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2008 Mercedes-Benz SL Class

2007 Mercedes-Benz sL ROADSTER FEATURES FRESHENED LOOK SL550 Model Gets New-Generation 32-Valve V8 Engine

2008 Mercedes-Benz SL Class
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL roadster sports a more aggressively styled front air dam and a new front grille as well as clear-lens tail lights and chrome-trimmed fog lights. Inside, all SL models reveal re-designed door sills and richer interior materials throughout, including a different leather grain and new upholstery colors. In the Ú.S. market, the well-known Mercedes-Benz hands-free phone system is now standard (multi-handset or Bluetooth interface sold separately), as well as Sirius satellite radio, with the first six months of service at no charge.

New Engine Architecture Powers SL550

2008 Mercedes-Benz SL ClassA new-generation four-valve-per-cylinder V8 powers the SL550 model, which replaces the SL500. First seen in the next-generation S-Class sedan, the new 5.5-liter engine produces 382 horsepower and 391 lb.-ft. of torque, a power increase of more than 26 percent.

More Power for High-Performance Models, Too

2008 Mercedes-Benz SL Class
The supercharged V8 that powers the high-performance SL55 AMG now has 510 horsepower and 531 lb.-ft. of torque, a very noticeable three percent increase. The 2007-model SL55 AMG also comes with new carbon-fiber interior trim and redesigned 19-inch five-spoke AMG wheels shod with high-performance tires. While the twin-turbo V12 powering the exclusive SL600 gets a similar horsepower bump – to 510 – it now also has a monstrous 612 lb.-ft. of torque.
Anniversary Edition

2008 Mercedes-Benz SL Class
To honor the very first 300SL roadster, a 50th Anniversary Edition of the SL550 roadster is being offered. A limited production run of 550 vehicles are available in a pewter metallic exterior paint with exclusive cognac brown leather and black ash interior wood trim.

A Wealth of Features for All Four SL Models

2008 Mercedes-Benz SL Class
Excellent stopping power for all four SL models is provided by large, four-wheel disc brakes enhanced with four-channel ABS anti-lock control. The SL550 is equipped with vented 13.8-inch front and solid 12.6-inch rear discs, while the SL600 has 14.2-inch vented rotors with eight-piston front calipers and 13.0-inch vented rotors with four-piston rear calipers. The SL55 AMG has 14.2-inch vented rotors with six-piston front calipers and 13.0-inch vented rotors with four-piston rear calipers. The SL65 AMG boasts vented discs that are another 1.2 inches in diameter with six-piston front calipers.

As on all other Mercedes-Benz models, Brake Assist can potentially reduce braking distances in emergency or 'panic' stops. In addition, the standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) helps to keep the car on its intended path, preventing oversteer or understeer in turns, and providing straight-line traction control.

ABC Active Suspension Gives Cat-Like Agility

The SL chassis uses a fully independent, double-control-arm front suspension and the patented Mercedes-Benz five-link rear suspension. All 2007 SL models come with second-generation Active Body Control (ABC), the Mercedes-Benz active-suspension technology that virtually eliminates body roll in cornering, squat under acceleration and dive during braking. On AMG models, the ABC system has been calibrated to account for the added performance potential of the car. Special AMG suspension struts with firmer damping and fully reworked systems such as ABS anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist, ASR traction control and ESP stability control complement the enhanced AMG chassis. Each SL model uses software programming specific to the model, akin to tuning the spring rates, shock damping and roll stiffness of a conventional suspension.
Mercedes-Benz engineers use ABC's interplay of hydraulic, electronic and mechanical parts to reduce body roll by 68 percent (compared to the same vehicle with a conventional suspension), providing the driver with needed feedback through the vehicle chassis.

A ‘Sport' switch on the center console can make it 95 percent reduced roll, along with tighter shock damping. Active suspension is designed to solve the usual tradeoff between ride comfort and handling precision: the SL roadsters exhibit excellent comfort while offering league-leading handling.

Seven-Speed Automatic for the SL550

While the AMG and V12-powered models use a modified five-speed automatic transmission, the SL550 is one of several Mercedes models to feature the industry's first seven-speed automatic for passenger cars. The transmission improves acceleration and enhances fuel efficiency, while gear changes are barely noticeable, especially in the higher gears. The seven-speed shortens 0-to-60 mph time and allows significantly quicker acceleration for highway passing. Úsing seven gears allows individual gears to be spaced closer together while providing a larger overall spread between the lowest and highest gear. The seven-speed can skip a gear if necessary, switching from seventh gear straight down to fifth, for example, and even from sixth to second, skipping three gears at once.

