The New-Generation 2013MY Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Roadster: Comprehensive Product Information

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The name "SL" - initially intended as nothing more than an abbreviation for "super" and "light" - has been a symbol of the Mercedes-Benz legend for five generations. The latest SL is more than a follow-up to a successful predecessor. Rather, the car sets its own agenda, pointing towards the sports car of the future. Like its grandfathers, it is also a groundbreaker in that high performance doesn't involve the usual tradeoffs in comfort and everyday drivability.

The sixth generation of the iconic Mercedes-Benz SL roadster is being launched in 2012 with an all-new aluminum unit body, even more useful technology and a redesigned version of its well-known retractable hardtop. While the SL550 for the 2013 model year is about two inches longer and wider than the model it replaces, its aluminum body is more than 200 pounds lighter than the previous model.

From Coupe to Roadster

The fully-retracting electric hardtop of the current SL enhances the open-air passion of a high-performance luxury roadster, yet combines it with the practicality of a quiet, weather-tight coupe, including a standard panorama roof. At the push of a button, the roof is opened or closed in less than 20 seconds. During this transformation, an intelligent tilting mechanism ensures that the roof and rear window "spoon" and retract into the top section of the trunk to preserve a good deal of useful trunk space.

The World's Safest Convertible

With its pop-up roll bars and a myriad of other electronic safety systems, the SL has been acclaimed as "the world's safest convertible." Every aspect of vehicle safety is considered - from crash avoidance through safety systems such as Attention Assist, Distronic Plus, PRE-SAFE Brake and ESP stability control to the fastest possible rescue of its occupants in the event of an accident.

Occupant protection is optimized by a high-strength aluminum body, smart front airbags, knee bags, side air bags and head-thorax bags, seat belt tensioners, belt force limiters and a sensor-controlled roll bar (a Mercedes-Benz invention in the fourth-generation SL).

Exclusivity is Standard

The Mercedes-Benz SL is extraordinarily well-equipped, with particular attention to comfort and exclusivity. Two-zone automatic climate control, GPS navigation, panorama sunroof, leather-covered seats, rich wood trim, multi-color ambient lighting and a sophisticated harmon/kardon audio system are all standard equipment.

In addition to Mercedes-pioneered ABS anti-lock brakes, traction control and ESP stability control, standard safety features include the innovative PRE-SAFE system, ATTENTION ASSIST, pop-up roll bars, bi-xenon headlights and a full compliment of eight airbags.

Optional equipment includes innovative features such as DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, ABC active suspension and KEYLESS GO.

History

The very first Mercedes-Benz 300SL - a race car - was totally unlike its contemporary sports/racing cars of 1952. With its innovative tubular space frame, teardrop-shaped aluminum body, and gullwing doors, the 300SL caused a stir in the motorsports world. Winning both Le Mans and the famed Carrera Panamericana that year made the 300SL race car's debut season a sensation. Then, to the surprise of many, the company began production of the road-going SL in 1954 with a direct-fuel-injection engine, debuting the production 300SL Gullwing not in Frankfurt, Paris or even in Europe, but in New York, starting a lasting legacy of exciting SL sports cars from Mercedes-Benz.

Based on the 300SL Gullwing coupe, the convertible 300SL roadster was launched in 1957. These two cars are sometimes compared to the modern-day SLS AMG gullwing and roadster models. And, not unlike today's SLK, the 190SL - a smaller, less expensive convertible that debuted in 1955 - was marketed in parallel with the 300SL.

The "Pagoda Roof"

Known internally as the W113, a second-generation SL arrived in 1963 and was promptly dubbed "the Pagoda SL" because of the shape of its removable hardtop roof. Replacing the 300SL and the 190SL, the new SL was available as a convertible with a folding top or an open car with a removable hardtop. Although it had the identical 94.5-inch wheelbase as the first SL, the second-generation SL was actually based on a shortened version of the 220 SE tailfin sedan, providing it with Mercedes-pioneered crumple zones and a rigid passenger cell.

First V8-Powered SL

The next-generation SL was launched in 1971 and was produced for 18 years - an unusually long life that meant that more R107 cars were sold than any other generation of SL. During this time, the first V8-powered SL made its debut - the 350SL. In addition, an SLC coupe (the C107) based on this SL was built until 1981. During this time, the SL was fitted with a padded dash, recessed switches, an impact-absorbing steering wheel, ABS antilock brakes and an air bag and belt tensioner.

First Pop-Up Roll Bar

Launched in 1989, the fourth-generation SL featured a number of technical innovations, including the first automatic folding top and a pop-up roll bar. The R129 series also had seats with shoulder belts integrated directly into the seatbacks - a unique design that further increased its safety in a rollover. A V12-powered model, the 600SL was added in 1992. The R129 benefited from two facelifts - one in 1995 and another in 1998.

