Mercedes-Benz USA Reveals Exclusive Mercedes-AMG SL 63 MANUFAKTUR Big Sur

•Special edition model to be available in limited numbers, only for U.S. customers

•Unique MANUFAKTUR paint, hand-stitched MANUFAKTUR Nappa leather and numerous elegant details

•Generous suite of equipment for high levels of luxury and dynamic driving performance

To celebrate the start of Pebble Beach Automotive Week, Mercedes-Benz USA presents the 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 MANUFAKTUR Big Sur. The MANUFAKTUR program provides exquisite details and distinctive colors and finishes to offer customers the highest possible individuality and exclusivity. Available solely for the U.S. market in limited numbers, the special edition model will make its public debut at the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge in Pebble Beach, CA on August 17-19.

Inspired by the breathtaking sunsets of the Pacific Coast, the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 MANUFAKTUR Big Sur is finished in MANUFAKTUR Orange Flame Metallic. The striking paint color is applied to the body with extra care in the dedicated MANUFAKTUR line at the factory, while components such as the front and rear bumpers are hand-sprayed to ensure the highest quality finish.

The unique paint is complimented by a unique mix of contrasting design elements from the AMG Exterior Chrome Package, exclusive black brake calipers, a black soft top, and black 21-inch AMG Forged Cross-Spoke wheels. An AMG emblem adorns the front fascia above the radiator grille for the first time on the AMG SL roadster.

Magnificent details are also highlighted in the interior. Hand-stitched MANUFAKTUR Mystic Red/Black Nappa leather with orange contrast stitching extends throughout the cabin. This includes the seats, steering wheel, armrest, center door panels and lower instrument panel. The standard active multicontour seats with massage feature intricate diamond quilting perforations. Deep-pile floor mats with an embroidered AMG logo, Mystic Red Nappa leather piping and orange contrast stitching underscore the exacting attention to detail. The trim on the center console is finished in eye-catching MANUFAKTUR Orange Flame Metallic paint. The center console door is embellished with 'MANUFAKTUR' script in high-gloss chrome, emphasizing the vehicle's utmost craftsmanship.

The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 MANUFAKTUR Big Sur is fitted with an extensive offering of standard equipment to enhance comfort, safety and dynamic driving performance. This includes the Performance Trim Line with Front Axle Lift System, the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package and AMG ACTIVE RIDE

CONTROL Suspension, as well as the Burmester® High-End 3D Surround Sound System, AMG Light Display and Driver Assistance Package.

At the heart of this special edition model is a Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine, producing 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Coupled with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9G transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive, acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is achieved in 3.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 196 mph.

The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 MANUFAKTUR Big Sur also marks the launch of the MANUFAKTUR program in the U.S for the wider AMG SL model range. Beginning with the 2024 AMG SL, U.S. customers will have a greater level of individualization with the introduction of three new MANUFAKTUR paints and two MANUFAKTUR Nappa leather upholsteries.

by Mercedes-Benz

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 available only as a coupe while the 190 SL could be purchased as a Roadster with a soft-top convertible or with a removable hardtop roof.

In 1954, Mercedes introduced its two-door 190SL at the New York Auto Show. Fifteen months later the production version was displayed at the 1955 Geneva Auto Show. Gone was the air-scoop that had been on the hood, along with other aesthetic aspects.

The 300SL was initially priced at $7,460 while the 190SL was $3998. As a result, the 190SL outsold the 300SL by nearly eight to one. In its best year, 4,032 190SL's were produced. In its worst year, only 104 examples were produced.

Under the hood was an 1897 cc four-cylinder OHC engine that was capable of producing around 105 horsepower. It took 14.5 seconds to go from zero to sixty and had a top speed of nearly 110 mph. Drum brakes were placed on all four corners of the 14 foot, one-inch vehicle. Servo brakes were optional until 1956 at which point they became standard.

The engine capacity was taken into account when naming the vehicle. By moving the decimal place once to the left, it created 189.7. The number was then rounded up to 190. So the 190 represents the approximate engine capacity in liters, meaning about 1.9 liters.

The 190SL production run lasted from 1955 through 1963. Most of the body-styles were open roadsters the rest were coupes. In comparison to many other nameplates, this is a very low number, guarantying its exclusivity and rarity by today's standards. It was a beautiful sibling to the prestigious and awe-inspiring gullwing door 300SL.

by Dan Vaughan