Mercedes SL-class

As the new millennium approached, the SL was a decade old and customers were turning to more modern cars like the Jaguar XK8.
In 2001, an all-new SL (initially just a 5.0 L SL500 version) went on sale, boasting the "Vario-Roof", an electric folding steel roof which had been seen on the smaller, cheaper SLK in 1997. A 5.0 L 302 hp (225 kW) V8 was optional, with a 5.5 L AMG V8 appearing in 2004's SL55 AMG. V12 engines are available in the SL600 and the limited-production SL65 AMG.
The Facelifted 2008 SL model was revealed in the Geneva Motor Show in March. The 2008 SL gets a new front end reflecting Merc's new design philosophy, with a pair of long powerdomes on the bonnet and a single-bar grille replacing the old three-bar effort. Also inprovments have been made on the engines as the 3.5L V6 is uprated to 311 PS at 6500 rpm. Compared to the previous 3.5-litre engine, the output has been boosted by 16 percent. Torque has also been improved adding 10Nm to the previous 350Nm making it 360Nm. this engine now can rev up to a max of 7200 rpm for a period as the oil temperature and other engine parameters permitting, a higher compression ratio, a new intake manifold and extensively modifying and lightening the valve train. In this case, however, the extra power does not come at the expense of fuel economy: with a consumption figure of 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres, the new SL 350 undercuts the previous model developing 200 kW by 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres. 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. 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 fuel consumption (NEDC) is just 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres. It will feature the AIRSCARF heating system used in the SLK. The car is already production as it will go on sale later in spring 2008
[edit] AMG
A suprising move made by AMG to replace the outgoing SL55 AMG with the newer M156 engine SL63 AMG. It features the newer M156 6.2L V8 used in the S63 AMG, CLK63 AMG and C63 AMG. It produces 525 PS at 6800 rpm and 630Nm of torque at 5200 rpm. It can accelerate from rest to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.6 second going up to a limited top speed of 250km/h (155mph). Also the SL63 AMG has the new AMG developed 7-speed MCT "Multi Clutch Technology" semi-automatic transmission. This uses a twin clutch design, a first for Mercedes and AMG. It features a compact, wet start-up clutch and double declutching. it's fitted with four drive modes: "C" (Comfort), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus) and "M" (Manual) and boasts 100 millisecond shifts in "M" mode. the new car features the new AMG DRIVE UNIT with innovative Race Start function. The AMG DRIVE UNIT is the central control unit for the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission and all driving dynamics functions. The driver can change gears either using the new AMG selector lever with its leather/ carbon-fibre finish, or by nudging the AMG steering-wheel shift paddles. The new Race start Function is basicly a launch control system which enables the SL 63 AMG driver to call on maximum acceleration, while ensuring optimum traction of the driven wheels. A modified version of the SL 63 is the safety car for the 2008 Formula One season.

Author: BVP1982
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