Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R231)

Mercedes-Benz R231
Overview
Manufacturer Daimler AG
Production 2012-present[1]
Model years 2013-present
Assembly Bremen, Germany
Designer Frank Pfisterer; Mark Fetherston (2007)
Body and chassis
Class Sports car, Roadster (S)
Body style 2-door retractable hardtop
Layout FR layout
Platform R231
Powertrain
Engine 3.0 L 333 PS (245 kW) V6
3.5 L 306 PS (225 kW) V6
4.7 L 435 PS (320 kW) V8 Biturbo
5.5 L 537 PS (395 kW) V8 Biturbo
6.0 L 630 PS (460 kW) V12 Biturbo
Transmission 7-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,585 mm (101.8 in)
Length 180.4 in (4,582 mm)
AMG: 180.8 in (4,592 mm)
Width 1,877 mm (73.9 in)
Height 1,315 mm (51.8 in)
Curb weight 1675 - 1845 kg
Chronology
Predecessor Mercedes-Benz R230

R231 is a chassis code for the current generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class roadster, replacing the R230. The car was released in March 2012 and uses Mercedes-Benz's new 4.6 litre V8 engine with a power output of 435 hp (324 kW). AMG version of the roadster will follow. The new SL is 140 kg (around 308 lbs) lighter than the previous, being made almost entirely out of aluminium [2] For the first time since the 1990s R129, the R231 SL-Class is not available with a non-AMG V12 engined SL600 model.

Design

The R231 is designed with an aluminium space-frame, 182 inches in length by 83 inches in width. (2in. wider/longer than previous generation) [3] Engineers at Mercedes have also installed a new folding hardtop roof that will have as an option, a panoramic sunroof with a manipulatable tint[4] The design process began in 2007, with a final design by Frank Pfisterer and Mark Fetherston being chosen, delayed for over 2 years, and then approved for production in early 2010. Design patents were filed on August 5, 2009 using a CAD file and in German patents in April 2010 using a prototype [5] Changes from last generation include all-aluminium body, MAGIC VISION CONTROL windscreen wipe/wash system, FrontBass footwell bass loudspeakers, HANDS-FREE ACCESS boot lid opening system via foot movement around rear bumper.

Equipment

Models

SL Edition 1 (2012-)

'Edition 1' is a time-limited version of SL-Class vehicle with a panoramic vario-roof, AMG bodystyling, sports suspension, AMG 19-inch light-alloy wheels, designo nappa leather with contrasting topstitching, AIRSCARF, heated seats, electric draught-stop, ambient lighting, Harman/Kardon Logic7 surround sound system, exclusing designo crystal silver magno body colour option, trim in wave or deep white aluminium.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2012 North American International Auto Show.,[6] followed by 2012 Geneva Motor Show.[7]

The vehicle was available from Mercedes-Benz sales partners from 31 March 2012. Early models include SL 350 BlueEFFICIENCY, SL 500.[8]

SL 63 AMG (2012-)

It includes a 5.5-litre V8 'biturbo' (twin-turbocharged) engine rated 537 PS (395 kW; 530 hp)@5500rpm and 800 N·m (590 lbf·ft)@2000–4500rpm, AMG sports suspension, AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed manual transmission, five-twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish with 255/35 R 19 front and 285/30 R 19 rear tyres, front apron with large air dams, AMG-specific LED daytime running lamps and a lower cross strut in silver chrome, AMG radiator grille with a double louvre in silver chrome, optional MAGIC SKY CONTROL Vario-roof, AMG sports seats in single-tone or two-tone nappa leather with a unique V8 seat upholstery layout and AMG badges in the seat backrests, a multicontour function and seat heating; AMG carbon-fibre trim, AMG illuminated door sill panels, ambient lighting and an IWC-design analogue clock.

AMG Performance Package includes increasing engine power to 564 PS (415 kW; 556 hp)@5500rpm and 900 N·m (664 lbf·ft)@2250–3750rpm, raising top speed to 300 km/h (186 mph), carbon fibre AMG engine cover and AMG spoiler lip, AMG rear axle differential lock, red-painted callipers, AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA.

Edition 1 model includes AIRSCARF neck-level heating, AMG forged light-alloy wheels (painted matt black, rim flange with a high-sheen finish), AMG Performance package, designo Exclusive leather in classic red or deep white with contrasting topstitching, designo headliner in black leather, harman/kardon Logic 7 surround sound system, MAGIC SKY CONTROL panoramic vario-roof.

