Mercedes-Benz has lifted the veil from the new 2017 SL Roadster at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show. Offered in four variants, the SL450, SL550, AMG SL63, and the AMG SL65, the roadster hopes to hold its own in a category occupied by the Porsche 911 and the Aston Martin Vantage.
Mercedes promises the car will be well-suited for everyday use and sportier in appearance than the outgoing model, thanks to a fully revised front end. Inspiration for the new front end’s design reportedly came from the 300 SL Panamericana racing car. Depending on your thirst for speed, each new SL comes with a different engine:
- SL450 – 3.0L V6 Biturbo – 362 hp, 369 lb-ft
- SL550 – 4.7L V8 Biturbo – 449 hp, 516 lb-ft
- AMG SL63 – 5.5L V8 Biturbo – 577 hp, 664 lb-ft
- AMG SL65 – 6.0L V12 Biturbo – 621 hp, 738 lb-ft
Zero-60 mph times range from 4.9 seconds for the “slowest” SL450 down to 4.0 seconds flat for the screaming AMG SL65. The help keep the SL’s curb weight in check MB engineers went with an all-aluminum body shell for the first time in company history on a large-scale series production. The body shell saved 220 lbs less than if it had been made with steel. The suspension of the SL has also been re-worked. According to Mercedes Benz:
“The steel suspension of the standard chassis features continuously variable dampers. The driver can leave the setting of the basic characteristics of the suspension to the control electronics via DYNAMIC SELECT – from comfortable to extremely sporty in the new third Sport+ mode.”
Look for the new SL to launch in the spring of 2016.Pricing has yet to be announced but as the old saying goes, if you have to ask… or, perhaps you can save a few euros by finding a “previously enjoyed” SL similar to the one featured in the video below.
