2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 350
Its highly rigid all-aluminium bodyshell provides
the basis for agile, sporty handling that has been taken to an entirely
new level, coupled with exemplary roll characteristics and ride comfort.
Even better driving dynamics come courtesy of the new BlueDIRECT
engines; they are more powerful yet at the same time up to 29 percent
more economical than the engines in the outgoing generation. Other new
features include the unique Frontbass system, which turns the luxury
sports car into a concert hall regardless of whether the top is open or
closed, and the highly efficient adaptive windscreen wipe/wash system
MAGIC VISION CONTROL; it supplies water from the wiper blade to the
windscreen – as required and depending on the direction of wipe.
The new SL from Mercedes-Benz offers considerably
more sportiness and comfort than‑its successful predecessor, setting
new benchmarks in the luxury roadster segment. Add to this absolute
suitability for everyday use – making it an unparalleled all-rounder
amongst sports cars. In short: anyone who talks about the new SL is
talking about passionate, refined motoring of the highest calibre.
Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of
Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “There are
around 900 million cars in the world and thousands of models. But there
are only a handful of automotive icons. Our SL is one of them: it has
class, it has style, it oozes comfort and luxury. But it blends all of
this with unbelievable sportiness and dynamism. Virtually no other car
can meet Gottlieb Daimler’s standard as perfectly as our SL: the best or
nothing.”
Lighter and more rigid: sophisticated all-aluminium bodyshell
The new-generation Mercedes-Benz SL takes the
meaning of the famous letters “SL” – super-light – literally. Consistent
weight reduction is one of the most outstanding design characteristics
in the new SL – as was the case in its namesake, the original SL of 1952
with its lightweight tubular frame. For the first time Mercedes-Benz
has implemented an all-aluminium bodyshell in a series-production model.
Only very few components consist of other materials. The designers use
the even lighter magnesium for the cover behind the tank. High-strength
steel tubing is integrated in the A-pillars for safety reasons.
The new aluminium bodyshell weighs around 110
kilograms less than it would using the steel technology from the
predecessor. “The effect is rather as if a heavyweight-class passenger
had got out of the car” says Dr Thomas Rudlaff, responsible for the
aluminium bodyshell at Mercedes-Benz. “The result is perceptible and
measurable. Less weight means more dynamism and less consumption. In
other words: the motoring enjoyment increases, the environmental burden
decreases.”
The aluminium structure is not only lighter but
also proves superior to the predecessor’s steel construction in terms of
rigidity, safety and comfort. This is achieved thanks, among other
things, to its intelligent lightweight construction with components
optimised for their specific task. Thus, diverse processes are used to
make different kinds of aluminium depending on the use the component is
to be given: the parts are made by chill casting or vacuum die-casting,
worked into extruded aluminium sections or into aluminium panels of
different thicknesses. The result: high rigidity, high safety levels and
better vibration characteristics.
Although the new SL is even more comfortable and
has more safety devices on board than its predecessor and therefore does
actually sacrifice some of the weight saved through the aluminium
bodyshell, the scales show some astonishing figures: the new SL 500
(1785 kg) weighs around 125 kilograms less than its predecessor bearing
the same name. On balance, the SL 350 (1685 kg) is even 140 kilograms
lighter – all thanks to a host of other intelligent enhanced details to
reduce weight, which Mercedes-Benz has also implemented in the new SL in
addition to the aluminium bodyshell.
Driving pleasure: frugal, powerful engines and agile suspension
Powerful while accelerating, effortlessly
superior across all speeds, nimble on winding roads – the new SL
provides no end of driving pleasure. Apart from the powerful engines,
the sportily tuned yet comfortable suspension, which also boasts an
intelligent lightweight construction, proves outstanding. For instance,
the steering knuckles and spring links on the front axle are also made
out of aluminium to reduce the unsprung masses. The same also applies to
virtually all the wheel location components on the rear axle.
The new SL is available with two different
suspension systems: the SL features semi-active adjustable damping as
standard. The optional active suspension system ABC (Active Body
Control) is available as an alternative.
Both suspension variants are combined with a new
electromechanical Direct-Steer system featuring speed-sensitive power
steering and a ratio that can be varied across the steering wheel angle.
This ensures excellent straight-line stability and, therefore, a high
degree of assuredness when travelling at motorway speeds and makes the
SL very agile. It also reduces the amount of steering required when
parking and manoeuvring.
The new V8 in the SL 500 develops 320 kW (435 hp) from its displacement of 4663 cc and thus around 12 percent more than its predecessor despite some 0.8 litres less displacement. The fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 22 percent. At the same time, the torque has increased from 530 Nm to 700 Nm – a gain of 32 percent. Although the displacement remains the same at 3499 cc, the new V6 engine in the new SL 350 develops 225 kW (306 hp) and delivers 370 Nm of torque. It uses just 6.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, making it almost 30 percent more economical than its predecessor. Both engine variants come with a standard-fit ECO start/stop function. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, which has been optimised in relation to fuel consumption and comfort, also contributes to the exemplary, low fuel consumption. The fuel economy of the BlueDIRECT engines takes nothing away from the roadster’s raciness. Quite the contrary: the SL 350 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, making it three tenths of a second faster than its predecessor. The SL 500 takes just 4.6 seconds – eight tenths less than the previous SL 500.
