Much more than just a “normal” facelift

The new generation SL: Sportier than ever
Stuttgart — Mercedes-Benz will continue its long tradition of producing
legendary sports cars when it launches the new-generation SL-Class in
spring 2008. The world’s most successful premium roadster in its class
features a new design with the emphasis firmly on sportiness and effortless
superiority. These traits are also reflected in the handling qualities of the
two-seater model, which now delivers even more athletic performance
thanks to the new direct-steer system as well as offering enhanced comfort
and safety. The SL 350 is powered by a newly developed, highly responsive
sports engine boasting an impressive output of 232 kW/316 hp yet returns a
fuel consumption figure that is 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres lower than its
predecessor (NEDC). The SL range will now feature two six-cylinder models
in the shape of the SL 350 and the new SL 280 (170 kW/ 231 hp) as well as
the familiar SL 500 with a V8 engine and the top-of-the-range SL 600 with a
V12 powerplant. The Mercedes sports car extends its lead in the safety
stakes courtesy of bi-xenon headlamps and the optional Intelligent Light
System whose lighting functions are designed specifically for typical driving
situations. Further new features on board include AIRSCARF neck-level
heating. This system - invented by Mercedes-Benz and available as an
optional extra - enhances comfort when driving with the roof down,
extending the roadster season until well into the winter months. SL
passengers are kept informed and entertained by the standard-fit COMAND
multimedia system, which has also been fully revamped with a host of
additional functions.
The new generation SL caps a glorious history of Mercedes sports cars, which
began in 1954 with the introduction of the legendary 300 SL “Gullwing”, followed
in 1957 by the launch of the first SL Roadster. To date, the Stuttgart manufacturer
has produced a total of over 630,000 SL sports cars.
Like its predecessors, the new-generation SL also merits its “incomparable” tag. Page 2
No other sports car in this market segment offers such a perfect balance of
sportiness, safety and comfort. These three qualities are the cornerstones of
highly eventful, active motoring that provides a profound sense of well-being -
for hallmark Mercedes refinement at the highest, sportiest level.
Design: new design idiom with unmistakable sporty overtones
When it came to developing a concept and design for the new generation SL, the
Mercedes-Benz engineers set out to accentuate the roadster’s sporty attributes
even more strongly than before. This aspiration is reflected in the new front-end
design featuring as its centrepiece a wide and therefore very dominant radiator
grille whose V-shape symbolises sporty virtues such as forwards thrust and
performance potential.
A horizontal louvre makes the radiator grille appear wider and, in doing so,
emphasises the powerful aspect of the SL’s front end, making it seem
surprisingly new, yet so very familiar. By using expressive stylistics in this way,
the Mercedes designers are able to forge a link with the SL’s history and create a
front-end design that is reminiscent of the earlier SL Roadster models, which also
expressed their effortless superiority through wide, very distinctive radiator
grilles. Hence the front-end design of the new-generation SL shows Mercedes-
Benz taking the styling of the legendary sports car to the next level.
The designers also pay tribute to the forefather of the SL model series: the two
powerdomes on the bonnet and the gill-style air outlets in the front wings are
unmistakable hallmarks of the 300 SL from 1954 and have been given a
contemporary interpretation for the new Mercedes sports car.
These classic design features drawn from five decades of roadster tradition are in
tasteful harmony with new elements of the contemporary Mercedes design idiom,
including the distinctive V-shaped front section and, above all, the headlamps,
which are drawn deeply into the flanks, thus further emphasising the impression
of breadth at the front end. As well as giving the SL a highly contemporary look,
this striking headlamp design also sees the roadster continuing its traditional role Page 3
as a trendsetter. Just like its predecessors, the new-generation SL features a frontend
design that will serve as a template for future Mercedes passenger cars.
At the rear, too, the new-generation SL demonstrates its sporty nature even more
clearly than before. This is achieved primarily by the new diffuser-look bumper
which adds a motorsport touch. In conjunction with the equally new trapezoidal
exhaust tailpipes this design element emphasises the width of the body, further
symbolising the power just waiting to be unleashed by the roadster.
