SL Coupe/Roadster Leads the Mercedes-Benz Line
07/08/2011
Mercedes-Benz
The current SL coupe/roadster line-up features a choice of the V8-powered SL550 (382 horsepower, 391 lb.-ft. of torque) or the high-performance V8 SL63 AMG (518 hp, 465 lb.-ft.) equipped with the award-winning AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sport transmission. A direct descendant of the legendary 300SL "Gullwing" of the 1950s, the SL roadster features dramatic styling with fenders that incorporate sharp, angular headlights and modified gill-type air outlets behind the front wheels. A front hood with two power domes (the SL63 AMG has a large, single dome) and a bold single-lamella grille emphasize the width of the body and make a symbolic visual connection to the famous 1954 300SL, while tightly-styled side mirrors reveal built-in arrow-shaped turn signals.
At the rear, an air diffuser in the bumper adds a motorsports touch, and trapezoidal exhaust tips emphasize its width and suggest all the power on tap. The cockpit includes a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel and an instrument cluster with eye-catching red tachometer and speedometer needles that swing to the max position and back to zero whenever the ignition is turned on.
From Coupe to Roadster in 16 Seconds
At the push of a button, the SL's retractable hardtop can be fully opened or closed in just 16 seconds, dramatically transforming the car from a quiet, weather-tight coupe to a top-down, open-air convertible.
A hydraulic pump and 11 computer-controlled hydraulic cylinders power the system, and roof operation is controlled by a switch on the center console. Its folding "clamshell" design allows for a cargo area of 7.2 cubic feet when the top is down. With the top up, the trunk holds 10.2 cubic feet.
AIRSCARF Around the Head and Neck
All Mercedes-Benz SL roadsters are equipped with AIRSCARF, an innovative feature that can extend the open-air driving season into the cooler months. Another first from Mercedes-Benz, AIRSCARF is an extra heating system built into the driver and passenger seats.
The AIRSCARF neck-level heating system blows warm air from the head restraints of the driver and passenger seats, allowing occupants to cruise comfortably with the retractable hardtop open in cooler temperatures. Testing revealed that warming just a small area around the neck improves comfort in cooler weather.
The AIRSCARF heating system even compensates for changes in air temperature and vehicle speed. AIRSCARF uses a heating element made of barium titanate, which heats up in a matter of seconds when electrical current is applied.
In Command with COMAND
A standard COMAND system includes a 6.5-inch color display screen, a hard-drive-based GPS navigation, an in-dash six-disc CD/DVD player and a four-gigabyte Music Register that holds around 1,000 MP3 tracks. The SL audio system includes HD radio, and its navigation system comes with SIRIUS real-time traffic information. Music titles can be viewed on the COMAND display in the center console as well as a smaller display in the instrument cluster, and they can be selected with the buttons on the multi-function steering wheel. A convenient media interface makes it easy to connect an iPod, USB stick, memory card and other devices
Major Stopping Power for All SL Models
Excellent stopping power for the SL is provided by large, four-wheel disc brakes enhanced with four-channel ABS anti-lock control. The SL550 is equipped with vented 13.8-inch discs and four-piston calipers up front, with solid 12.6-inch rear discs and single-piston calipers at the rear. Matched to its power and speed capability, The SL63 AMG comes with even larger 14.2-inch vented rotors up front with six-piston calipers and 13.0-inch vented rotors with four-piston calipers in the rear.
ABC Active Suspension Gives Cat-Like Agility
The SL chassis uses a double-control-arm front suspension and the patented Mercedes-Benz five-link rear suspension. All SL models come with Active Body Control (ABC), the Mercedes-Benz active suspension. Virtually eliminating body roll in cornering, squat under acceleration and dive during braking, ABC active suspension solves the usual tradeoff between ride comfort and handling, so SL roadsters offer excellent comfort and league-leading handling.
Both SL coupe/roadster models come with an enhanced tire-pressure monitoring system. The SL550 is also equipped with Direct Steer, which uses variable-ratio gearing in the steering rack to provide impressive on-center steering feel, with even higher responsiveness beyond the first five degrees of steering angle.
On the SL63 AMG, special ABC struts with firmer damping and reworked systems such as ABS anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist, traction control and ESP stability control complement the enhanced AMG chassis.
SL63 AMG Features AMG-Designed V8
The SL63 AMG V8 boasts a wealth of exciting features derived from AMG's highly successful racing efforts. Built almost completely from a high-strength silicon-aluminum alloy, the 518 hp engine features four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, bucket-type cam followers (rather than rocker arms), and a variable intake manifold. The cylinder bores feature a twinÂwire-arc-sprayed (TWAS) coating, a new process that results in impressively low friction and running surfaces that are twice as hard as conventional cast-iron cylinders.
The Award-Winning MCT Transmission - The Best of Both Worlds
Providing the direct feedback of a manual transmission with the total convenience of an automatic, the award-winning seven-speed MCT (for multi-clutch technology) with AMG SPEEDSHIFT made its debut on the SL63 AMG. Featuring an innovative start-up clutch that replaces a conventional torque converter and runs in an oil bath, the seven-speed MCT transmission combines the direct connection of a manual gearbox with the lightning-quick automatic gear shifts of a Formula 1 race car. Thanks to its low rotational mass, the start-up clutch helps the transmission respond instantaneously and dynamically with no slip.
With four shift modes and an automatic rev-matching function, the MCT transmission offers impressive versatility and even faster shift times. The SL63 AMG also includes a Race Start feature, which helps maintain full-throttle acceleration and optimal traction during motorsports competition.
Exclusive AMG Styling, Inside and Out
The SL63 AMG is distinguished by unique body styling, 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, sports suspension and a high-performance brake system. A muscular front bumper with large air intakes houses round fog lights ringed in chrome, and a "6.3 AMG" badge marks each front fender.
Contoured side skirts carry the aggressive lines of the front bumper to the rear, where an AMG rear apron incorporates a larger air diffuser. A pair of twin tailpipes completes the exclusive look and sound of the new models. Inside the SL63 AMG, drivers are greeted by an AMG sport steering wheel with distinctive aluminum shift paddles and AMG multi-contour leather sport seats finished in special vertical stitching.
Even Higher Performance
The SL63 AMG is available with an optional performance package that can be identified by 19-inch AMG twin five-spoke forged light-alloy wheels and an AMG performance steering wheel. Under the skin, the performance package includes a limited slip differential, larger two-piece front brake rotors, and a track-calibrated ABC active suspension system - all optimized by AMG for the serious motorsports competitor. An SL63 AMG fitted with the Performance Package also features a higher electronically-limited top speed of 186 mph.
The World's Safest Convertible
Widely acclaimed as one of the world's safest convertibles, the SL provides sports car performance with all the built-in safety that's expected from Mercedes-Benz. Since an open car can leave its occupants vulnerable in a rollover, Mercedes engineers met the challenge in the SL with the world's first automatic roll bar. If sensors detect an impending rollover, the padded, leather-covered bar pops up, locking in place in a third of a second. It can also be raised or lowered by a console switch.
Shoulder belts are integrated directly into the seats for greater occupant protection, especially in rollovers. The Mercedes SL was also the first car with side airbags, which are part of a Supplemental Restraint System (a phrase first coined by Mercedes-Benz) that includes dual front airbags and emergency tensioning retractors that tighten the seat belts in a collision.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. For more than forty years, MBUSA has taken pride in providing superior quality luxury vehicles coupled with its commitment to outstanding customer support.
A division of Daimler AG, MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans in the US. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.maybachusa.com and www.mbsprinterusa.com.