March 17, 2008
The New Generation Mercedes-Benz SL Is Sportier
STUTTGART, GERMANY – Mercedes-Benz will continue its long tradition of producing legendary sports
cars when it launches the new-generation SL-Class in spring 2008, according to the Web site www.finchannel.com.
The world’s most successful premium roadster in its class features a new design
with the emphasis 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 that has an output of 232 kW/316 hp, returning a fuel
consumption figure that is 0.4 liters per 100 kilometers 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 V-8 engine and the top-of-the-range SL 600 with a V-12
powerplant.
The Mercedes sports car extends its safety focus with bi-xenon
headlamps and the optional Intelligent Light System. Further new features
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 SL’s chassis technology includes a four-link front
suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension. And the Active Body
Control (ABC) system, specified as standard for the SL 500 and the SL 600,
compensates body pitch, roll, and yaw and adapts the suspension settings
automatically to suit the current driving situation. 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.