After a couple of unofficial false starts Mercedes-Benz has now, finally, revealed its new SL roadster. The SL was first launched in 1952 and this is just the sixth-generation to be developed in that time.
While the SL can probably pass as ‘Sporty’, ‘Lightweight’ is still stretching it a bit. The SL500 now tips the scales at 1785kg (-125kg against the previous model) and the SL350 is 1685kg (-140kg). The bulk of the weight reduction has been achieved thanks to an all-aluminium bodyshell.
There are two models at launch, the SL500 and SL350. At the top of the range Mercedes has stuffed a 320kW (435hp) / 700Nm 4.7 litre V8 under the iconic SL hood is enough to shift the roadster from rest to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds. Meanwhile the SL350 features a 3.5 litre V6, which is good for 225kW (306hp) / 370Nm; it can reach triple figures in 5.9 seconds.
Compared the the outgoing model the SL has grown 50mm length and 57mm in width. In turn this allows for a roomier cockpit.
As usual there’s a bunch of electronic goodies covering virtually every aspect of your motoring journey in the SL, but its the fancy wipers that deserve some attention. They’ve been given the title ‘Magic Vision Control’ and Mercedes reckon their clever water jets will ensure no water is sprayed into the cabin when the roof is down. Get this, the wiper blades can be optioned with a heating element too. This means the blades won’t freeze to the windscreen in icy conditions and warm water can be used to help clean the screen.
We also like the ‘kick to open’ hands-free boot system. It’s okay, it’s not as violent as it sounds. All that and more can be found after the break. But first what does Merecdes think about its new SL?
“There are around 900 million cars in the world and thousands of models. But there are only a handful of automotive icons,” claims Dr Dieter Zetsche, Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
“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.”
UPDATE: Mercedes-Benz Australia informs us the new SL will launch in the third quarter of 2012.