Direct-steer system: consummate sporty driving pleasure
The SL name is synonymous with driving pleasure as well as design. This
Mercedes sports car has always offered a scintillating driving experience that
does not deal in compromises - neither in terms of handling dynamics nor by any
means when it comes to comfort or safety. It was under this premise that the
Mercedes engineers modified and perfected the SL technology, one example
being the new, optionally available direct-steer system, which is as simple as it is
ingenious and provides a whole new driving experience when cornering.
This new development is based on the familiar standard-fit speed-sensitive
power steering system - the benefit of which is noticeable especially when
driving slowly, manoeuvring or parking thanks to the lower steering forces
required. New features include a variable rack ratio, which adjusts in line with
the steering angle, increasing sharply as soon as this reaches five degrees. All of
which means that, compared to a steering system with a constant ratio, the driver
does not have to move the steering wheel as much when cornering. The car’s
response is therefore noticeably more direct, allowing the driver to steer more
spontaneously or, in other words, more sportily.
When driving slowly or parking, the new technology combines with the speedsensitive
power steering to provide even more comfort than before because the
large ratio further reduces the steering effort required.
In addition, the SL still offers some of the very finest chassis technology Page 4
available in the shape of four-link front suspension and multi-link independent
rear suspension. Meanwhile the Active Body Control (ABC) system, specified as
standard for the SL 500 and the SL 600, is a unique masterpiece. It compensates
body pitch, roll and yaw and adapts the suspension settings automatically to suit
the current driving situation. This makes for excellent agility on the one hand and
optimum driving stability on the other, without compromising the car’s superb
levels of comfort. Mercedes-Benz has further fine-tuned the ABC shock-absorber
settings for the new-generation SL in order to bring a whole new quality to this
unique blend of sportiness, comfort and safety.
Size 255/45 R 17 wide-base tyres and 17-inch light-alloy wheels are fitted as
standard on the new SL 280 and SL 350 models, whereas the V8-powered SL 500
Roadster runs on 18-inch wheels shod with 255/40 R 18 tyres. And the exclusive
character of the twelve-cylinder SL 600 model is accentuated by 18-inch ten-twinspoke
light-alloy wheels with 255/40 R 18 tyres at the front and 285/35 R 18
tyres at the rear.
Engines: new, extremely sporty six-cylinder powerplant
Mercedes-Benz is extending the SL-Class line-up by introducing an attractive
entry-level model in the shape of the SL 280 developing 170 kW/231 hp. The
six-cylinder powerplant delivers its peak torque of 300 Nm from 2500 rpm and
accelerates the roadster from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, whilst NEDC fuel
consumption is just 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres.
For the SL 350, the Mercedes engineers have developed a V6 powerplant that
brings the sporty qualities of new-generation SL right to the fore. The term
“sports engine” could not be more apt: through a process of meticulous
engineering, the Stuttgart specialists have further enlivened the temperament of
the six-cylinder unit, enhancing its dynamic response dramatically. The engine
responds instantaneously to movements of the accelerator pedal and can rev up
to 7200 rpm in order to make full use of its power reserves in certain driving
situations. Compared to the previous 3.5-litre engine, the output has been boosted
by 16 percent to 232 kW/316 hp (at 6500 rpm), while the peak torque has been Page 5
increased by 10 Nm and now stands at 360 Nm. This powerpack accelerates the
new SL 350 from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 6.2 seconds, making it 0.4 seconds
faster than the outgoing SL 350.
In this case, however, the extra power does not come at the expense of fuel
economy: with NEDC consumption of 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres, the new
SL 350 undercuts the previous model with its 200 kW/272 hp by 0.4 litres per
100 kilometres.
The decidedly sporty character of the V6 power unit is also clearly audible. Its
powerfully sonorous vocals are the result of meticulous work carried out by
sound designers. So these specialists also contribute to the sporty driving
pleasure. In this respect, the standard-fit seven-speed automatic transmission
also has an important role to play: on the one hand by allowing fast multiple
downshifts when accelerating, on the other hand by providing a new doubledeclutching
function that is activated during manual downshifts. As well as
producing a sporty sound, this function also enhances comfort and safety as the
double-declutching equalises the rotational speeds of the crankshaft and
transmission. This set-up gives the driver the advantage of even more
harmonious gear changes. Plus there is a noticeable reduction in load-change
reactions.
