Mercedes Benz SLS

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Affalterbach – 12-cylinder AMG biturbo engine, an output of 450 kW/612 hp and a maximum torque of 1000 Nm – the new Mercedes Benz SL 65 AMG is the world’s most powerful and highest-torque series-produced roadster. The open-top two-seater not only maintains Mercedes-AMG’s impressive V12 tradition; it also offers a level of performance previously unheard of in this engine size class: the SL65 AMG Mercedes Benz accelerates from 0 to 60mph in 4.1 seconds and passes the 120 mph mark after just 12.5 seconds; its top speed is 155 mph (electronically governed).

With its modified AMG sports suspension, mechanical differential lock and newly developed AMG high-performance brake system with composite discs, front and rear, the ultra-powerful high-performance Roadster’s dynamic handling is certainly impressive. And the exclusive standard equipment on-board this open-top dream car underlines the technological ambition behind it. The new AMG V12 flagship model extends the number of SL-Class engine versions to five. The market launch of the Mercedes Benz SL 65 AMG is scheduled for June 2004.

Much of the credit for the AMG 6.0-litre V12 engine’s extraordinary performance must go to the biturbo system, which features larger turbochargers and powerful water-type charge-air cooling. The remarkable maximum torque of 1000 Nm remains constantly on tap between 2000 and 4000 rpm. The 570-Nm torque which the AMG V12 biturbo engine delivers to the crankshaft at just 1000 rpm rises to 830 Nm 500 rpm later.

The AMG 12-cylinder is as ideally suited to powerful acceleration in the highest engine speed range as it is to relaxed cruising in high gear. Superbly responsive, yet smooth and refined, it guarantees the high level of touring comfort traditionally associated with Mercedes. Exciting high-tech features are revealed as soon as the bonnet is opened. The redesigned engine cover, which is made from deep-drawn aluminium and carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) is a visual treat.
The 12-cylinder engine is assembled by hand at the AMG engine facility – right next to the line where the supercharged AMG V8 for the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is produced. The “one man, one engine” philosophy is reflected by the characteristic signature plate on the AMG V12 which bears the name of the specialist who assembled the engine and guarantees the highest standards of quality and workmanship.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT with steering-wheel controls and asymmetric differential lock

In the Mercedes Benz SL 65 AMG power is transmitted by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 5-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel gearshift controls a nd manual mode. In keeping with the tremendous levels of power and torque available, a number of measures have been taken to optimise key transmission components – including the adoption of newly developed clutch pack discs and modified shift and torque-converter-lockup logic. There are also special drive shafts, larger hub carriers and wheel bearings and special spring links at the rear axle.

In the reinforced rear axle differential case, fitted with a heat sink, is a mechanical , asymmetric, multiple-disc limited-slip differential with a lock factor of 40 percent under load. This ensures good traction, particularly with a very sporty driving style . With the modified acceleration skid control system, which is equipped with t raction logic , the high engine output can always be optimally transmitted to the road.

Active Body Control (ABC) with AMG sports suspension and new composite brake system

The SL 65 AMG Mercedes Benz is fitted as standard with (ABC) and special AMG spring struts with firmer damping. The driver can select an even sportier mode at the touch of a button, reducing pitch and roll still further. Fully reworked dynamic handling control systems such as ABS, Brake Assist, ASR and ESP ® (Electronic Stability Program) complete the enhanced chassis setup . In order to cope with the high power output, there is a newly developed, high-performance, composite brake system with 390 x 36 mm brake discs at the front and 360 x 26 mm brake discs at the rear. Internally ventilated cast-iron discs all round, with aluminium (front) and stainless steel (rear) brake disc bowls ensure optimum deceleration and fade-resistance. The SL 65 AMG is fitted, as are all other SL-Class Roadsters, with the electrohydraulic high-pressure brake, SBC™ (Sensotronic Brake Control).

AMG bodystyling and exclusive nappa leather appointments as standard
Where looks are concerned, the new AMG V12 flagship model has several key features which set it apart from other SL-Class models.

The redesigned front apron, optimised in the wind tunnel, has a striking contour which is based on the look of the Formula 1 Safety Car. The significantly larger air intakes ensure a reliable supply of fresh air for water, engine oil and charge-air cooling; like the rear apron and side skirts, it is part of the powerful AMG bodystyling package, which blends harmoniously with the award-winning design of the Mercedes Roadster. The independent, AMG-specific radiator grille is another feature which sets this model apart.

Contact with the road is taken care of by multi-piece, 19-inch AMG twin-spoke wheels, painted in titanium grey, with size 255/35 R 19 tyres at the front and size 285/30 R 19 tyres at the rear. The chromed “V12 Biturbo” lettering on the front wings indicates the exceptional dynamic qualities of this vehicle, while highlights at the rear include the dark-tinted tail lights and the AMG sports exhaust with its two oval, chromed twin tailpipes. The new composition of the typical AMG, V12 sound provides a special acoustic charm, particularly when driving with the vario-roof open.

Inside, the high-quality trim in fine wood or aluminium and the leather appointments, available in three colours, exude an exclusive flair. Electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with AMG-specific seat fluting and perforation pattern, optimised lateral support, multicontour function, memory and seat heating make every journey in the Mercedes Benz SL 65 AMG a delight, whether it involves winding country roads or long-distance motorway cruising. Further standard equipment in the SL 65 AMG includes the AMG instrument cluster with its Alcantara surround, 360-km/h scale and “V12 Biturbo” lettering, the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with gearshift buttons, the door sill panels in etched and polished aluminium with the AMG logo, the bi-xenon headlamps, COMAND with DVD technology, the CD changer and the sound system.

The new SL 65 AMG will make its debut at Mercedes-Benz sales and service outlets and dealerships from June 2004.

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The new Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG celebrated its world premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September 2001. It combines outstanding top-class engineering and the highest levels of safety and exclusiveness with the dynamic and sporting appeal of the Mercedes-AMG lineup.

Powered by a newly developed supercharged V8, the SL 55 AMG is currently the most powerful Mercedes-Benz passenger car: its 5.5 liter engine develops 476 hp/350 kW and a maximum torque of 700 Nm that is kept constant in the engine speed range between 2650 and 4500 rpm. These figures translate into highly responsive performance at low speeds and exciting flexibility in acceleration no matter what gear is engaged. The car completes the sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in a mere 4.7 seconds; its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

With its enticing performance data, the new SL 55 AMG takes the lead in the eight-cylinder roadster segment in terms of output and torque.

Automatic transmission with steering wheel shift

Externally, the AMG roadster differs from the SL 500 in that it has, among other things, bumpers in an even more powerful styling, distinctive side skirts, dark-tinted rear-light units, exclusive 18" multi-spoke wheels and four chromed tailpipes.

In the interior, the extraordinary character of this very special sports car is emphasized by more firmly upholstered integral seats with specially perforated covers and stitching in contrasting colors, high-grade aluminum sand casting trim and cockpit gauges with light faces, silver-colored symbol disks and red pointers.

The dynamic motoring experience is additionally enhanced by a five-speed automatic transmission with touch-type steering wheel shift in racing car style.

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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.