European model went on sale in May 2012 for €157,675, €189,269.50 for Edition 1 car, €14,280 for AMG Performance package (incl. 19% VAT).[9][10]

The vehicle was unveiled in 2012 Geneva Motor Show.[11]

SL 65 AMG (2012-)

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG

The vehicle includes a bi-turbo V12 engine rated at 630 PS (463 kW) at 4800–5400 rpm and 1,000 N·m (738 lbf·ft) at 2300–4300 rpm, AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish with 255/35 R 19 front and 285/30 R 19 rear tyres (optional matt black with a high-sheen rim flange wheels), optional MAGIC SKY CONTROL Vario-roof, AMG sports seats with single or two-tone upholstery in Exclusive nappa leather with a special AMG diamond pattern, AMG carbon-fibre trim elements, the IWC-design analogue clock, the chromed AMG door sill panels illuminated in white, the AMG Performance steering wheel, 360 km/h speedometer, AMG start-up display with an exclusive AMG V12 BITURBO animation.[12]

The vehicle was unveiled in 2012 New York International Auto Show.[13]

The German model went on sale in September 2012 for €236,334 (incl. 19% VAT).[14]

Japan model went on sale on 2012-08-29.[15]

SL 65 AMG "45th Anniversary" (2012)

It is a limited (45 units, 5 in Japan) version of SL 65 AMG commemorating 45th anniversary of the AMG brand. It included designo magno graphite (grey) body colour, "twin-blade" radiator grille with blade-like slats, the surround for the AMG-specific LED daytime driving lights, fins on the wings and the hood, Exterior Carbon-Fibre package, AMG sports exhaust system (black with chrome plating twin tailpipe, high-gloss chrome inner insert), AMG Performance Studio multi-spoke forged wheels painted in titanium grey with high-sheen rim flange and matt finish, 255/35 R 19 front and 285/30 R 20 rear tires, designo Exclusive STYLE leather upholstery in grey pearl/ginger beige, AMG Performance steering wheel, matt carbon fibre interior trim.[16]

The vehicle went on sale in September 2012.[17]

Japan model went on sale in 2012-08-29.[18]

Engines and transmissions

ModelYearsType/codePower@rpm, Torque@rpmTransmission
SL 3502012-20143,498 cc (213.5 cu in) V6 (M 276 DE 35) 306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp)@6500, 370 N·m (273 lbf·ft)@3500-52507-speed automatic (7G-Tronic Plus)
SL 400[19]2014-2,996 cc (182.8 cu in) V6 333 PS (245 kW; 328 hp)@5250-6000, 480 N·m (354 lbf·ft)@1600-40007-speed automatic (7G-Tronic Plus)
SL 5502012-4,663 cc (284.6 cu in) V8 Biturbo (M 278 DE 46 AL) 435 PS (320 kW; 429 hp)@5250, 700 N·m (516 lbf·ft)@1800-35007-speed automatic (7G-Tronic Plus)
SL 63 AMG2012-5,461 cc (333.3 cu in) V8 twin turbo (M 157 DE 55 AL) 537 PS (395 kW; 530 hp)@5500, 800 N·m (590 lbf·ft)@2000–4500

AMG Performance Package: 564 PS (415 kW; 556 hp)@5500, 900 N·m (664 lbf·ft)@2250–3750

 7-speed (AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT)
SL 65 AMG2012-5,980 cc (365 cu in) V12 twin turbo (M 279 E 60 AL) 630 PS (463 kW; 621 hp)@4800–5400, 1,000 N·m (738 lbf·ft)@2300–4300 (limited)7-speed automatic (AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC)

The SL 500 is badged as SL 550 in U.S, Canada, and Japan.

References

  1. ↑ http://www.motor-talk.de/forum/aktion/Attachment.html?attachmentId=703148
  2. ↑ "New Mercedes SL: Topgear.com". BBC Worldwide-Topgear.com. Retrieved 2011-12-18.
  3. ↑ "Mercedes SL first look: insideline.com". Edmunds Inc. Retrieved 2011-12-18.
  4. ↑ Welsh, Jonathan (2011-12-16). "SL Roof and general info: Wall street Journal". The Wall Street Journal (Dow Jones &company- Wall Street Journal). Retrieved 2011-12-18.
  5. ↑ http://www.cardesignnews.com/site/home/first_sight/display/store4/item248132/
  6. ↑ Mercedes-Benz at the 2012 NAIAS in Detroit – strong impetus for 2012: Dynamic start – a super light and highly efficient beginning to 2012
  7. ↑ Mercedes-Benz at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show: Two world premieres and three European premieres in Geneva - Two world premieres and three European premieres in Geneva: Dynamism and efficiency
  8. ↑ Available at dealerships from 31 March: Market launch of the new SL
  9. ↑ The new Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG: Enhanced performance, reduced weight and lower consumption
  10. ↑ 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG is big and beastly, not so beautiful
  11. ↑ Mercedes-Benz at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show: Two world premieres and three European premieres in Geneva - Two world premieres and three European premieres in Geneva: Dynamism and efficiency
  12. ↑ "Mercedes SL AMG". carz.co.il. Retrieved 2012-03-20.
  13. ↑ Three Mercedes World Premieres at the 2012 New York International Auto Show - Pure driving fun: New Generation GLK, new GL and SL 65 AMG celebrate world premiere
  14. ↑ The new Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG: Effortlessly superior and stylish performance
  15. ↑ メルセデス・ベンツSL 65 AMGを発売
  16. ↑ 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG 45th Anniversary Edition Celebrates AMG with Matte Carbon Fiber and Paint
  17. ↑ The new Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG "45th ANNIVERSARY": 45 years of AMG - Marking the anniversary with high-performance and style
  18. ↑ SL 65 AMG 45th ANNIVERSARY Editionを限定発売
  19. ↑ "Mercedes SL400 launched". Auto Express. Retrieved 2014-06-06.

External links

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