Mercedes has revealed changes to its SL roadster, including upgrades across the engine range.
The SL450 now has a 2,996cc V6 engine uprated by 34ps to 362ps at 5,500-6,000rpm and 500Nm at 2,000-4,200rpm; and the 4,663cc SL550’s V8 engine produces 449ps at 5,250rpm and 700Nm at 1,800-3,500rpm.
The German manufacturer has also included a new Dynamic Select option, which makes changes to the engine, transmission, suspension and steering setup on demand. Both entry-level roadsters are now offered with 9-speed auto transmission as standard.
The headline engines in the range remain the V8 and V12 biturbo units fitted to the SL63 and SL65 models respectively. The 5.5-liter V8 produces 577ps and 900Nm, while the 6-liter V12 produces 621ps and 1,000Nm of torque. The high power figures contribute to acceleration times from 0-100km/h of 4.1 and 3.9 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 300km/h.
Both engines have been designed to maximize power and decrease fuel consumption. In addition to spray-guided Piezo direct fuel injection, the engines feature an all-aluminum crankcase, twin turbocharging, four calves per cylinder with camshaft adjustment, and an air/water intercooler. The 7-speed automatic transmissions found in both cars have also been upgraded to provide faster shifting.
November 24, 2015