Photos of Mercedes-Benz’s updated SL hit the web last week
so we already know about the cosmetic changes made to the car, which feature
primarily at the front. Now, however, the car has made its debut at the Los
Angeles Auto Show and we have all the juicy details to tell you.
The updated SL goes on sale late next spring, as a 2017
model, and we’re glad to report that more power has been added to the base car.
The luxury convertible also benefits from Mercedes’ latest nine-speed automatic
transmission, though the Mercedes-AMG sledgehammers stick with their
seven-speed Speedshift auto.
The range kicks off with a new SL450 model, which replaces the SL400 added for 2015. This base model is still powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 but now there’s 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque on tap, up from 329 hp and 354 lb-ft previously.
The SL550 continues with its twin-turbo 4.7-liter V-8, which
was upgraded to 449 hp and 516 lb-ft for 2016, while Mercedes-AMG’s SL63 and
SL65 continue with their respective twin-turbo 5.5-liter V-8 and twin-turbo
6.0-liter V-12 engines. The SL63 is good for 577 hp and 664 lb-ft while the
SL65 throws down a massive 621 hp and 738 lb-ft. The V-12 model is the quickest
of the bunch, needing just 4.0 seconds to hit 60 mph. Top speed is limited to
186 mph.
Performance of the cars can be adjusted by the standard
Dynamic Select driving modes selector. Thanks to this feature, at the touch of
a button the driver can adjust numerous vehicle settings such as the setup for
the engine, transmission, suspension and steering, ranging from fuel-saving to
sports modes.
Steel suspension is standard and features continuously
variable dampers, which can be adjusted via the aforementioned Dynamic Select
system. As an option, Mercedes offers its Active Body Control with the latest
curve tilting function that debuted in the S-Class Coupe and Convertible
models. This system helps to reduces body movements when moving off, braking
and cornering by adjusting the suspension spring struts constantly via
hydraulic means.
The exterior of the latest SL is dominated by the new LED
headlights, hood and grille. Inspiration came from the legendary 300 SL
Panamericana racing car with its steeply raked radiator grille. The
grille on the new SL is more prominent and blends into a sporty,
Mercedes-AMG-designed body kit that’s now a standard feature. The kit includes
an A-wing design at the front that leads into a splitter matching the body
color. Finally, two powerdomes on the hood invoke the sporting heritage of the
SL.
The changes to the rest of the car are much more subtle.
There have been tweaks made to the tail lights and some of the body panels have
been massaged to create a more athletic look. The standard wheels measure 19
inches across and come in a five-spoke design. As for the roof, it remains a
retractable hardtop that can be operated at speeds of up to 25 mph.
In the cabin, there is a new three-spoke, flat-bottomed
steering wheel with a magnesium structure and ergonomic grip. Twelve control
buttons provide access to the menu navigation in the instrument
cluster as well as the audio system, phone and voice activation. The main
instrument cluster remains a combination of digital and analog elements, and
this is joined by a redesigned clock and a new, slightly larger infotainment
screen. Apple CarPlay smartphone integration is also available with the
addition of the car’s Smartphone Integration package.
Then there are all the electronic safety and convenience
features, either standard or available. These include automatic braking,
autonomous mode for highways, lane keep assist, parking assist, and blind spot
and cross traffic warning. There is also the Pre-Safe Plus system which helps
to prevent further injury when hit from behind. The standard audio system is a
10-speaker setup from Harman Kardon. An even more sophisticated sound is
produced by an avaialble Bang & Olufsen BeoSound setup with 12 speakers.
source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1100973_2017-mercedes-benz-sl-gets-svelte-new-look-nine-speed-gearbox/page-2
by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com
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