instead, they simply say what they want,
whether it be a destination for the navigation system, a radio
station or a name in the stored phone book.
For the first time, it
is also possible to connect an iPod, USB stick or other external
audio device to the COMAND system thanks to a newly developed,
universal media interface in the centre console (optional). This UCI
(Universal Consumer Interface) is more than just an electronic
"socket", however; it also includes an ECU that links the external
music memory to the SL's on-board electronics and control system. In
this way, the iPod music tracks can also be indicated on the
instrument cluster and on the COMAND display in the centre console.
Plus they can be called up easily using the buttons on the
multifunction steering wheel. The audio device's battery is charged
for as long as the portable music memory is connected to the car via
the UCI.
For a complete in-car
music experience, Mercedes-Benz can equip the new-generation SL with
the Harman Kardon "Logic7" sound system (optional extra), which is
also used in the S-Class and whose performance has been confirmed in
numerous tests. The sound system has an output of 510 watts and
converts the SL interior into a mobile concert hall - whether the
vario-roof is up or down - courtesy of ten high-performance
loudspeakers and state-of-the-art surround technology.
The new-generation SL-Class will make its public debut in March at
the International Motor Show in Geneva. It will then appear at
Mercedes-Benz outlets and dealerships in Europe from April 5, 2008.
