2006 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is the latest incarnation of an unmatched automotive legacy, combining unrivaled technological excellence, passionate performance, and timeless elegance into flawless perfection.

SL500 Roadster
Alluring. Its incomparable appeal begins with handcrafted interior appointments, compelling 302-horsepower V-8 engine, SIRIUS Satellite Radio1 no-charge option, electrohydraulic brakes, and the ability to transform from hardtop coupe to open roadster in mere seconds.

SL600 Roadster
Definitive. A thundering 493-horsepower twin-turbocharged V-12, 5-speed automatic, Touch Shift manual-style shifting, revolutionary electrohydraulic brakes, Active Body Control, and SIRIUS Satellite Radio no-charge option ensure that the flagship of the SL-Class is thoroughly enchanting, top up or down.

SL55 AMG
Liberating. A 493-horsepower supercharged V-8 engine, fingertip manual-style shift buttons, enhanced Sensotronic brakes with 8-piston front calipers, AMG-tuned Active Body Control suspension, and SIRIUS Satellite Radio no-charge option are merely the beginning.

SL65 AMG
Intoxicating. Liberating 604-horsepower twin-turbocharged V-12, reinforced 5-speed automatic transmission with AMG SpeedShift™ programming, race-bred brakes with AMG 8-piston composite calipers, 19' dual-spoke AMG wheels, and SIRIUS Satellite Radio available as a no-charge option.

Source - Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG is now even more sporty and exclusive. Outstanding high-performance AMG Roadster has made further substantial gains in terms of technology, design and appointments and now offers an even more unique driving experience. Enhanced AMG sports suspension based on second-generation Active Body Control, more direct steering and new AMG high-performance brakes for the two-seater make for spectacular handling dynamics. Meticulous attention to detail is also a feature of the new-look body and interior.

The driving force behind the Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG is the extremely powerful AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine developing 604 bhp and a maximum torque of 738 lb-ft, making this still the most powerful production Roadster in the world. Impressive evidence of the phenomenal power harnessed by the AMG twelve-cylinder unit is provided by the 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 4 seconds. Again the top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

The AMG Roadster features modified AMG sports suspension based on second-generation Active Body Control, specific measures having been implemented to reduce body movements in dynamic driving situations – to levels even lower than those achieved by the outgoing models – without impairing the excellent ride comfort. Greater agility comes courtesy of the enhanced front-axle elastokinematics and the speed-sensitive power steering with a more direct ratio and new valve control logic.

Newly Developed AMG High-Performance Composite Brakes

The Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG is equipped with newly developed AMG high-performance brakes which ensure optimum application of the brake pressure, extremely short stopping distances and outstanding resistance to fading. The front axle boasts large composite brake discs with six-piston aluminum fixed calipers. The top-of-the-range AMG V12 model is fitted with a multiple-disc limited-slip differential with a locking factor of up to 40 percent for optimal traction.

Exterior Design Characterized by Even More Striking Dynamism

On a visual level, the new-generation AMG Roadster is distinguishable by its discreetly updated AMG bodystyling, including more dynamically styled AMG front aprons with an even more pronounced wedge shape and fog lamps ringed in chrome. In addition, the front apron of the Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG also incorporates side air outlets allowing optimal flow through the auxiliary engine-oil cooler. Further unobtrusive yet highly effective model enhancement measures include an AMG-specific radiator grille with black louvers and chrome highlights and new tail lights with special AMG tinting.

New Interior with AMG RACETIMER

Not to be outdone, the interior of the SL 65 AMG also sports an even more dynamic and premium-quality look. New genuine carbon-fiber trim elements add just the right degree of sportiness and reflect AMG's successful involvement in the world of motorsport. The AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with its specially molded rim is now fitted with silver-colored aluminum AMG shift paddles.

Further new features include the AMG main menu on the instrument cluster, which displays the currently engaged gear and recommended upshifts plus either the engine oil temperature, the battery voltage or the RACETIMER. The new RACETIMER function allows the driver to record lap times on private racing circuits, storing not only the time for the fastest lap but also the average and top speeds as well as the lap length.

It takes just 16 seconds to open or close the folding hard-top, a glass version of which can be specified as an optional extra. The AMG sports seats, interior door panels and armrests are upholstered in fine nappa leather.

Greater ease of use than before is assured by the optionally available electric remote-locking boot lid feature which enables the boot to be opened and closed with the minimum of effort. Standard equipment includes a removable luggage cover which increases the boot capacity by 22 liters to 339 liters – more than any other competitor in this segment. A few easy moves are all it takes to remove the luggage cover. As well as freeing up more boot space, this feature makes loading easier and boosts the boot's utility value.

The new-generation SL-Class is set to celebrate its public presentation in February 2006 at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland before appearing at Mercedes Benz outlets and authorized dealerships from March 2006.

Source - Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the legendary SL-Class sports car by introducing an exclusive special model, the 'Edition 50.' The SL-Class was first presented in 1954 at the International Motor Sports Show in New York. The special edition vehicle is available as either an SL 500 with an eight-cylinder engine or as an SL 350 with a V6 drive. The car comes with an extensive range of standard equipment that includes COMAND APS with a Europe-wide DVD navigation function, as well as ventilated seats with multi-contour function and nappa leather upholstery. Characteristic features of the anniversary edition are the 'Edition 50' logo on the headrests, the centre console trims and the striking vents of the front wings, as well as the special paint colours 'Silver Arrow' and 'designo brilliant black metallic'.

Ever since the world-famous 300 SL gull-wing coupe made its debut 50 years ago, Mercedes sports cars have been among the world's most fascinating and sought-after automobiles. The current SL-Class is the fifth generation of the two-seater, and three characteristic features make the vehicle particularly stand out: a sophisticated design, pioneering technology and lots of driving pleasure.

The Edition 50 underscores the SL's special standing by adding exclusive details that give the car a special touch. Examples include the silver matte painted radiator grille with chrome slats, the 18-inch light alloy wheels with a turbine design, the mirror-finish decorative curb strips, a wind deflector with a mirror-finish frame, and tinted rear lights. The instrument cluster is decorated with an exquisite leather-Alcantara combination, while the seats are covered with soft nappa leather and the interior trims consist of either a new aluminium decoration or black ash. Depending on the customer's tastes, the leather coverings are also available in two tones (condor silver/black) or in monochrome designo black with quartz-coloured seam lines.

To ensure that the ride is comfortable and enjoyable, the vehicle is equipped with a range of innovative Mercedes products, such as the COMAND APS radio/navigation system, which is connected to a CD changer and a Surround-Sound system as standard, as well as ventilated luxury seats with a multi-contour function and a laser-ingrained 'Edition 50' logo in the headrests. Other standard features of the special edition SL include:

• Bi-xenon headlamps with a lens cleansing system
• PARKTRONIC parking aid
• Wide tyres (front: 255/40 R 18, rear: 285/35 R 18)
• Pearl velour floor mats with silver borders and an SL plaque
• Luggage straps on the backs of the seats
• Exterior mirrors on the left- and right-hand sides, foldable at the touch of a button

The SL 350 Edition 50 delivers 180 kW/245 hp and is equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission as standard. The car costs €91,814 ex works.

Underneath the bonnet of the SL 500 Edition 50 is a 225 kW/306 hp, V8 engine that is connected to a 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission. The car is priced at €109,156 ex works.

The special-edition SL will be produced in a limited run of 500 units and be available from now until the end of 2004. The car is a left-hand-drive vehicle.

Source - Mercedes-Benz