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First pictures and information about the new SL-Class should emerge late next month, as Mercedes-Benz plans to officially introduce the roadster on the stage of the NAIAS Detroit in January 2012. We've seen dozens of spy photos up to now, so there is no need to insist upon the progressive design the R 231 generation will sport or the technologycal package the open-top model from Stuttgart will incorporate. Our attention is now drawn towards the interior of the new SL-Class, which we happen to have seen in several scoops from the past (see LINK 1 and LINK 2).
Destined to be one of the pioneers of the brand's future interior identity, the 2013 SL will align itself in accordance to the tripolar focus philosophy that incorporates three basic dashboard stylings: one for limousines, one for SUVs and one for sports cars. The model that paved the way to the new design approach, the SLS AMG, will also stand as inspiration for the SL, as it already did for the SLK. Nonetheless, the large 'Sport Leicht' will feature a wing-shaped dashboard, four air vents resembling a jet fighter engine, a massive centre console with all the commands being intuitively arranged and an elegant instrument cluster with the two main, oval indicators. Trying to analyze underneath the camouflage might be a challenging job, but it is quite easy to remark designers have applied a unique personality to the new SL-Class in order to avoid confusions with the SLS or the SLK.
Photos: Autoevolution
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
The new SL-Class will be unleashed beginning with January next year, as Mercedes-Benz programmed a Detroit world premiere for the luxury roadster. Almost ten years after the introduction of the R 230 generation, expectances towards the forthcoming SL are very high and the Stuttgart-based constructor must not take any risks.
After losing more camouflage, it is clearly visible the R 231 has grown in overall length. The solid feel and the imposing dimensions of the convertible are also underlined by the long front and rear overhangs. To add up to the effect, the front fascia looks very powerful thanks to the angled radiator grille, inspired by the SLS AMG. The headlights may cause some controversy, as they might appear too classic and bland, much like those on the new SLK. Although the styling may end up being rather undecided, we say it is Merc's interpretation of a progressive design language dominated by simple, clean lines that, like a good wine, need time to be perceived as highly refined and elegant. The LED technology will not only offer improved road lighting qualities, but also give the SL a unique character, as it already does with the newest Mercedes-Benz models.
A positive aspect is the impecable profile - just straight lines that help accentuate the powerful stance of the car. Another centrepoint are the tail lamps, which wrap nicely around the rear shoulders and balance the entire visual philosophy of the new SL. Given the longer wheelbase, we expect the cabin to offer extra size for the two occupants. Like the SLK, the future SL will follow the footsteps of the SLS AMG and feature a wing-shaped dashboard. Don't worry about that, because designers have certainly developed several distinctive features in order to give the cabriolet its own interior personality. High-grade premium materials such as leather, polished aluminium, carbon fiber and wood, all combined in appealing packages, will contribute to the luxury atmosphere inside the car.
A few words on the technical advances of the new SL, as engineers have fitted the car with clever, useful and safeguarding assistance systems you definitely already know from the recently released models from Stuttgart. But, above all, research carried out in the field of lightweight construction will certainly pay off when the car is revealed. The open-top is said to feature an aluminium spaceframe for the chassis and several essential body components, which enables an important weight saving of up to 200 kilograms.
As usual, the new SL will use petrol "V" engines only. The SL 350 will be put in motion by the 3.5-litre V6 engine with 306 hp and a new, more powerful version of the same unit with up to 354 hp will reach under the bonnet of the SL 400. The modular 4.7-litre V8 with a massive output of 435 hp is reserved for the SL 500, whereas the range-topping SL 600 follows in 2013, when Mercedes-Benz will reportedly launch a new V12 engine capable of 550 hp-600 hp. AMG freaks will be happy to hear the upcoming SL 63 AMG will switch to twin-turbo with the addition of the 5.5-litre V8 with up to 571 hp (Performance Package installed). The spectacular SL 65 AMG has already been phased out and it is unclear whether company execs gave their approval on a new generation. Anyway, if it is revived, it will be powered by a 6.0-litre V12 gasoline burner boasting up to 630 hp.
Source: Autocar.co.uk
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Mercedes-Benz will drop first photos and details on its new SL-Class roadster early next year. The R 231 generation of the luxurious convertible from Stuttgart will come almost ten years after the current model, launched in summer 2002. Autobild magazine editor, Carsten Paulun, got an insight into the new SL and reveals the car will combine tradition with supreme luxury, high-grade dynamics and state-of-the-art technologies.
Above all the qualities of the new open-top, efficiency was a crucial target that needed to be fully accomplished. According to company officials, the new SL features an intricately-designed construction, based upon extensive use of lightweight materials such as aluminium, which brings benefits to balance, performance and fuel economy. Although the engine lineup will mostly comprise V6, V8 and V12 units, Mercedes-Benz boasts to have been working hard on developing several systems that help the powerplants achieve consumption numbers under 10 litres per 100 km, one of them being the common start/stop technology, further refined. Power will be sent to the rear wheels thanks to the addition of the new, efficiently-running 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic gearbox.
Given the initial details, the main versions will be the SL 350 with 306 hp as entry-level. Moving forward in the range, the SL 400 follows, in fact the base petrol model with a direct injection V6 tweaked to deliver around 350-360 hp. The SL 500 will make use of the twin-turbo 4.7-litre V8 motor with an increased output of up to 450 hp. The high-end SL 600 is still in doubt, but latest hints suggest an updated V12 engine is under development and could bow by the end of 2013. Whereas for the AMG models, if the V8-powered SL 63 (544 to 571 hp) is a certainty, the outcome of a new SL 65 is still shrouded in mystery. Speculation on a possible 4MATIC variant for the new SL is fragile, as the Stuttgart-based constructor is appearantly not considering this alternative chassis at the moment.
The new SL-Class will come packed full of the latest assistance systems, such as the COMAND Online, PRE-SAFE, ATTENTION ASSIST and many more. Furthermore, it appears Mercedes-Benz will also offer a new sports-oriented Driver Package as an option, that is sure to transform the R 231 into a complete athlete. When sketching the upcoming SL, designers took their inspiration from the CLS, SLS and SLK, so expect an intriguing, yet elegant blend of different styles both inside and outside. Following the world premiere at next year's NAIAS Detroit in January, the new Mercedes-Benz Sl-Class will celebrate the market launch during spring 2012, at a starting price of approximately €85000.
Check out further images >> HERE
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Around the same period next year, the new generation of the SL-Klasse will have already been revealed. Prior to that moment, the luxury 2-seat roadster is continuing the testing and development phase. Recently, spy photographers have caught an R 231 prototype parked alongside the current R 230 generation. It is a bit difficult to compare the two models, but size-wise, it seems the upcoming SL has brown a bit in length in contrast with its predecessor. Furthermore, the new progressive design theme suits the new convertible better, making it more elegant and giving it more character and presence, although the front fascia, at a first view, seems heavily influenced by both the SLS AMG and the SLK, with all those sharp, rather rough-cut lines around the radiator grille and headlights.
Check out more spy shots after the jump!
Source: SecretNewCars
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
