New Mercedes-AMG SL and partial return to basics

Mercedes SL was originally named Super Leicht, which means “superlight”, and the character of the first Mercedes-Benz 300SL was tempered on the racetrack. But over 60 years of evolution, the SL has moved away from its roots and evolved into a comfortable Gran Turismo. The Daimler concern decided, if not completely, then at least partially to return to the old ideology. Therefore, a pause was even made in the history of the SL family, because the production of the previous model of the R231 series was stopped in the summer of 2020. And just now a new car with code R232 is being introduced.

This time around, development was handled by the AMG division, so all versions of the new es-ale will carry double Mercedes-AMG branding. The car is said to have been built from the ground up and has nothing to do with either the previous model or the AMG GT supercar (which will soon be out of production). And here is the main aspect of the return to basics: as in the case of the first generation 300SL, the body of the new car is a space chassis with body panels attached to it. True, in the spirit of the times, the frame is made not of steel, but of aluminum.

The new SL appears more compact than its predecessor, but that's a visual illusion and a good design job. In fact, the car has become larger: the length has increased from 4640 to 4704 mm, and the wheelbase – from 2585 to 2700 mm. In addition to aluminum, steel and composite materials used in the body structure, it weighs 270 kg and its torsional rigidity has increased by 18% compared to the previous model.

The developers abandoned the hard folding roof in favor of a soft top. This solution was last used on the R129 generation model (1989-2001), but the soft top is 21 kg lighter than the previous hard top and allowed for a lower center of gravity, which is preferable for a sports car. The roof can be raised or folded down in 15 seconds at speeds up to 60 km/h.

Particular attention is paid to aerodynamics. The Cd coefficient is not exceptional (0.31), but the emphasis is on a well-balanced balance of lift and aerodynamic load. For example, AMG engineers installed a carbon fiber lip under the front bumper, which at a speed of 80 km / h drops by 40 mm and causes air turbulence under the floor: they reduce the lift on the front axle and “pull” the car to the side. Road. The stern spoiler also moves at 80 km/h and has five positions.

A sophisticated Airpanel louvre system is installed in front of the radiators. Its lower part (behind the bumper) has vertical deflectors, and the upper part (behind the main grille) has horizontal sections. By default, all blinds close, if necessary, the lower part opens electronically, and the upper blinds open only at speeds above 180 km / h. Digital Light matrix headlights are already installed “at the base”, which can “draw” tips right on the road.

Twenty years and two generations later, the SL found a second row of seats, albeit a nominal one, designed for drivers no taller than 1.5. There are near-vertical backs, short cushions and a lack of legroom, but these seats can be used as additional luggage space. So now formally it is no longer a roadster, but a convertible with a 2 + 2 seating formula.

The company calls the interior of the SL model hyper-analogue, which is said to combine digital technology with analog appeal. Signs of the latter are round turbine ventilation deflectors and a 12.3-inch “old-fashioned” screen recessed into a niche. However, this is partly a forced decision, because when driving with the roof down in sunny weather, the screen without a visor mercilessly goes blind.

And to reduce glare on the monitor of the MBUX multimedia system, another solution was devised. After folding the roof, a separate electric drive automatically changes the angle of the screen, exposing it more vertically. The touchscreen diagonal is 11.9 inches, there are different modes and display styles, as well as certain sections of the AMG menu. The head-up display, Burmester audio system, contour lighting (64 colors) and front seats with an air scarf supplying warm air to the drivers' necks are announced from the equipment of the Mercedes-AMG SL convertible.

it is already known that the range will include simple versions with turbocharged four-cylinder engines, as well as powerful hybrids with an AMG E Performance powertrain, but these will appear later. Meanwhile, two modifications with a V8 gasoline engine are presented. This is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo unit, already well known from other Mercedes models, but for the SL model they developed new intercoolers, changed the sump and crankcase ventilation system. The Mercedes-AMG SL 55 is equipped with an engine with 476 hp and 700 Nm, and the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 “senior” has an engine with 585 hp and 800 Nm, and in fact the two versions differ only in firmware and maximum boost pressure.

The nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT 9G is a classic planetary automatic transmission with wet clutch instead of a torque converter. But above all, the SL has gone all-wheel drive for the first time in history: both versions have a 4Matic+ transmission with a multi-plate clutch on the front axle. An electronically controlled rear differential lock is optional on the SL 55 and standard on the SL 63.

The chassis is all new, with double wishbones front and rear, although the company calls it a five-link layout. The Mercedes-AMG SL 55 has a spring suspension with adaptive dampers and conventional anti-roll bars. And the “sixty-third” relies on the AMG Active Ride Control chassis: instead of stabilizers, a hydraulic system is installed that connects the left and right side pillars.

In addition, the new Mercedes-AMG SL is also fully manageable, and already “in the base”! Electric drives can turn the rear wheels at a small angle. At speeds up to 100 km/h, they turn in the opposite direction to the front for improved maneuverability, and after 100 km/h, all wheels turn in the same direction for greater stability. Standard brakes are six-piston front, single-piston rear, and split discs. Carbon-ceramic brakes are available for an extra charge.

The irony is that, despite a return to its sporting roots, the new SL never became “ultralight”. The curb weight of the basic version is 1875 kg (excluding the driver)! This is also 155 kg heavier than the previous rear-wheel drive roadster SL 500 with a V8 engine. However, the dynamics are still impressive: the new SL 55 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and the SL 63 in 3.6 seconds. Top speed is 295 and 315 km/h respectively.

How much will all this splendor cost? Official prices have not yet been disclosed, but the German press expects at least 140 thousand euros for the Mercedes-AMG SL 55. Convertibles will be produced at the Bremen plant, where electronic sales have been made since 1989, and sales are expected to begin in early 2022.