A Mercedes-Benz SL.
For 70 years, there hasn’t been a better way to enjoy the fact that you have arrived. An SL shows you have no need to carry a bunch of passengers, no need to haul cargo. You have other vehicles for that. But in an SL, you and a companion can enjoy a vehicle designed purely for personal driving pleasure, with the best automotive engineering the world has to offer. Could there be anything better for that purpose than a Mercedes-Benz SL? Well, perhaps the AMG® version. That AMG® version will be coming to Mercedes-Benz of Plano later this summer.
New F1 Derived Turbocharger Technology
The AMG® SL 43 brings a new drivetrain technology derived directly from the Mercedes-AMG® F1 racing program. It is called an electric exhaust turbocharger, and it rectifies the trade-off inherent in turbochargers which involves the need to balance the need for a smaller turbo for quick response and less turbo lag with a larger turbo capable of greater overall power.
Like most technology breakthroughs, the idea is simple in concept and sophisticated in execution. Instead of relying on the turbo to spool up when RPM and exhaust flow are low, the system uses an electric motor fed by the 48-volt onboard electrical system to spin the turbocharger shaft directly. Thus, you get a high level of boost at any rpm. When the result of the boost creates sufficient exhaust flow, the relatively large turbocharger becomes exhaust driven.
The AMG® SL 43 attaches this system to an AMG® -enhanced 2.0-liter turbocharged M139 engine and the result is this small, lightweight engine producing 375 hp and a peak torque of 354 lb-ft. available from 3250 to 5000 rpm. Throttle response is greatly improved, and even when the driver lifts the throttle or applies the brakes, such as when going into a tight curve, the system is able to maintain the boost pressure to ensure a continuously direct response when called upon.
Additional Exemplary Engineering
Managing the power is the AMG® SPEEDSHIFT® 9-speed Multi-Clutch Transmission (MCT) 9G transmission. As expected from AMG® , sophisticated software ensures extremely short shift times as well as fast multiple downshifts as required. In addition, the intermediate throttle function in the "Sport" and "Sport+" driving modes delivers an emotionally appealing gearshift experience.
The 48-volt electrical system also feeds the belt-driven starter-generator (RSG), enabling functions such as gliding and recuperation to maximize efficiency. As a result, the transitions between the start-stop function and gliding mode function are almost imperceptible.
All New Yet Still Classic Design
The AMG® SL is part of the new SL model range that introduces a 2+2 seating configuration for the first time since 1989. This makes the new SL even more versatile with increased space and usability in which the second row of seats can be used as additional stowage space and can accommodate a golf bag, for example. Maintained are the classic SL proportions of a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and long hood, with the cabin set back from a steeply raked windshield and capped by a powerful rear end.
The body contains a mix of aluminum, magnesium, and fiber composites, with the material mix enabling the highest possible rigidity at a low weight. The body’s torsional rigidity increased by 18 percent while transverse rigidity is 50 percent higher, and longitudinal rigidity is 40 percent higher than the AMG® GT Roadster, which wasn’t exactly a limp noodle in the first place. The windshield frame is steel for roll-over protection in conjunction with the roll-bar system behind the rear seats, which pops up when needed.
All new SLs have an electric soft top. In a place where you want to reduce weight the most, the new top saves 46 pounds. The Z-fold design also saves space and weight and eliminates the need for a roof compartment cover when down. Opening and closing is possible up to a speed of 37 mph and only takes about 15 seconds.
New Interior with AMG® Exclusives
The interior features an exciting combination of analog geometry and the digital world - known as "hyper analog." The high-resolution 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster is integrated into a high-tech visor to help prevent reflections caused by sunlight. For the same reason, the 11.9-inch central touchscreen can also be electrically tilted from 12 degrees to 32 degrees.
On board is the latest generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), which is both intuitive to operate and capable of learning. It includes AMG® -specific content in five display styles with exclusive menu items such as "AMG® Performance" or the optional "AMG® TRACK PACE".®
This just scratches the surface of all the amazing pieces of engineering found in this model. For more information, contact one of the knowledgeable sales professionals at Mercedes-Benz of Plano. And talk to them about pre-ordering because with an expected arrival of later this summer, securing one of the first models promises plenty of immediate top-down driving for months to come.
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