2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Mercedes-Benz has announced the new 2013 SL-class. The sports car features an all-aluminum bodyshell, which means more rigidity and less weight. Furthermore, the folding metal roof has a magnesium frame cutting more weight compared to the previous model. The new SL is even more comfortable and has more assistance systems on-board than its predecessor, sacrificing some of the weight saved through the aluminum bodyshell as a result.
The exterior of 2013 SL is entirely reworked and looks kind of … different. It features a ventilated hood and a single bar grille. The Bi-xenon headlamps come with active curve illumination and corner illuminating lamps as a standard feature. There is also an Adaptive Highbeam Assist. The striking sidelights and the horizontal line of the daytime running lamps in the far ends of the bumper feature LED technology. At the rear, the new SL features LED taillights and a dual exhaust system.
Aerodynamics - new standards
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:
• the lowest wind noise, virtually on par with a closed sedan; • the best comfort during open-air driving, meaning the roof can stay down evenat high speed; • virtually no accumulation of dirt on the side windows.
The interior boasts finest leather upholstery, a choice of two wood trims and metallic accents. Perfectly in tune with the roadster's character, the interior combines the unpretentious atmosphere of a high-performance sports car with the comfortable, stylish ambience you might expect from a luxurious touring car. The dashboard features round air vents and a new FrontBass audio system.
The engine range includes a 3.5 liter V6 with 306PS (225 kW) and 370Nm (273 lb-ft) of torque, which grants 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and exceptional fuel consumption of just 6.8 liters per 100 km (41.5 mpg). The top-of-range SL500 has a twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8 delivering 435PS (320 kW) and astonishing 699Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. From 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).
The SL is the world's safest roadster, thanks to the collision-optimized aluminum structure, standard equipment that includes PRE-SAFE® and ATTENTION ASSIST, plus further assistance systems on the same high level as the S-Class.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
