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PrintRedefining Motoring Mercedes-Benz SL 550
With much anticipation, Mercedes-Benz is set to introduce the new SL 550 – a two-door coupe/roadster that combines the classic heritage of the SL legend with a new vision; the result is a stylishly sporty and elegant luxury sports car with balanced proportions one would expect from the German moniker. Compared with its predecessor, which has shown little change over the past decade, the 2013 is designed to be more agile and athletic.
On the heels of Stephen Cannon’s appointment as the new president and CEO for Mercedes-Benz USA – a role that will oversee responsibility for the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, Sprinter and smart brands stateside, and account for more than 1,700 employees and 356 dealers nationwide, Mercedes-Benz announces a new addition to their line-up: the new SL. Stepped in a 60-year tradition, SL affords considerably more comfort and athletic character, setting new standards in the luxury roadster class; this includes amazing everyday usability, making the model the most versatile of all sports cars.
“There are around 900 million cars in the world and thousands of models. But there is only a handful of automotive icons. Our SL,” notes Dr. Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, “is one of them: It has class, it has style, it is the ultimate in comfort and luxury. And it combines all that with an incredibly sporty and dynamic character. You would struggle to find a car that embodies Gottlieb Daimler’s aspiration more perfectly than our new SL - the best or nothing.”
For the first time, the SL is being produced almost entirely from aluminum and consequently weighs considerably less than its predecessor; weighing around 242 pounds less than it would by utilizing with previous steel technology. Its highly rigid all-aluminum bodyshell provides the basis for agile, sporty handling that has been taken to an entirely new level, coupled with outstanding bodyroll and ride characteristics. Even better driving dynamics come courtesy of the new direct injection engine, which is more powerful and economical than the outgoing generation.
And according to Dr. Thomas Rudlaff, responsible for the aluminum bodyshell at Mercedes-Benz, “The result is perceptible and measurable. Less weight means improved performance and efficiency. In other words, the driving pleasure increases and the environmental impact decreases.”
Retractable Hard top with optional Magic Sky Control
The sixth generation of the SL also offers a retractable hard top that can be operated using a space-saving electrohydraulic mechanism, converting the SL from coupe to roadster and back again in a matter of seconds; going up or down in less than 20. In contrast to its predecessor, the new SL offers two versions of the retractable hard top - glass or the unique panoramic roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL. The transparent roof switches between light and dark at the push of a button. In the light setting 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 both versions is made from magnesium, reducing weight by around 13 pounds compared with the outgoing model, lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity and delivering greater agility.
Two World Premieres: FrontBass and Magic Vision Control
The new model remains true to its tradition as a technological trendsetter with two innovations:
Magic Vision Control: Is a new, intelligent and highly efficient wipe/wash system. The innovative wiper blade judiciously dispenses wash fluid just in front of the wiper blade via channels integrated into the blade - in both directions of travel. The result is no water splash on the windshield to disrupt driver visibility and a perfectly clean windshield. The water also stays on the windshield, with no risk of overspray into the passenger cabin when the roof is down.
FrontBass system: Equally unique is the FrontBass system, which makes intelligent use of the spaces in the aluminum structures forward of the footwell. These spaces function as resonating chambers for the woofers and mark the first time ever that a sound system has been integrated into the body-in-white. As a result, the new SL features clear, rich bass sounds that deliver a concert hall ambience even with the top down. The new layout has the added bonus of freeing up space in the doors and interior.
New Standards in Aerodynamics
The design of the new SL is not only aesthetically beautiful, it also boasts outstanding aerodynamic characteristics, giving the roadster top marks in its segment in three crucial areas:
- Lowest wind noise, virtually on par with a closed sedan
- Best comfort during open-air driving, meaning the roof can stay down even at high speed
- Virtually no accumulation of dirt on the side windows
To coincide with the launch of the 2013 SL, Mercedes-Benz will be offering a special-edition model, the “Edition 1,” for a limited period. The “Edition 1” is superbly equipped and comes standard with AMG 19-inch alloy wheels, designo exclusive leather with contrasting topstitching, AIRSCARF, the Harman/Kardon Logic7 surround sound system and much more.
Mercedes-Benz
mbusa.com
