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Image credits: © Mercedes - Benz.
Press Release
The all-new 2013 SL continues a tradition that began 60 years ago.
For six decades the letters "SL" have been synonymous with a blend of
sport, style and comfort - infused with groundbreaking innovation. For
the first time, the SL is being produced almost entirely from aluminum
and consequently weighs considerably less than its predecessor. Its
highly rigid all-aluminum bodyshell provides the basis for agile, sporty
handling that has been taken to an entirely new level, coupled with
outstanding bodyroll and ride characteristics. Even better driving
dynamics come courtesy of the new direct injection engine, which is more
powerful and economical than the outgoing generation. Other new
features include the unique FrontBass system, which turns the luxury
sports car into a concert hall - with the top down or up - and the
highly efficient MAGIC VISION CONTROL. The 2013 SL550 will be available
in U.S. showrooms this spring.
Compared with its successful predecessor, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
offers considerably more comfort and athletic character, setting new
standards in the luxury roadster class. This includes amazing everyday
usability, making the SL the most versatile of all sports cars. In
short, anyone talking about the new SL is surely talking about the
ultimate in passionate, refined motoring.
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG
and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: "There are around 900 million cars in
the world and thousands of models. But there is 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. And it combines all that with an
incredibly sporty and dynamic character. You would struggle to find a
car that embodies Gottlieb Daimler's aspiration more perfectly than our
new SL - the best or nothing."
Lighter and more rigid - sophisticated all-aluminum bodyshell
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL takes the meaning of the famous letters
"SL" - sporty, lightweight - quite literally. Weight reduction across
the board is one of the most outstanding design characteristics of the
new SL, as was the case for its namesake, the original SL of 1952 with
its lightweight tubular frame. For the first time, Mercedes-Benz has
implemented an all-aluminum bodyshell in a series-production model. Only
very few components are made from other materials. The designers used
even lighter magnesium for the cover panel behind the fuel tank and
roof. High-strength steel tubing is integrated into the A-pillars for
added safety.
The new aluminum bodyshell weighs around 242 pounds less than it
would using the steel technology of its predecessor. "The effect is as
if a large passenger has stepped out of the car" says Dr. Thomas
Rudlaff, responsible for the aluminum bodyshell at Mercedes-Benz. "The
result is perceptible and measurable. Less weight means improved
performance and efficiency. In other words, the driving pleasure
increases and the environmental impact decreases."
In terms of rigidity, safety and comfort, the aluminum structure is
superior to the previous model's steel construction. One contributing
factor is its intelligent lightweight construction with components
optimized for their specific task. As a result, diverse processes are
used to make different kinds of aluminum depending on component use. The
parts are made by chill casting or vacuum die casting, worked into
extruded aluminum sections or into aluminum panels of varying thickness.
The outcome - high rigidity and excellent safety combined with low
resonance and vibrations.
The new SL is even more comfortable and has more assistance systems
on-board than its predecessor, sacrificing some of the weight saved
through the aluminum bodyshell as a result. Nevertheless, the scales
show some astonishing readings - the 2013 SL550 weighs around 275 pounds
less than its predecessor. This is due to a host of other intelligent
details that Mercedes-Benz has also implemented in the new SL in
addition to the aluminum bodyshell.
Driving pleasure - powerful engine and agile suspension
Powerful acceleration, effortless at all speeds, nimble on winding
roads - the new SL delivers outstanding driving pleasure. As well as a
powerful engine, the SL550 boasts a fine suspension that is both sporty
and comfortable, and also features intelligent lightweight construction.
The steering knuckles and suspension arms on the front axle, for
instance, are also made from aluminum to reduce the unsprung masses. The
same applies to virtually all the suspension components on the rear
axle.
The new SL is available with two different suspension systems - with
the Agility Control Suspension as standard equipment. The ABC (Active
Body Control) suspension system is available as an option.
Both suspension variants are combined with a new electromechanical
Direct-Steer system featuring speed-sensitive power steering and a ratio
that can be varied in accordance with steering wheel angle. This
provides excellent directional stability and safety when traveling at
highway speeds, and adds to the SL's agility. It also reduces the amount
of steering effort required when parking and maneuvering.
The new V8 in the SL550 develops 429 hp from its displacement of 4663
cc, which is around 12 percent more than its predecessor despite some
0.8 liters less displacement. Fuel consumption has been reduced while at
the same time the torque has increased from 391 lb-ft to 516 lb-ft - a
gain of 32 percent. The engine features an ECO stop/start function as
standard equipment, while the 7-Speed Driver-Adaptive automatic
transmission has been optimized for fuel consumption and comfort. The
fuel economy of the direct injection engine does not detract in any way
from the roadster's sporty character. Quite the opposite in fact - the
SL550 takes just 4.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph - eight tenths less than
the previous SL550.