Interior: aesthetic, stylish, sporty
The new SL combines its aesthetically honed profile, which follows the Mercedes-Benz
tradition, with a luxurious feel. Fine materials, perfectly finished
with great attention to detail, distinguish the style and character of
the interior.
Compared with its predecessor, the new generation
of the SL is much longer (+50 mm to 4612 mm) and wider (+57 mm to 1877
mm), providing more room for more comfort in the interior, too. Shoulder
room (+37 mm) and elbow room (+28 mm) have been increased, exceeding
the dimensions normally found in this vehicle class. Clear lines create a
formally coherent internal space within this comfortable interior.
Generously used wood trim extends from the centre console across the
dashboard into the doors, creating a pleasant wrap-around effect. Three
types of wood along with two different aluminium trim finishes are
available. Perfectly in tune with the roadster’s character, it combines
the unpretentious atmosphere of a high-performance sports car with the comfortable, stylish ambience one comes to expect in a luxurious touring car.
Design: classic SL proportions
The designers have brought the latest generation
of the SL unmistakably to life on the basis of tradition but added new
perspectives and visions. The result is a stylishly sporty and elegant
luxury sports car with the classic hallmark SL balanced proportions: the
long bonnet gives way to a compact passenger compartment that is set
well back. A wide, muscular tail end giving the impression of raciness
provides the finishing touch. A handful of elaborately styled lines
define the powerfully sculpted and yet calm surfaces of the flanks.
Finely worked details, a striking tail end as well as ventilation
grilles with chromed fins from the dynamic traditional Mercedes-Benz
design heritage visually emphasise the SL legend.
An upright classic sports car radiator grille
clearly marks out the new SL visually as a prestigious member of the
current Mercedes-Benz sports car family. The centrally positioned star
is a contemporary reinterpretation of the famous trademark, which now
extends into the centre section with its organically flowing contours.
Dynamically slanting headlamps set well to the
outside flank the striking front end and give the new roadster its own
unmistakable face. The headlamps come as standard with the Intelligent
Light System (ILS). With five different lighting functions that are
tailored to typical driving and weather conditions, and are activated
depending on the driving situation, they offer the driver a much better
illuminated field of vision. The striking curved sidelights and the
horizontal strip of the daytime running lamps in the far ends of the
bumper feature LED technology.
Vario-roof: MAGIC SKY CONTROL as an option
The sixth generation of the SL also offers a
vario-roof that can be retracted into the boot using an electrohydraulic
mechanism to save space, which converts the SL in a few seconds into a
roadster or a coupé, depending on the driver’s wishes and the weather.
Unlike its predecessor, three versions are available for the new SL:
painted, with a glass roof or with the unique panoramic vario-roof with
MAGIC SKY CONTROL. The transparent roof switches to light or dark at the
push of a button. When light it is virtually transparent, offering an
open-air experience even in cold weather. In its dark state the roof
provides welcome shade and prevents the interior from heating up in
bright sunlight. The frame of the three roof versions is made of
magnesium, making the roofs around six kilograms lighter than the roof
on the predecessor, thus providing a lower centre of gravity for the vehicle and, in turn, better agility.
The engineers have refined the operating
mechanism for the roof and boot lid. It now takes less than 20 seconds
to open or close the roof completely.
Aerodynamics: new standards
The design of the new SL not only meets high aesthetic demands – it also boasts exemplary aerodynamic qualities.
As such, the roadster merits best marks in its segment in four important disciplines:
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With the lowest drag coefficient (cd = 0.27 in the SL 350);
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With the lowest wind noise that is virtually on a par with a closed saloon;
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With the best comfort for open-top motoring so that you can still have the roof down even at high speed;
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With virtually no accumulation of dirt on the side windows.
Two world premieres: Frontbass and MAGIC VISION CONTROL
With two innovations, the new SL remains true to its tradition as a technological trendsetter:
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MAGIC VISION CONTROL is a new, intelligent and highly efficient wipe/wash system. The innovative wiper blade concept always applies the washer fluid just in front of the wiper blade lip via the channels integrated into the blade – in both directions of wipe. As a result, no water is splashed onto the windscreen during spraying to disrupt the driver’s visibility, while at the same time cleaning the windscreen perfectly. The water also remains on the windscreen, thus ensuring it is cleaned without troubling the occupants, even with the roof down. For the first time an optional fully heated wiper blade which prevents snow or ice from forming on the blade in winter is available. This heating function also allows warm water to be applied directly onto the windscreen for the first time, even in cold temperatures.
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Also unique, the Frontbass system intelligently uses the free spaces in the aluminium structures in front of the footwell as resonance spaces for the bass loudspeakers. As a result the new SL features clear, crisp bass sounds that facilitate a concert hall ambience even with the top down, and frees up space in the doors.
Both innovations are part of the extensive standard equipment of the new SL.
