Mercedes Benz SLS

With the launch of the latest SL generation in Hamburg in the summer of 2001, once again a car has been put on the road, whose technical innovations point the way far into the future in much the same way as the 300 SL racing sports coupe of 1952 and the Gullwing in 1954 did in their day and age. Its internal designation: R 230.

The stylistically fascinating sports car with its ground-breaking engineering, now in the fifth production-series generation, continues the living legend of SL dream cars. With its globally unique combination of ultramodern electronic powertrain systems, this SL provides an unprecedented smooth and at the same time dynamic motoring experience that comes with the highest possible levels of handling safety. With these qualities, the car sets new standards not only in the sports car segment but in automotive engineering in general.

Tradition and state-of-the-art engineering

The sweeping dynamism of the new SL's lines arouses likeability, joy and fascination. The designers have discreetly incorporated elementary details of the Gullwing, to create a link with the legendary history of these models.

Among these details ranks, above all, the SL radiator with its four-eye face, an identifying feature in a new, dynamic interpretation. The bi-xenon headlamps under their transparent lenses provide for unmistakable light design.

Other typical SL features harmonize stylishly with new elements from the up-to-date Mercedes-Benz form language, preparing the ground for a successful future of the roadster.

Sensotronic Brake Control

The list of technical innovations and world firsts is headed by the electro-hydraulic brake system, Sensotronic Brake Control or SBC for short. It cooperates with the familiar Electronic Stability Program (ESP ® ) and Active Body Control (ABC), the latter reducing bodywork movement and any tendency to skidding while cornering or braking to a minimum.

Sensotronic Brake Control is at the same time the first step into the world of future "by wire" systems which will transmit the drivers' instructions electronically – by cable or wire – rather than mechanically or hydraulically. The most important performance features of SBC include the highly dynamic buildup of brake pressure and the reliable sensing of driver and car behavior by means of sophisticated sensor technology.

For instance, the system identifies a rapid change of the driver's foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal as an indication of an emergency situation – and automatically raises the pressure in the brake lines while at the same time moving the brake pads to the brake discs so that the former can be pressed against the pads with full force and without delay as soon as the brake pedal is depressed. The effect: a stopping distance that is some three percent shorter in an emergency braking maneuver.

Thanks to variable brake power distribution depending on tire contact forces and wheel slip values, SBC also enhances safety when braking on corners or difficult road surfaces. With greater dynamics and precision, SBC improves upon the performance of Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Program (ESP ® ).

This unique package of highly efficient electronic control systems is expected to usher in revolutionary developments in automotive engineering in the fields of powertrain, handling safety and dynamic handling control.

Suspension with Active Body Control (ABC)

These systems are supported by wheel suspension which responds sensitively in combination with ABC. At the front, a state-of-the-art four-link suspension system ensures outstanding ride comfort, wheel location and steering. The lower front axle elements, the steering gear of the rack-and-pinion steering and the engine mountings are connected with an aluminum assembly carrier that also celebrates its premiere in the new SL.

As far as wheel location is concerned, the principle of multi-link independent rear suspension remains unsurpassed. In the new SL, the assembly is for the first time entirely made of aluminum, including hub carriers and subframe. The axle geometry was modified in details to improve self-steering behavior still further.

Safety newly defined

Since the days of the Pagoda at the latest, the SL badge has been a symbol of pioneering achievements enhancing the active and passive safety of open-top sports cars. With its entirely new, holistic concept, the current SL clearly exceeds previous safety standards and is once again taking automotive safety standards for future sports car generations to a higher level. Every aspect of active and passive vehicle safety has been considered – from crash avoidance using electronic assistance systems like SBC, ABC, Brake Assist, ASR and ESP ® through to the structural safety of the bodywork and the passenger cell's high level of rigidity in every conceivable type of accident.

Occupant protection is enhanced still further by a high-strength bodywork structure and systems including two-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger, new head-thorax bags in the doors, reducing the risk of the head hitting the side window or intruding objects, further developed integral seats, high-performance seat belt tensioners, belt force limiters and the automatic, sensor-controlled rollover bar that comes into action when required, also with the VARIO ROOF closed.

From roadster to coupe in 16 seconds

Unlike its predecessors, the new SL is carrying its hardtop with it at all times. The VARIO ROOF's perfect integration in the car's lines testifies to the high level of design quality, which gives the car balanced integration in formal terms with both the roof closed and opened.

The roof can be opened or closed in just 16 seconds – at the touch of a button or even via remote control. An elaborate tilting mechanism ensures that the three roof elements vanish into the upper section of the trunk where they take up little space. As a result, the trunk, including the luggage box in the spare wheel recess, has a capacity of 317 liters with the roof closed – 52 liters more than in the predecessor. An alternative glass roof will be available from mid-2002.

With 306 hp from standstill to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds

The guarantor of gratifying, dynamic motoring is the powerful five-liter V8 engine that develops an output of 306 hp/225 kW and 460 Newton meters torque. It is one of the most powerful engines in this car category, clearly undercutting the EU 4 emission limits and accelerating the new SL 500 from standstill to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds.

Fuel consumption is 12.7 liters per 100 kilometers – thereby reaching the predecessor's level in spite of the more comprehensive range of comfort and safety features.

This is attributable to a crucial extent to the lightweight bodywork: engine hood, front fenders, doors, trunk lid, tank partition and other components are made of aluminum, the 1.40 meter long engine hood being regarded as quite an achievement among lightweight components.

The car's refined aerodynamic efficiency – achieved by a smooth, streamlined bodywork and underfloor – equally contributes to fuel economy and noise minimization. The closed car's Cd value of 0.29 is highly remarkable.

Exclusiveness as standard

The extensive standard specifications of the new Mercedes-Benz SL provide demanding customers not only with technical perfection but also with high levels of comfort and exclusiveness. This includes, among other things, leather-covered integral seats with memory functions for electric seat and steering wheel adjustment – the settings being stored in the electronic ignition key, a multi-function steering wheel, automatic climate control, stereo radio and other valuable detail features.

Innovative assistance systems are optionally available, for instance the DISTRONIC autonomous intelligent cruise control, the TELEAID automatic emergency call system, the COMAND operating and display system and an electronic tire pressure control system.

The fragrance, color and shape of an exclusive interior

Leather, fine wood and aluminum are the materials that create the exclusiveness and value appeal characteristic of the SL in the interior compartment. Customers can choose between two types of leather, four types of quality trim and five colors for the interior appointments. The four individual cockpit gauges in classical chronometer design are set into matt-gloss chrome which is also used for other, lovingly designed interior detail features, conjuring up memories of classical sports cars.