Mercedes-Benz SL Line Stars High-Performance SL63 AMG
A direct descendant of the legendary 300SL "Gullwing" of the 1950s, the current SL roadster line-up features the V8-powered SL550 (382 horsepower, 391 lb.-ft. of torque) and the V12-powered SL600 (510 hp, 612 lb.-ft.) as well as the high-performance V8-powered SL63 AMG (518 hp, 465 lb.-ft.) and the V12-powered SL65 AMG (604 hp, 738 lb.-ft.).
Mercedes-Benz performed a comprehensive exterior redesign on the iconic SL roadster, which features dramatic styling with fenders that incorporate sharp, angular headlights and modified gill-type air outlets behind the front wheels. A front hood with two power domes and a bold single-lamella grille emphasize the width of the body and make a symbolic visual connection to the famous 1954 300SL, while larger side mirrors reveal built-in arrow-shaped turn signals.
At the rear, the SL looks more aggressive than ever, with an air diffuser in the bumper that adds a motorsports touch, as well as trapezoidal exhaust tips that emphasize its width and suggest all the power on tap. The cockpit reveals a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel and an instrument cluster with eye-catching red tachometer and speedometer needles that swing to the max position and back to zero whenever the ignition is turned on.
AIRSCARF Around the Head and Neck
All Mercedes-Benz SL roadsters are available with AIRSCARF, an innovative feature that can extend the open-air driving season into the cooler months. Another first from Mercedes-Benz, AIRSCARF is an extra heating system built into the driver and passenger seats.
At the touch of a button, warm air flows from vents in the head restraints, acting as an invisible scarf around the head and neck. Testing revealed that warming just a relatively small area around the neck dramatically improves comfort in cooler weather. The AIRSCARF neck-level heating system blows warm air from the head restraints of the driver and passenger seats, allowing occupants to cruise comfortably with the retractable hardtop open in cooler temperatures. AIRSCARF uses a heating element made primarily of barium titanate, which heats up in a matter of seconds when electrical current is applied.
Its electrical resistance jumps once it's heated, reducing the power needed – engineers call this balance "Positive Temperature Coefficient" or PTC for short. The PTC heater is only a few inches in size, allowing it to hide inside the SL seatback. Aluminum fins on the heater help transfer the heat to the air, and a small fan pushes the heated air through the vents in the head restraint. Standard on the SL600 and SL65 AMG models (and optional on the SL550 and SL63 AMG), the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system even compensates for changes in air temperature and vehicle speed.
An electronic control module monitors data from inside and outside temperature sensors as well as the speedometer. AIRSCARF automatically adjusts fan speed based on this information, and a three-speed switch can override the automatic settings.
SL63 AMG Features AMG-Designed V8
The SL63 AMG has one of the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8s ever, boasting a wealth of exciting features derived from AMG's highly successful racing efforts. Built almost completely from a high-strength silicon-aluminum alloy, the 518 hp engine features four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, bucket-type cam followers (rather than rocker arms), and a variable intake manifold.
The cylinder bores feature a twin-wire-arc-sprayed (TWAS) coating, a new process that results in impressively low friction and running surfaces that are twice as hard as conventional cast-iron cylinders. Designed exclusively by AMG, the engine shares no components with other Mercedes-Benz V8 engines.
The Award-Winning MCT Transmission – The Best of Both Worlds
Providing the direct feedback of a manual transmission with the total convenience of an automatic, the award-winning seven-speed MCT (for multi-clutch technology) with AMG Speedshift PLUS is standard on the SL63 AMG. Featuring an innovative start-up clutch that replaces a conventional torque converter and runs in an oil bath, the seven-speed MCT transmission combines the direct connection of a manual gearbox with the lightning-quick automatic gear shifts of a Formula 1 race car. Thanks to its low rotational mass, the start-up clutch helps the transmission respond instantaneously and dynamically with no slip.
With four shift modes and a rev-matching function, the MCT transmission offers impressive versatility and even faster shift times. For instance, kickdown will shift directly from seventh down to fourth gear or from fifth to second. In the "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus) and "M" (Manual) modes, an automatic rev-matching feature is active. Every manual or automatic downshift is accompanied by precisely computerized matching of engine speed. Not only does this make driving more fun, but virtually load-free downshifting minimizes any jerking, a special benefit when braking into a curve.