The flagship engines in the SL line-up remain the eight-cylinder unit in the
SL 500 developing 285 kW/388 hp and the V12 powerplant in the SL 600, which
develops 380 kW/517 hp thanks to its twin turbochargers. The Mercedes
engineers also worked meticulously on these models to further reduce fuel
consumption by up to 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres.
Safety: lights for every driving situation, whatever the weather Page 6
For five decades, Mercedes sports cars have been setting the pace when it comes
to innovative developments in active and passive safety for open-top cars: in the
1960s the SL was the first sports car to feature a safety body based on Béla
Barényi’s principle, while in the 1970s the SL pointed the way ahead with its
three-point inertia-reel seat belts fitted as standard. These developments were
followed by ABS and the airbag in the 1980s, while the automatic roll-over bar
and the robust integral seats celebrated their world premieres in the R 129 in the
late 1990s. The comprehensive range of safety equipment available for the
Mercedes sports car was rounded off in 2001 following the introduction of
innovations such as adaptive front airbags and head/thorax sidebags.
The new-generation SL continues this tradition, the main focus of the engineers’
efforts this time being to improve driving safety at night and in fog. Hence the
sports car is equipped as standard with powerful bi-xenon headlamps, which are
considerably more powerful and more energy-efficient than comparable LED
headlamps. In addition, the optionally available Intelligent Light System
provides five different lighting functions designed specifically for typical driving
situations and weather conditions: country mode, motorway mode, enhanced fog
lamps, cornering light function and active light function. The variable-control
bi-xenon headlamps activate the various lighting functions automatically.
Motorway mode is activated in two stages when the speed exceeds 90 km/h,
increasing the driver’s range of vision by up to 60 percent.
When the active light function is activated, the headlamps pivot to the side in
line with the steering angle when the driver enters a bend, increasing the range
of visibility by around 25 metres on a long bend compared with the conventional
dipped beam. The cornering light function is activated automatically at speeds
below 70 km/h when the driver steers and/or indicates. This means that, as well
as enhancing safety when turning at junctions or on slip roads, this lighting
function is also active when cornering at low speed and improves illumination of
the areas at the side of the carriageway. The enhanced fog lamps ensure better
illumination of the verges, making it easier for drivers to get their bearings. The
intelligent headlamp technology installed in the SL can therefore make an Page 7
important contribution to road safety.
Interior: sporty ambience and hallmark Mercedes comfort
A look inside the new-generation SL shows what Mercedes designers mean when
they talk about the “balance of sportiness and comfort”. The integral seats, the
new-look three-spoke leather steering wheel and the completely restyled
instrument cluster immediately make it clear that this is a thoroughbred sports
car. Everything fits perfectly, all the controls are easy to see and within just as
easy reach. The speedometer and rev counter sport a classic chronometer design
with new-look dials that promise unerring precision.
As soon as the ignition is switched on, the cockpit instruments grab the driver’s
attention: the red speedometer and rev counter needles are aroused from their
“six o’clock position”, rotate once around the dials to their maximum values and
then revert to their zero positions. The message these needle movements convey
to the driver is unmistakable: “start your engine”.
A wide range of colours and materials allows Mercedes customers to design and
appoint the interior of the new-generation SL to their individual tastes. There are
two types of leather to choose from, as well as five different aluminium or finewood
trims and five colour combinations. The interior looks especially luxurious
and refined when specified with the new natural beige/black colour scheme and
the new wood trim elements in pale burr walnut with a high-sheen finish.
The SL 600 underlines its top billing in the SL line-up even more clearly than
before. Inside the passengers are cosseted by extremely soft Exclusive nappa
leather and trim elements in elegant poplar wood. V12 emblems on the seat
backrests, on the centre steering wheel spoke and on the door sills, as well as the
uniquely designed interior door panels round off the refined twelve-cylinder
ambience perfectly. On the outside, the flagship SL model is distinguishable by its
exclusive 18-inch ten-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels and discreet yet highly
effective detailing such as the matt-silver-painted louvres of the side air outlets
and the centre divider in the trapezoidal exhaust tailpipe trims. Mercedes-Benz Page 8
has upgraded the already extensive standard-equipment package by adding the
KEYLESS-GO system, Exclusive nappa leather upholstery, climatised seats and a
remote-locking boot lid.