From Coupe to Roadster in 16 Seconds

At the push of a button, the SL's retractable hardtop can be fully opened or closed in just 16 seconds. A clever folding design allows for a surprisingly large cargo area of 7.2 cubic feet when the top is down. With the top up, the trunk holds 10.2 cubic feet. A hydraulic pump and 11 computer-controlled hydraulic cylinders power the system, and roof operation is controlled by a switch on the center console.

Source - Mercedes-Benz

MERCEDES-BENZ SL65 AMG VOTED 'THE FANTASY CONVERTIBLE' SL: Still Winning Awards After 50+ Years

Mercedes-Benz is proud to announce its award-winning SL convertible sports car lineup has yet another trophy to add to its cabinet – the SL65 AMG was voted 'The Fantasy Convertible' by the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA). NEMPA members, consisting of New England-based automotive journalists, tested the limited-production, high-performance hardtop convertible during its annual Ragtop Ramble convertible driving event from Boston to Kennebunkport this summer.

'Why fantasy?' asks Gerry Miles, NEMPA President and automotive editor for New Hampshire's Portsmouth Herald. 'Because it would be a fantasy to own one, never mind be lucky enough to secure seat time behind the wheel of one.' The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class began with the 1954 300 SL coupe and has continued uninterrupted production ever since. Decades later, the SL is still coveted as the most luxurious and fantasy-worthy convertible. The SL65 AMG features a powerful 6.0-liter 12-cylinder, twin-turbo charged engine, hand built following AMG's one-man-one-engine philosophy for unparalleled quality and workmanship. Supplemented by 738 lb.-ft. of torque, the SL65 boasts 604 horsepower and rockets from 0-60 in just over four seconds.

For those looking to make the fantasy into a reality, the 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL lineup ranges from $93,675 for the SL500 to $185,775 for the SL65 AMG. For those dreaming of SLs of generations past, the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, located in Irvine, California, is set to open this winter. The Classic Center will retail, restore and provide parts for all Mercedes-Benz classics, including earlier SL models.

Source - Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz sL65 AMG REDEFINES PERFORMANCE Limited-Production Model Is The ‘Ultimate' SL

2008 Mercedes-Benz SL Class
Mercedes-Benz once again redefines performance with the limited-production SL65 AMG. Powered by a six-liter twin-turbo V12 engine that delivers a whopping 604 horsepower and 738 lb.-ft. of torque, the SL65 AMG can sprint from rest to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. Yet, at the same time, it is perfectly suited for leisurely drives, thanks to its smooth, refined engine.

The 'ultimate SL' is part of the 2006 SL coupe/roadster lineup that also includes the SL600, the SL55 AMG, and the SL500. The highly successful line of SL luxury sports cars began over 50 years ago with the legendary 1954 'Gullwing' 300SL coupe.

Six-Liter V12 AMG Engine Is a Powerhouse of Performance2008 Mercedes-Benz SL Class
The twelve-cylinder engine of the SL65 AMG is hand-assembled at the engine facility of AMG, the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz. Production follows the ‘one-man, one-engine' philosophy – only one AMG master technician assembles each engine to guarantee the highest standards of quality and workmanship. This philosophy is reflected by a signature plate on the engine which bears the name of the craftsman who assembled the engine.

The SL65 AMG engine features a number of high-tech modifications – a longer-stroke crankshaft, larger-bore forged pistons, beefier bearings and an oil-spray cooling system are but a few of the technological highlights of this engineering marvel. An AMG engine cover is made from deep-drawn aluminum and carbon-fiber reinforced plastic.

To handle the high power output of the AMG twin-turbo engine, the SL65 AMG has been fitted with a limited-slip rear differential, marking the first time Mercedes-AMG has used this device on a road-going model.