Interior - aesthetic, stylish, sporty
The 2013 SL combines its finely honed profile with a luxurious feel.
Premium materials, perfectly finished with great attention to detail
define the style and character of the interior.
Compared with its predecessor, the new-generation SL is much longer
(+1.97 inches) and wider (+2.24 inches), providing more room for greater
comfort in the interior, too. Shoulder room (+1.46 inches) and elbow
room (+1.10 inches) have been increased, exceeding the norm for this
class of vehicle. Clear lines create a coherent look & feel in this
comfortable interior. A generous sweep of fine wood trim extends from
the center console across the dashboard into the doors, creating a
pleasant wrap-around effect. A choice of two wood trims is available.
Perfectly in tune with the roadster's character, the interior combines
the unpretentious atmosphere of a high-performance sports car with the
comfortable, stylish ambience you might expect from a luxurious touring
car.
Design - classic SL proportions
The designers have brought the latest generation of the SL to life
with a firm foundation in tradition, but with new perspectives and
visions. The result is a stylishly sporty and elegant luxury sports car
with balanced proportions that are classic SL. The long hood gives way
to a compact passenger compartment that is set well back. A wide,
powerful rear end with a strong racing character provides the finishing
touch. Just a few carefully drawn lines define the powerfully sculpted,
yet calm surfaces along the flanks. Finely crafted details, a striking
rear end plus ventilation grilles with chromed fins from the dynamic
tradition of the Mercedes- Benz heritage evoke the SL legend.
An upright classic sports car radiator grille clearly identifies the
new SL as a prestigious member of the current Mercedes-Benz sports car
lineup. The centrally positioned star is a contemporary reinterpretation
of the famous trademark, and now extends into the center section with
its organically flowing contours.
Dynamically slanting headlamps set well to the outside frame the
striking front end and give the new roadster its own unmistakable face.
The Bi-xenon headlamps come with active curve illumination and corner
illuminating lamps as a standard feature, as well as Adaptive Highbeam
Assist. With different lighting functions tailored to typical driving
and weather conditions and activated in accordance with the driving
situation, they offer the driver a much better illuminated field of
vision. The striking sidelights and the horizontal line of the daytime
running lamps in the far ends of the bumper feature LED technology.
Retractable hard top - with optional MAGIC SKY CONTROL
The sixth generation of the SL also offers a retractable hard top
that can be operated using a space-saving electrohydraulic mechanism,
converting the SL from coupe to roadster and back again in a matter of
seconds. In contrast to its predecessor, the new SL offers two versions
of the retractable hard top - glass or the unique panoramic roof with
MAGIC SKY CONTROL. The transparent roof switches between light and dark
at the push of a button. In the light setting it is virtually
transparent, offering an open-air experience even in cold weather. In
its dark state the roof provides welcome shade and prevents the interior
from heating up in bright sunlight. The frame of both versions is made
from magnesium, reducing weight by around 13 pounds compared with the
outgoing model, lowering the vehicle's center of gravity and delivering
greater agility.
The engineers have refined the operating mechanism for the roof and
trunk lid. It now takes less than 20 seconds to open or close the roof
completely.
Aerodynamics - new standards
The design of the new SL is not only aesthetically beautiful, it also
boasts outstanding aerodynamic characteristics, giving the roadster top
marks in its segment in three crucial areas:
- the lowest wind noise, virtually on par with a closed sedan;
- the best comfort during open-air driving, meaning the roof can stay down even at high speed;
- virtually no accumulation of dirt on the side windows.
Two world premieres - FrontBass and MAGIC VISION CONTROL
The 2013 SL remains true to its tradition as technological trendsetter with two innovations:
- MAGIC VISION CONTROL is a new, intelligent and highly efficient wipe/wash system. The innovative wiper blade judiciously dispenses wash fluid just in front of the wiper blade via channels integrated into the blade - in both directions of travel. The result is no water splash on the windshield to disrupt driver visibility and a perfectly clean windshield. The water also stays on the windshield, with no risk of overspray into the passenger cabin when the roof is down. A fully heated wiper blade is included as standard equipment, preventing the build-up of snow and ice on the blade in winter. This heating function also allows warm water to be applied directly onto the windshield for the first time, even in cold temperatures.