HANDS-FREE ACCESS: ‘kick’ to open
The HANDS-FREE ACCESS system is another
Mercedes-Benz innovation which provides hands-free, contactless
operation of the boot lid. The driver simply moves their foot in the
vicinity of the rear bumper. Mercedes-Benz is the only car maker to
offer a system which not only automatically opens the boot lid but
closes it as well.
The safest roadster
Thanks to the crash-optimised aluminium
structure, standard-fit PRE-SAFE® and assistance systems on the same
high level as the S-Class, the SL is the world’s safest roadster. The
rigid aluminium bodyshell forms a sturdy passenger compartment along
with precisely defined deformation zones in the front and tail ends. In
the event of the vehicle overturning, A-pillars made out of a mix of
steel and aluminium and two roll-over bars protect the passenger
compartment. The restraint systems including the two-stage driver and
passenger airbags have been further developed. A headbag integrally
covers the side head-impact area. An additional thorax airbag in the
seat backrest can protect the upper body in the event of a side impact.
Another new feature is the crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints
developed by Mercedes-Benz which are fitted as standard in the SL.
An active bonnet and a front end with a large, yielding impact area help ensure pedestrian protection.
A safety highlight comes in the form of the
standard-specification anticipatory occupant protection system
PRE-SAFE®, developed by Mercedes-Benz and the only one of its kind in
the world. If it recognises that there is an acute risk of an accident,
it reacts reflexively by activating preventive measures to protect the
occupants, so that the belts and airbags can exercise their protective
effect optimally in the event of a subsequent impact which might ensue.
Additional post-crash measures supplement the integral safety concept
and facilitate rapid assistance: regardless of the severity of the
impact, the doors can be automatically unlocked after an accident, the
interior lighting activated and the side windows lowered by 50
millimetres to ventilate the interior more effectively. The steering
wheel can also be moved upwards.
Standard-specification: ATTENTION ASSIST and ADAPTIVE BRAKE
In the new SL, too, a unique combination of
driver assistance systems helps prevent accidents. These include the
standard-fit drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST and the
ADAPTIVE BRAKE. The latter features ABS, acceleration skid control (ASR)
and active yaw control, and offers comfort and convenience functions in
addition to safety functions.
The ADAPTIVE BRAKE works in conjunction with the
equally adaptive brake lights. In emergency braking situations, it uses
flashing brake lights to warn vehicles behind.
PRE-SAFE® Brake: autonomous partial and emergency braking in response to a serious risk of a rear-end collision
As an option DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control and
PRE-SAFE® Brake, which is already well proven in other Mercedes-Benz
models, are available. Both work on the basis of the same radar sensors.
Once a serious risk of a rear-end collision is detected, the PRE-SAFE®
Brake warns the driver initially and can initiate autonomous braking if
the driver fails to react, and so either prevent the accident or at
least mitigate its severity. PRE-SAFE® can also activate occupant
protection measures.
Active Parking Assist: automatically manoeuvres into a parking space
The Active Parking Assist is new in the SL. Using
ultrasound sensors it can identify parking spaces and automatically
steer the vehicle into the space while parking.
Infotainment: COMAND with internet access
Even in the entry-level variant, the new
Mercedes-Benz SL comes with the “Cockpit Management and Data System”
COMAND. Functionality includes Bluetooth telephony along with simpler
operation of the car phone. COMAND Online with internet access and a DVD
changer is also available as an option (whilst it comes as part of the
standard specification for the SL 500). It provides unlimited web
browsing while the vehicle is stationary, along with high-speed access
to a Mercedes-Benz online service – for instance requesting a weather
report or a special destination search. There is also the option of
sending individual destinations and routes via Google Maps to the
vehicle. For the first time, Mercedes-Benz is also offering new apps for
the new SL: in addition to a free news app and a Facebook app, there
are optional Mercedes-Benz Apps for share prices and a car park finder. A
Yelp app to look for restaurants is available for the US market.
Both COMAND versions feature a high-resolution
TFT colour display with a 17.8 cm diagonal (800 x 480 pixels) at the
side next to the instrument cluster. This screen arrangement prevents
the driver from being distracted as far as possible.
The prices inclusive of 19% VAT:
SL 350 93,534 euros
SL 500 117,096 euros
To coincide with the launch of the new SL,
Mercedes-Benz will also be offering a special-edition model, the
“Edition 1”, for a limited period. The “Edition 1” is superbly equipped
and comes as standard with a panoramic vario-roof, AMG bodystyling,
sports suspension, AMG 19-inch light-alloy wheels, designo nappa leather
with contrasting topstitching, AIRSCARF, heated seats, an electric
draught-stop, ambient lighting and the Harman/Kardon® Logic7® surround
sound system, plus much more. The designo crystal silver magno special
paintwork along with trim in wave or deep white aluminium are available
exclusively for the “Edition 1”. Depending on the base model, the extra
charge is between 19,028.10 euros and 22,598.10 euros.
Image : 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
[Source : DAIMLER]
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1 Responses to "The new Mercedes-Benz SL : Lightweight, athletic, luxurious"June 19, 2012 at 2:58 PM
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