Dynamic and inspirational - the new SL-Class

With an output of 285 kW/388 hp and 530 Nm of torque, the newly developed V8 engine in the SL 500 offers everything that is expected of a powerful sports car. The eight-cylinder unit has a displacement of 5.5 litres and is one of the most powerful engines in its displacement class. The SL 500 accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds (predecessor model: 6.2 seconds). Despite the

26 per cent boost in performance, the fuel consumption (NEDC combined) matches that of the predecessor model at 23.2 mpg. The six-cylinder engine in the SL 350 is another new unit. Although this 200 kW/272 hp V6 powerplant achieves fuel savings of 3.3 mpg, its output is 11 per cent higher. The combined NEDC fuel consumption is 27.4 mpg.

The SL 350 accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 6.6 seconds, making it more than half a second faster than the predecessor model. At the top of the model range is the SL 600 with its V12 biturbo engine. The output and maximum torque of this unit have been increased to 380 kW/517 hp and 830 Nm respectively. This twelve-cylinder engine accelerates the SL-Class from zero to 62mph in just 4.5 seconds (predecessor model: 4.7 seconds). All three engine variants of the SL-Class have newly developed exhaust systems: the particularly stirring and powerful engine note has been specially tuned to enhance the driving experience while still offering exceptional comfort on even the longest trips. Mercedes-Benz equips the V6 and V8 models of the new SL-Class with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission as standard. 7G-TRONIC Sport, which is available as an optional extra, allows shifting to be performed up to 30 percent faster in manual "M" mode; furthermore, this package features steering-wheel shift paddles similar to those used in Formula 1. ABC (Active Body Control) active suspension system (standard in the SL 500 and SL 600), which is regarded as one of the milestones of automotive technology, has been refined even further for the new SL-Class. Compared with the predecessor model, body movements in dynamic driving situations have been reduced by up to 60 per cent.

This takes the SL-Class into a new dimension of driving dynamics, yet the Roadster still offers the same high level of comfort. Standard in the SL 500 and SL 600, Active Body Control is available as an optional extra for the SL 350. A new steering set-up with a more direct ratio and new valve control logic makes the SL-Class even more responsive. In addition, the brake systems of the SL 350 and SL 500 have been optimised for the increased engine output. Only subtle updates to the body design were required to prepare the new generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class for the future. A new bumper with three large cooling air intakes and a more pronounced "V-shape" as well as fog lamps with chrome surrounds emphasise the power of the two-seater and give it a wider look.

These features are complemented by the newly designed, matt-silver-painted radiator grille with three louvres and chrome highlights. The side view is enhanced by new light-alloy wheels whose powerful appearance emphasises the sporty character of the SL-Class. New rear light units complete the styling measures: with their horizontal divisions and red/white clear-lens design, they accentuate the width of the muscular rear of the SL-Class.

Other interior highlights characterised by their particularly attractive look and feel include classic, chronometer-style gauges housed within the redesigned instrument shroud with double topstitching, the new digital clock and the cover of the adjacent ventilation outlet, as well as the new aluminium-look switches for operating the vario-roof.

The two-seater can be converted from a Coupé to a Roadster – and vice-versa – in next to no time. Opening or closing the folding roof, a glass version of which is available as an optional extra, takes just 16 seconds. An even higher level of operating comfort than that offered previously is provided by the optional remote boot-lid release system (which has a button on the boot lid for closing plus a button in the car for remote closing), providing access to the boot at the touch of a button.

The standard equipment includes the removable luggage cover which increases the capacity of the boot by 22 litres to provide 339 litres of luggage space – more than any other vehicle in this segment. With a spare wheel fitted in place of Tirefit, the overall capacity is 310 litres. The luggage cover, which can be removed quickly and easily, not only increases the capacity of the boot, but also makes loading considerably easier and enhances usability.

When it comes to individualisation, an even wider designo range is available to SL customers with immediate effect. For the first time, the new line-up includes two designo Edition interior appointments packages offering an extremely attractive array of colours and materials. designo Edition I features a classic combination of colours while designo Edition II has a sporty character. The new-generation SL-Class will have its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in February 2006; it will appear in the showrooms of Mercedes-Benz outlets and authorised retailers from March 2006.

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