Stopping Power to Match Performance

2008 Mercedes-Benz SL Class
For the design of the AMG high-performance braking system, engineers drew on their extensive experience acquired through more than three decades of motor sports. Internally ventilated and perforated front discs measure 15.4 inches in diameter and come with eight-piston fixed calipers. The front wheels are equipped with a compound brake system with two-piece rotor and hub assembly made from cast-iron and aluminum. Compared with conventional brake systems, the compound technology allows for expansion of the discs and offers a weight saving of some 20 percent, while the brakes' increased capacity to handle thermal stress measurably increases durability. The rear wheels are equipped with four-piston fixed calipers with 14.2-inch internally ventilated and perforated discs. The SL65 AMG maintains contact with the road through ‘staggered' AMG 19-inch twin-spoke wheels (8.5J x 19 front and 9.5J x 19 rear) equipped with 255/35 ZR 19 tires at the front and 285/30 ZR 19 tires at the rear.
Excellent stopping power for all other SL models is provided by large, four-wheel vented and perforated (front) disc brakes enhanced with four-channel ABS anti-lock control. The SL600 and SL55 AMG both boast large 14.2-inch rotors with eight-piston front calipers and 13.0-inch rotors with four-piston rear calipers, while the SL500 comes equipped with 12.3-inch front and 11.8-inch rear disks.

Like on all other Mercedes-Benz models, the standard Brake Assist can potentially reduce braking distances in emergency or 'panic' stops. In addition, the standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) helps to keep the car on its intended path, preventing oversteer or understeer in turns, and providing straight-line traction control.

Design Distinguishes AMG

2008 Mercedes-Benz SL Class
The designers of the SL65 AMG made subtle enhancements to the body while remaining true to its fundamental design philosophy, and the result is highly dynamic Mercedes-Benz styling with signature AMG design cues. The AMG front apron with a large center air intake, large heat outlets on each side in front of the front wheels, and integral clear-lens fog lamps gives the vehicle an aggressive and distinctive appearance.

Sculpted side skirts, the 19-inch AMG wheels, and chrome 'V12 Biturbo' lettering on the front fenders help tell the world that it's an SL65 AMG. The back end is finished off by the powerful lines of the rear apron and two sets of chromed twin tailpipes.

ABC Active Suspension Gives Cat-Like Agility

2008 Mercedes-Benz SL Class
The SL chassis uses a fully independent, double-control-arm front suspension and the patented Mercedes-Benz five-link rear suspension. Like all SL models, the SL65 AMG comes with Active Body Control (ABC), a Mercedes-Benz active-suspension technology that virtually eliminates body roll in cornering, squat under acceleration and dive during braking. The ABC system of the SL65 AMG has been calibrated by AMG engineers to account for the added performance potential of the car. Special AMG suspension struts with firmer damping and fully reworked systems such as ABS anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist, ASR traction control and ESP stability control complement the enhanced SL65 AMG chassis.

Each of the four SL models use software programming specific to the model, loosely akin to tuning the spring rates, shock damping and anti-roll bar stiffness of a conventional suspension. Mercedes-Benz engineers use ABC's interplay of hydraulic, electronic and mechanical parts to reduce body roll by 68 percent (compared to the same vehicle with a conventional suspension), providing the driver with needed feedback through the vehicle chassis. A ‘Sport' switch on the center console can alter this even further, to 95 percent reduced roll along with tighter shock damping, if the driver prefers sportier handling. The active suspension system uses four hydraulic pistons, one on top of each steel coil spring, applying additional forces in response to split-second signals from the ABC computers. Put simply, active suspension is designed to solve the traditional tradeoff between ride comfort and handling precision: the SL Roadsters exhibit excellent comfort while offering league-leading handling.

Seven-Speed Automatic for the SL500

While the AMG and V12-powered models use a modified five-speed automatic transmission, the SL500 is one of several Mercedes models to feature the industry's first seven-speed automatic transmission for passenger cars. The transmission improves acceleration and enhances fuel efficiency, while gear changes are barely noticeable, especially in the higher gears. The seven-speed transmission improves 0-to-60 mph acceleration and allows significantly quicker acceleration for highway passing.
Úsing seven gears allows individual gears to be spaced closer together while providing a larger overall spread between the lowest and highest gear. The seven-speed can skip a gear if necessary, switching from seventh gear straight down to fifth, for example, and even from sixth to second, skipping three gears at once.

Source - Mercedes-Benz

Related Reading : Mercedes-Benz SL-Class History

Max Hoffman was responsible for the sporty two-seat Mercedes-Benz 190SL sports car. The S represented Sports while the L meant Light or Sehr Leicht. With a curb weight of 2560 pounds, it was hardly light when compared with other vehicles in its class, some 500 through 1000 pounds less. It was however an excellent alternative to the higher-priced Mercedes-Benz 300SL. The gullwing-door 300SL was....
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