Mercedes lifts the wraps from new SL 14 | 12 | 2011

    THIS IS OUR FIRST official look at the all-new Mercedes SL which will enter Scottish showrooms next July. Coincidentally, the on-sale date will be almost 60 years to the day since the original 300SL became the first German sports car to win the Le Mans 24Hrs.

    Labelled “the ultimate in passionate, refined motoring” by Mercedes, the sixth-generation SL (see more official photos of the all-new Mercedes SL) sits on an all-new platform.

    The new SL uses longitudinal V6 and V8 petrol engines and rear-wheel drive. It also sticks with its folding metal ‘vario-roof’ — which takes less than 20 seconds to fold — and remains strictly a two-seat cabin.

    Many of the exterior styling cues pay reference to the 1960s ‘pagoda’ SL and 1970s R107. The newcomer also boasts cleaner surfaces and bolder styling lines than the outgoing car.

    There's also an SLS-inspired upright radiator grille, and Mercedes claims the SL is the most aerodynamically efficient car in its class.

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    As you might expect, he biggest changes and developments are to be found under the skin of the car.

    This SL is the first Mercedes in large-scale series production to use an almost exclusively aluminium construction.

    That means its between 125kg and 140kg lighter than the outgoing steel car, and 20% more torsionally rigid.

    The new SL's engines are between 22% and 29% over previous models. The 3.5-litre V6 in the entry-level SL350 produces 302bhp and scurries to 62mph 0.3sec faster (5.9sec) than the outgoing model, and returns 41.5mpg on the combined cycle.

    Step up to the twin-turbo 4.7-litre eight-cylinder unit in the SL500 and you get 429bhp: 62mph from standstill arrives in just 4.6secs. Both engines use a seven-speed automatic transmission.

    As found on the smaller SLK convertible, Merc will offer the same electro-chromic panoramic glass roof as an option.

    For anyone not aware, the Magic Sky Control system allows the driver to choose between transparent glass, light shade and dark shade.

    Weight-saving measures have also been applied to the roof frame: now made out of magnesium, it weighs 6kg less than that of the outgoing car.

    No prices have yet been announced, but with winter now wrapping its icy cold fingers around us, you'll be pleased to know heated wiper blades, heated fluid supply lines and a heated washer fluid tank are also available as an option.

    Mercedes brings new A-class to Scotland

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    Jim McGill

     

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