The Mercedes-Benz SL will be more practical and faster than its predecesssor due to a 2+2 cabin and AMG engineering.
Speaking at the New York motor show about the eighth-generation car, AMG boss Tobias Moers told Autocar a 2+2 layout "would make sense" because it would offer a "bit more space".
Development of the new two-seat luxury roadster was handed to AMG last year as part of a plan by Mercedes-Benz’s incoming research and development boss, Ola Källenius, to provide the new SL with what’s been described as “a more sporting character” than the existing model.
“It is being kept secret at the moment, but AMG is heading the engineering of the new SL,” a highly placed insider at Mercedes-Benz’s headquarters in Stuttgart told Autocar, adding: “It’s going to be a vastly different proposition to today’s model.”
Although photos of a development prototype from the Nürburgring show a heavily modified S-Class coupé, the final production version of the SL will get an all-new platform structure. Known internally as the MSA (modularen sportwagen architektur), it is also planned to underpin the successor to today’s SLC. The new platform, which supports scalable tracks and wheelbase, has been developed using various solutions from Mercedes-Benz MRA (modularen rear architektur), as used by the E-Class.
As well as receiving a new platform, Mercedes-Benz has also taken the decision to ditch the SL’s folding aluminium roof. For the first time since the fifth generation model ceased production in 2001, the new model, codenamed R232, will flaunt a multi-layer fabric hood similar in construction to that used by the S-Class cabriolet.
Among the engines planned to power the new SL is Mercedes-Benz’s new turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol unit. In the new SL 300 is planned to deliver 365bhp, while added turbocharger boost pressure and other power enhancing measures will see it pumped up to 435bhp for use in the SL 400.
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abkq
I wonder what it means to
TheSaintmobile
It good to know Mercedes to
JJ
Actually...
Pity car makers can no longer profitably offer us alternatives such as this.
They once did: special "SWB, lightweight" versions of their flagships were being made by MB, Ferrari and others in the 50's and 60's. These are among today's most sought after classics.
Yet there's no end to the plethora of SU varieties they're willing to come up with!
JJ
Oh, and another thing...
AMG have a habit of doing that, which has - in the past - made their efforts a little one-dimensional.
The SL has traditionally been a car to both relax in and enjoy a bit of fun. That has always been part of its mystique.
It could be that the forthcoming S-class convertible may mean the next SL will need greater differentiation.
However, SL has always stood for Sport, Light": a dainty, more responsive and interactive version of their luxury car, but not a hot rod. Something that could be used in the city, every day.
I hope that never changes.
Marcus Mackay
What makes a real SL
The SL has evolved as a GT which is no bad thing, as such a folding glass and aluminium roof is a key ingredient when crossing continents at high speed (where the law still allows in Germany for example), and when you get to your destination, voila the roof disappears. Power and luxury.
So does an AMG SL as described in this article with a tent for a roof make sense.... Hmmmm I think not. There is already enough in the way of AMG rocket sleds for those who like that kind of frankly irrelevant device for today's roads.
The SL is authentic, but not to the idea of being some kind of ultimate lightweight, no the SL has evolved to fulfil a specific luxurious niche, let's hope they don't ruin it.
Ski Kid
the back end and rear window look odd
tomy90
Confused
TheSaintmobile
It great the SL will have a 4
eseaton
What is the point is showing us multiple pictures of a mule?
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