MERCEDES-AMG Australia has priced the SL 63 4Matic+ this week, the fashionable mannequin persevering with a legacy that extends nearly 70 years – and which has included a number of the world’s most iconic vehicles.
This time, the two+2 soft-top roadster — which was launched in Europe is 2021 — bristles with much more luxurious, expertise, security and elegance, in addition to a scorching twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 delivering an astonishing 430kW/800Nm to all 4 wheels through AMG’s crisp-shifting nine-speed Speedshift MCT transmission.
The engineering crew from Affalterbach say the brand new ‘SL’ shares not a single part with its predecessor, nor with the AMG GT Roadster.
As a substitute, it was designed from a clear sheet of paper and contains a light-weight aluminium and composite physique with a self-supporting construction Mercedes-AMG says gives “the proper foundation for exact dynamics, excessive consolation, optimum packaging and sporty physique proportion”.
The car makes use of in its development a mixture of aluminium, magnesium, fibre composites and metal to offer the best potential rigidity at a low weight (1920kg kerb).
In contrast with the earlier mannequin collection, the torsional rigidity of the physique will increase by 18 per cent, whereas transverse rigidity is rated at 50 per cent larger than the comparable AMG GT Roadster. The car’s longitudinal rigidity is 40 per cent higher than earlier than.
It is usually slipperier than earlier than with “a key growth focus” of the mannequin to search out the “good stability between low drag and decreased raise”.
Mercedes-AMG stated it leveraged its intensive expertise in motorsport to create aerodynamic parts that serve to boost the car’s character and driving traits whether or not driving with the roof up or down. Technical highlights of the SL’s aerodynamic system embrace frontal louvres which intention to scale back raise and a retractable rear spoiler for elevated stability when required.
The retractable soft-top of the SL 63 – which replaces the metallic vario roof of its predecessor – is electrically operated and brings a 21kg discount in weight to the physique, additional bettering its centre of gravity. It may be opened of closed in 15 seconds at speeds as much as 60km/h.
However maybe it’s what’s below the bonnet that has AMG followers most excited. For presumably the final time in an SL-Class, the ‘63’ includes a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 producing an immense 430kW at 5500-6500rpm and 800Nm from 2500-5000rpm. Mercedes-AMG quotes a 0-100km/h time of simply 3.6 seconds and a v-max of 315km/h.
Enhancements to the engine embrace a newly designed oil pan, repositioned intercoolers and lively crankcase air flow, whereas the consumption and exhaust manifolds have additionally been “optimised”. Mercedes-AMG says elevated output “was achieved primarily by larger increase strain and larger air circulate, in addition to modified engine software program”.
The car’s gasoline consumption is listed at 13.9 litres per 100km on the WLTP Mixed cycle with CO2 emissions of 319 grams per kilometre.
The mighty V8 is paired with AMG’s Speedshift MCT 9G transmission which guarantees shorter shift instances and optimised throttle response. Gears seven by 9 are overdriven. The unit disperses drive to all 4 wheels through an AMG Efficiency 4Matic+ association that’s stated to “present totally variable torque distribution to the entrance and rear axles, guaranteeing optimum traction proper as much as the bodily restrict”.
In one other first, rear axle steering can also be included as customary. It joins dynamic engine mounts, an digital locking rear differential, adaptive anti-roll stabilisation and damping, a entrance axle raise operate, light-weight 21-inch alloy wheels in gray, electromechanical speed-sensitive steering, and an optionally available high-performance carbon composite braking system.
When optioned, the composite rotors measure 390mm up entrance and 360mm on the rear and are clasped by yellow-painted six-piston and single-piston callipers respectively.
Venturing contained in the cabin, we discover AMG sports activities seats upholstered in Unique Nappa leather-based, Airscarf neck-warming expertise, entrance seat heating and cooling, eight-way powered seat adjustment with reminiscence, a heated AMG Efficiency steering wheel with AMG-specific controls, augmented actuality head-up show, a 650-watt and 11-speaker Burmester encompass sound system, 64-colour ambient lighting package deal, dual-zone local weather management and a mechanical wind deflector.
Infotainment arrives courtesy of Mercedes’ MBUX tablet-style central display screen measuring 11.9 inches and together with an array of “prolonged operate”. The system naturally consists of full smartphone integration, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and wi-fi system charging.
Different highlights embrace an S-Class-esque Digital Mild (headlight) system with directional micro-mirrors, AMG-specific radiator grille, entrance apron, aspect air intakes, rear apron, aspect skirts and bonnet energy domes, customary metallic paint, flush-fitting door handles, and keyless entry and go.
The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4Matic+ is additional outfitted with an exceptionally complete security package deal which incorporates adaptive cruise management, lively lane maintaining help, visitors signal help, route-based pace adaption, lively visitors help, lively steering and lane change help, eight airbags, tyre strain monitoring, a 360-degree digicam system, lively parking help, anti-theft alarm and way more.
“With the brand new SL, we’ve got created a repositioning of the long-lasting SL design,” stated Mercedes-Benz Group chief design officer, Gorden Wagener.
“The expressively modelled exterior conveys a lightweight and purist impression and brings sensual magnificence and lavish design into good concord.”
The brand new Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4MATIC+ is priced at $374,900 plus on-road prices and is out there to order now.
