Believe it or not, the current generation Mercedes SL has been around since 2002 but revisions and facelifts have kept the grand tourer feeling fresh. As these spy shots reveal though, there’s a new one on the way and it’s set to be more comfortable, more efficient and better handling than ever thanks to a host of hi-tech gadgets.
Chief among them will be the Magic Ride Control system that’s also set to feature on the new Mercedes S-Class. Cameras scan the road ahead to analyse the surface and set up the suspension accordingly. An Active Curve system is also likely to feature, which uses active anti-roll bars to stop the car leaning in the bends and helps to improve handling.
Mercedes will stick with the folding hard-top roof but it will now be available with the option of a Magic Sky Control panel which can be turned from transparent to almost opaque at the touch of a button. Alternatively, buyers can opt for a standard sun-roof.
Visually the new SL gets a look that borrows cues from the new SLK, CLS and SLS AMG. As you can see from these pictures the front end is more upright, the grille is narrower and the headlights are now swept back onto the wings. Meanwhile, at the rear there’s a set of large wraparound tail-lights.
Kicking off the new SL range will be the 3.5-litre V6 that produces 304bhp and will sprint from 0-62mph in just over six seconds. Next up will be a twin-turbocharged 4.7-litre V8 in the SL500 which will produce around 404bhp and accelerate to 62mph in around five seconds. The SL63 AMG model will be powered by a 520bhp 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged V8.
Expect to see official pictures and details of the all-new Mercedes SL by the end of this year.
No comments:
Post a Comment