First SL With a Retractable Hardtop

Featuring the SL's first retractable hardtop and ABC active suspension, the fifthgeneration car made its debut in 2001. The R230 line grew to include AMG versions of the V8 and V12 models, as well as an exclusive SL65 AMG Black Series model.

The Timeline of an Automotive Legend

Overall, more than 500,000 of these exclusive sports cars have hit the world's roadways, making enough history to fill several volumes.

Aluminum Unit Body

The six-generation SL roadster features a unitized aluminum body - the first such mass-produced body shell from Mercedes-Benz. In comparison to the previous-generation SL, the aluminum body weighs some 275 pounds less, while providing more crash safety and better ride comfort.

The highlights of the new aluminum body include:
- high-pressure-formed front longitudinal frame members
- hollow-cast, chilled longitudinal rear frame members
- thin-wall, double-plate, hollow-profile main floor
- cast-aluminum firewall, B-pillars and base of the A-pillars

Covered in protective body-color plastic, aluminum rocker panels below the doors are structural frame members comprised of seven-chamber extruded sections for lateral rigidity.

Steel Roof Pillars

At the same time, high-strength steel is used in the front roof pillars and roof frame, to provide the best possible occupant safety in rollovers. Instead of the usual fork-shaped tubular roof pillars, a tube-in-tube, box-section design is used for better rigidity and lower weight.

Aluminum Frame and Body Panels

The front hood, fenders and doors are also made of aluminum. In particular, the doors use a combination of aluminum sheet, extruded sections and cast parts, which are joined by riveting, bonding and folding. The door hinges are a combination of aluminum and steel.

The trunk lid features an outer panel of sheet-molded plastic and a structural inner frame of steel that are bonded together. For durability and long life, the two panels are made of compounds with nearly identical expansion rates. The plastic outer skin makes it possible to hide many of the antennas in the trunk lid.

Structural Cage for the Fuel Tank

The fuel tank is mounted above the rear suspension in a structural cage of chilled-cast aluminum longitudinal members, aluminum crossmember profiles and a magnesium partition wall.

Extra Measures Keep It Quiet

The lighter aluminum body required extra measures to ensure noise and vibration are less than the previous model. In addition to the double-layer floor, one-piece carpeting with thicker foam backing reduces road noise. Heavy firewall insulation muffles engine sound, while additional insulation is used near the rear-wall crossmember, the sides of the trunk and ventilation ductwork to minimize tire and wind noise. To reduce vibration transmitted to the cabin, spray-on insulation is used throughout the car on structural elements. Even the laminated windshield has a transparent, elastic noise-reducing film to dampen vibration.

Balancing Strength and Weight

The overall design of the new SL body produces a strong, light structure that strikes an impressive balance between stiffness and weight. Contributing to its outstanding handling as well as excellent ride comfort, the torsional rigidity of the new aluminum body is 20 percent stiffer than previous-generation steel body.

To view the complete technical guide, please download the Comprehensive_Technical_Guide_2013_SL-Class.pdf file.

Credits: Mercedes-Benz USA

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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The New-Generation 2013MY Mercedes-Benz SL Makes U.S. On-Road Debut

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Two weeks ago, U.S. journalists test-drove the very first new-generation Mercedes-Benz SL coupe/roadsters arriving in the U.S. The sixth generation of the iconic Mercedes-Benz SL is being launched in May 2012 with an all-new lightweight aluminum unit body, new levels of driving refinement, even more useful technology and a redesigned version of its well-known retractable hardtop.

Lightweight Design

While the sleek SL550 for the 2013 model year is about two inches longer and wider, its aluminum frame is more than 200 pounds lighter than the previous model. Most of the body panels are also aluminum, and high-strength steel is used in the roof pillars. Overall, the new SL body is about 20 percent stiffer than the car it replaces.

60th Anniversary of the Mercedes-Benz SL

The debut of the sixth-generation SL coupe/roadster in 2012 marks the 60th anniversary of the iconic Mercedes-Benz SL. Initially intended as nothing more than an abbreviation for "super" and "light," the name "SL" has been the best-known model in the Mercedes-Benz line for 60 years.

The first-ever SL was a race car, totally unlike its contemporary sports/racing cars of 1952. With its innovative tubular space frame, teardrop-shaped aluminum body and gullwing doors, the 300SL caused a stir in the motorsports world. Winning both Le Mans and the famed Carrera Panamericana that year made the 300SL race car's debut season a sensation.

To the surprise of many, the company began production of the road-going SL with a directfuel- injection engine in 1954, debuting the production 300SL Gullwing not in Frankfurt, Paris or even in Europe, but in New York. This started a lasting legacy of exciting SL sports cars from Mercedes-Benz. Based on the 300SL Gullwing coupe, the convertible 300SL roadster was launched in 1957. These two cars are sometimes compared to the modern-day SLS AMG gullwing and roadster models. And, not unlike today's SLK, the 190SL - a smaller, less expensive convertible that debuted in 1955 - was marketed in parallel with the 300SL.