The SL63 AMG even comes with a Race Start feature, which helps maintain full-throttle acceleration and optimal traction during motorsports competition. After selecting the Race Start mode, the driver steps on the brake with the left foot and pushes the ESP Sport switch. When confirmation appears in the central display, the driver reconfirms Race Start by pulling the upshift paddle once, flooring the accelerator and releasing the brake. Engine speed is set automatically, and the car launches with full acceleration.
Exclusive AMG Styling, Inside and Out
The SL63 AMG comes with special body styling, AMG alloy wheels, sports suspension and high-performance brake system – all designed by AMG specifically for this model. A muscular front bumper with large air intakes houses round fog lights ringed in chrome, and a "6.3 AMG" badge marks each front fender.
Contoured side skirts carry the aggressive lines of the front bumper to the rear, where an AMG rear apron emphasizes the width of the vehicle. A pair of twin tailpipes completes the exclusive look and sound of the new models. Inside the SL63 AMG, drivers are greeted by an AMG sport steering wheel with distinctive aluminum shift paddles and AMG multi-contour leather sport seats finished in special vertical stitching.
Even Higher Performance
The SL63 AMG is available with an optional performance package that can be identified by 19-inch AMG twin five-spoke forged light-alloy wheels and an AMG performance steering wheel. Under the skin, the performance package includes a limited slip differential, compound brakes, and a track-calibrated ABC active suspension system – all optimized by AMG for the serious motorsports competitor. An SL63 AMG fitted with the Performance Package also comes with a higher electronically limited top speed of 186 mph.
From Coupe to Roadster in 16 Seconds
At the push of a button, the SL's retractable hardtop can be fully opened or closed in just 16 seconds, dramatically transforming the car from a quiet, weather-tight coupe to a top-down, open-air convertible. A hydraulic pump and 11 computer-controlled hydraulic cylinders power the system, and roof operation is controlled by a switch on the center console. Its folding "clamshell" design allows for a cargo area of 7.2 cubic feet when the top is down. With the top up, the trunk holds 10.2 cubic feet.
The World's Safest Convertible
Widely acclaimed as one of the world's safest convertibles, the SL provides sports car performance with all the built-in safety that's expected from Mercedes-Benz. Since an open car can leave its occupants vulnerable in a rollover, Mercedes engineers met the challenge in the SL with the world's first automatic roll bar. If sensors detect an impending rollover, the padded, leather-covered bar pops up, locking in place in a third of a second. It can also be raised or lowered by a console switch.
Shoulder belts are integrated directly into the seats for greater occupant protection, especially in rollovers. The Mercedes SL was also the first car with side airbags, which are part of a Supplemental Restraint System (a phrase first coined by Mercedes-Benz) that includes dual front airbags and emergency tensioning retractors that tighten the seat belts in a collision.
In Command with the COMAND System
A standard COMAND system has been refined with a 6.5-inch color display screen, a hard-drive-based GPS navigation, an in-dash six-disc CD/DVD player and a four-gigabyte Music Register that holds around 1,000 MP3 tracks. A convenient media interface makes it easy to connect an iPod, USB stick, memory card and other devices. Music titles can be viewed on the COMAND display in the center console as well as a smaller display in the instrument cluster, and they can be selected with the buttons on the multi-function steering wheel.
Any Bluetooth-enabled cell phone works hands-free – even with the phone in a pocket or purse, the audio is automatically muted when a call is made or received, and callers are heard over the audio system speakers. In addition, phone book info can be displayed by the COMAND system.
Major Stopping Power for All SL Models
Excellent stopping power for the SL is provided by large, four-wheel disc brakes enhanced with four-channel ABS anti-lock control. The SL550 is equipped with vented 13.8-inch front and solid 12.6-inch rear discs. Matched to its power and speed capability, The SL63 AMG and SL600 come with even larger 14.2-inch vented rotors up front and 13.0-inch vented rotors at the rear, while the SL65 AMG boasts vented discs that are another 1.2 inches in diameter.
ABC Active Suspension Gives Cat-Like Agility
The SL chassis uses a double-control-arm front suspension and the patented Mercedes-Benz five-link rear suspension. All SL models come with Active Body Control (ABC), the Mercedes-Benz active suspension that virtually eliminates body roll in cornering, squat under acceleration and dive during braking. Active suspension solves the usual tradeoff between ride comfort and handling, so SL roadsters offer excellent comfort and league-leading handling. On AMG models, special struts with firmer damping and fully reworked systems such as ABS anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist, traction control and ESP stability control complement the enhanced AMG chassis.