AIRSCARF: Mercedes invention extends the open-air season
The long list of systems that help to provide an outstanding level of comfort in the
roadster includes a further innovation in the new-generation SL. AIRSCARF - the
neck-level heating system developed and patented by Mercedes engineers - is so
called because it distributes air at just the right temperature through the head
restraints, forming a warm, invisible “scarf” around the driver and front
passenger.
This Mercedes-Benz invention allows Mercedes customers to enjoy open-air
driving pleasure for longer and even more often than before. The roadster season
lasts until well into the winter months as AIRSCARF provides the SL occupants
with all the warmth they need.
The optionally available heating system, which celebrated its world premiere in
the SLK Roadster in 2004, has been redeveloped by the Mercedes engineers for
the SL. Now the blower and heating are incorporated in the head restraints of the
integral seats: two small ventilators draw in air behind the head restraints and
channel it through the electric heating element to ensure rapid heating. The
temperature-controlled air then flows out of special openings on the front of the
head restraints and warms the occupants’ head and neck areas. Both driver and
passenger can select the heating temperature using a three-position switch in the
door lining; the system then controls the desired temperature automatically
depending on the road speed with the roof down.
Infotainment: latest multimedia technology in the centre console Page 9
The new-generation SL is also ready for the future when it comes to information,
entertainment and communications: Mercedes-Benz has further modified the
standard-fit COMAND system, equipping it with additional functions. The result
is infotainment par excellence: the multimedia unit combines a car radio
including a triple tuner with telephone controls, a CD/DVD changer and a slot for
SD memory cards. Further new additions include a Bluetooth interface, which
connects a mobile phone to the standard-fit hands-free system wirelessly, and a
large colour display (6.5 inch) that enhances user-friendliness and serves as a
high-resolution screen for playing DVD films - although not whilst the car is being
driven, for obvious safety reasons.
An even wider range of high-tech electronics is available ex factory: Mercedes
customers can now order the optional COMAND APS system. Its additional
features include a Europe-wide navigation system whose data are stored on a
hard disc and therefore allow extremely fast route calculations. For playing
music, there is an integrated six-disc CD/DVD changer and Music Register for
around 1000 MP3 or WMA tracks. A stored database (”Gracenote”) enables
automatic recognition of the music tracks and their artists. This information is
then posted on the colour display.
The standard COMAND APS package also includes the latest-generation
LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system, which controls the navigation,
telephone and audio systems based on its whole-word recognition capability. This
system is of great benefit as drivers no longer need to spell out their commands.
Instead, they simply say what they want, whether it be a destination for the
navigation system, a radio station or a name in the stored phone book.
For the first time, it is also possible to connect an iPod, USB stick or other
external audio devices to the COMAND system thanks to the newly developed,
universal Media Interface (optional) in the centre console. This interface is more
than just an electronic “socket”; the Media Interface also includes an ECU that
links the external music storage media to the SL’s on-board electronics and
control system. In this way, the iPod music tracks can also be indicated on the Page 10
instrument cluster and on the COMAND display in the centre console. Plus they
can be called up easily using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel. The
audio device’s battery is charged as long as the portable music storage media is
connected to the car via the Media Interface.
For a complete in-car music experience, Mercedes-Benz can equip the newgeneration
SL with the Harman Kardon “Logic7″ surround sound system
(optional), which is also used in the S-Class and whose performance has been
confirmed in numerous tests. The sound system has an output of 510 watts and
converts the SL interior into a mobile concert hall - whether the vario-roof is up or
down - courtesy of ten high-performance loudspeakers and state-of-the-art
surround technology.
The new generation SL will make its public debut in March at the International
Motor Show in Geneva. It will then appear at Mercedes-Benz outlets and
dealerships in Europe from April 5, 2008.