In the wake of the leaks of a bunch of grainy images first and then a full official gallery right after that, Mercedes-Benz made official the last missing details of the new, fully redeveloped SL (code-named R231), which comes out exactly 50 years after the original SL was released. We have already been through some of its most significant innovations such as its brand new aluminum body-shell (first time ever that this solution is adopted by a production Merc), FrontBass system and Magic Vision Control in a previous post, so let’s focus on what we did not know.
First off, the rumors circulating these last few days about the engine range were right: the SL350 will come with a 3.5-litre V6 producing 306 hp and 370 Nm of torque, while the SL500 will use a 4.663 cc V8 unit delivering 435 hp with no less than 700 Nm of maximum torque. The former accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds (three tenths of a second faster than its predecessor), while the latter needs just 4.6 seconds to do that (eight tenths less than the previous SL 500). Besides, as predicted, both engines will come with a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, which has been optimized in terms of low fuel consumption and will feature the obvious start/stop function.
Thanks in most part to the new aluminum structure, the new SL350 weighs in at 1,685 kg and the new SL500 at 1,785 kg, making them 140 kg and 125 kg lighter than the models they are about to replace, respectively. Still in comparison with the previous range, the new generation of the SL is quite bigger, measuring in length 4,612 mm (+50 mm) and 1,877 mm in width(+57 mm), providing more room for more comfort in the interior, too. Shoulder room (+37 mm) and elbow room (+28 mm) have been increased, exceeding the dimensions normally found in this vehicle class.
View the full 2013 Mercedes Benz SL Roadster photo gallery
The new SL will be available with two different suspension systems: a semi-active adjustable damping will be the standard option, with an active suspension system ABC (Active Body Control) will be made available as an alternative. Both variants will be combined with a new electromechanical Direct-Steer system featuring speed-sensitive power steering and a ratio that can be varied across the steering wheel angle, ensuring excellent straight-line stability.
As for the interior, the care obviously uses top notch fabrics and leathers, with wood trim extending from the centre console across the dashboard into the doors, creating a pleasant wrap-around effect. Both versions will be equipped with the “Cockpit Management and Data System”, in one word the COMAND system. Its functionality includes Bluetooth telephony, internet access with unlimited web browsing while the vehicle is stationary, high-speed access to a Mercedes-Benz online service, Google Maps services and a number of different apps, while a DVD changer is also available as an option. The COMAND system uses a high-resolution 7″ TFT color display (800 x 480 pixels) placed at the side next to the instrument cluster.
Commenting on the unveiling, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Dieter Zetsche commented: “There are around 900 million cars in the world and thousands of models. But there are only a handful of automotive icons. Our SL is one of them: it has class, it has style, it is the ultimate in comfort and luxury. But it combines all that with incredible sportiness and dynamism. You would struggle to find a car that embodies Gottlieb Daimler’s aspiration more perfectly than our new SL: the best or nothing.”. Mercedes-Benz will officially unveil the new SL m.y. 2013 at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, in January.
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