Direct Injection V8

Under its refined skin, the SL550 coupe is powered by an efficient and refined new V8 engine that gets up to 14% better fuel economy while producing more power - an astounding feat, considering that increasing power or fuel economy is usually an either-or scenario. The V8 features direct fuel injection, twin turbochargers and multi-spark ignition.

Based on its highly successful 5.5-liter predecessor, the new 4.6-liter V8 engine has 20 percent smaller displacement but generates more horsepower and torque - 429 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. Its smaller displacement is more than offset by the power boost of its twin turbochargers and an air-water intercooler.

ECO Stop-Start System

The new SL550 engine comes with an innovative ECO stop-start system. Whenever the car stops with the brake pedal depressed, the engine is automatically turned off to save fuel. As soon as the driver touches the accelerator pedal, the engine computer selects the piston that is in the best position for first ignition, and the direct fuel injection and multi-spark systems work with a starter motor to seamlessly re-start the engine.

Innovative FrontBass®

Inside the new SL, a standard harman/kardon Logic 7 digital surround-sound system features the new FrontBass®, in which the bass speakers are mounted in the front firewall so the two front frame members also serve as large bass boxes. This natural amplification makes the system one of the best in its class, and saves weight in the process, since separate bass boxes are no longer necessary.

The harman/kardon audio system comes with Dolby Surround 5.1 and uses two amplifiers with a total of 600 watts to power 14 speakers. All amplifier channels have individually tuned frequency response, and the system includes speed-dependent volume control.

MAGIC VISION CONTROL

The wiper arms and blades in the new SL feature laser-cut passages along the entire length of each blade, distributing washer fluid directly in front of the moving wiper blades. A separate electronic control unit ensures that washer fluid changes its flow each time the wipers change direction.

This targeted washer fluid improves cleaning without impairing driver visibility during the spray process, and the control unit also changes the amount of washer fluid as vehicle speed and outside temperature change. Finally, the volume of washer fluid is reduced automatically when the top is down, so occupants can clean the windshield without getting sprayed.

MAGIC SKY CONTROL

A standard Panorama sunroof consists of a see-through polycarbonate roof panel with a manually operated roller blind. Optional MAGIC SKY CONTROL features a glass roof panel, in which the tinting of the panel can be controlled by the driver or passenger. In an instant, a button above the rear-view mirror can change the roof panel from transparent to heavily tinted, using technology similar to automatic dimming mirrors.

mbrace2

Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to make emergency calling a standard feature, and the new SL marks the debut of mbrace2, the next generation of telematics innovation that gives drivers top-of-the-line features related to safety, infotainment, personal assistance and vehicle care. It includes the ability to remotely update all software modules via cloud networks, so mbrace2 users always have the latest technology in their vehicles and at their fingertips. New services are also added to the mbrace2 Mobile Application, which is compatible with both iPhone and Android smartphones.

The World's Safest Convertible

In addition to mbrace2, its pop-up roll bars and a myriad of other electronic safety systems have led many to label the SL as "the world's safest convertible." Its crash avoidance systems include ATTENTION ASSIST, DISTRONIC PLUS, PRE-SAFE Brake and ESP stability control as well as Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist. In a collision, occupants are protected by its high-strength aluminum body, smart front airbags, knee bags, and headthorax bags, seat belt tensioners, belt force limiters and sensor-controlled roll bars (a Mercedes-Benz invention in the fourth-generation SL).

About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. For more than forty years, MBUSA has taken pride in providing superior quality luxury vehicles coupled with its commitment to outstanding customer support. A division of Daimler AG, MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans in the US. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.maybachusa.com and www.mbsprinterusa.com.

Quick Reference:

Performance/Availability:
- 2013 SL550 (on sale: May 2012): 429 hp, 516 lb-ft - MSRP: $105,500

New Standard Feature Highlights:- ATTENTION ASSIST
- MAGIC VISION CONTROL
- Central COMAND controller
- Electromechanical steering
- Power windscreen
- Direct-injection twin-turbo gasoline V8 engine with ECO Stop/Start
- Panorama sunroof
- Multicolor ambient lighting
- Frontbass
- PRE-SAFE®
- Adaptive Highbeam Assist
- Mercedes-Benz mbrace2™

New Optional Feature Highlights:
- PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist
- Power trunk closer with Hands-free access
- Active Blind Spot Assist
- Active Lane Keeping Assist
- MAGIC SKY CONTROL

Other Models:- 2013 SL63 AMG (on-sale: July 2012): 530 hp, 590 lb-ft - MSRP: $145,800
- 2013 SL65 AMG (on-sale: November 2012): 621 hp, 738 lb-ft - MSRP: TBA

Credits: Mercedes-Benz USA

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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