- Equally unique is the FrontBass system, which makes intelligent use of the spaces in the aluminum structures forward of the footwell. These spaces function as resonating chambers for the woofers and mark the first time ever that a sound system has been integrated into the body-in-white. As a result, the new SL features clear, rich bass sounds that deliver a concert hall ambience even with the top down. The new layout has the added bonus of freeing up space in the doors and interior.
Both innovations are part of the extensive standard equipment of the new SL.
HANDS-FREE ACCESS - swipe to open
The HANDS-FREE ACCESS system is another Mercedes-Benz innovation that
provides easy, hands-free operation of the trunk lid. The driver simply
moves their foot in the vicinity below the rear bumper. Mercedes-Benz
is the only car maker to offer a system that not only automatically
opens the trunk lid but closes it as well.
The safest roadster
The SL is the world's safest roadster, thanks to the
collision-optimized aluminum structure, standard equipment that includes
PRE-SAFE® and ATTENTION ASSIST, plus further assistance systems on the
same high level as the S-Class. The rigid aluminum bodyshell forms a
sturdy passenger compartment along with precisely defined deformation
zones at the front and rear ends. The passenger compartment is protected
in the event of the vehicle overturning by two roll-over bars and
Apillars made from a mix of steel and aluminum. The restraint systems
including the two-stage driver and front passenger airbags have been
further developed, while a head airbag covers the side impact area. An
additional thorax airbag in the seat backrest protects the upper body in
the event of a side impact. Another new feature is the crash-responsive
NECK-PRO head restraints developed by Mercedes- Benz which are also
standard equipment in the SL.
One safety highlight in the standard equipment package is the
unrivalled anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE® developed
by Mercedes-Benz. If the system detects the imminent threat of an
accident, it reflexively activates precautionary protective measures for
the vehicle occupants, ensuring that the seat belts and airbags are
able to provide maximum protection during an impact.
Additional post-impact measures supplement the integral safety
concept and facilitate rapid assistance. Regardless of the severity of
the impact, the doors are automatically unlocked after an accident, the
interior lighting is activated and the side windows lowered by 2 inches
to ventilate the interior more effectively. The steering wheel also
moves upward.
Standard - ATTENTION ASSIST and ADAPTIVE BRAKE
A unique combination of driver assistance systems in the new SL helps
prevent accidents. These include the drowsiness detection system
ATTENTION ASSIST and the ADAPTIVE BRAKE, both of which are standard
equipment. The latter features ABS, acceleration skid control (ASR) and
active yaw control, and offers comfort and convenience functions in
addition to safety features.
PRE-SAFE® Brake - autonomous partial and emergency braking in response to the serious risk of a rear-end collision
Optional equipment includes DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control
with PRESAFE ® Brake, which is already well proven in other
Mercedes-Benz models. The systems use radar sensors to detect the
serious risk of a rear-end collision. The PRESAFE ® Brake warns the
driver and can initiate autonomous braking if the driver fails to react,
thus either preventing the accident or at least mitigating its
severity. PRESAFE ® can also activate occupant protection measures.
Active Parking Assist - automatically maneuvers into a parking space
Active Parking Assist is new in the SL. Using ultrasound sensors it
can identify parking spaces and automatically steer the vehicle into the
selected space.
Infotainment - COMAND with internet access
COMAND with Internet access capabilities and DVD changer is standard
equipment in the new SL. It provides Web browsing while the vehicle is
stationary, along with access to Mercedes-Benz Apps - such as Google
Local Search, Yelp and Facebook - with a paid subscription to
Mercedes-Benz mbrace2 in-vehicle connected services after the
complimentary trial period ends. There are also the options to send
individual routes to the vehicle from Google Maps and destinations from
iPhone® and Android® phones using the Mercedes-Benz mbrace Mobile App.
The COMAND system features a high-resolution 7-inch TFT color display
(800 x 480 pixels) next to the instrument cluster. This screen
arrangement helps to avoid driver distraction.
The 2013 SL550 will be available in U.S. showrooms this spring.
To coincide with the launch of the 2013 SL, Mercedes-Benz will also
be offering a special-edition model, the "Edition 1", for a limited
period. The "Edition 1" is superbly equipped and comes standard with AMG
19-inch alloy wheels, designo exclusive leather with contrasting
topstitching, AIRSCARF, the Harman/Kardon® Logic7® surround sound system
and much more. The designo crystal silver magno special paintwork is
available exclusively for the "Edition 1". Interior upholstery is
designo classic red/black exclusive with designo black piano lacquer
wood trim.
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