Mercedes SL is a luxury sports car. The post-war return of Daimler-Benz to the world of sport was marked by the creation of the sensational 300SL Gullwing Coupe. Appeared in 1951, the model with the factory index W194 was based on the units of the serial sedan 300S. "Three hundredth" was a cut above its competitors (Chevrolet Corvette, Jaguar 150) both in technical terms and in design. In terms of cost, he also exceeded them - one 300 cost as much as three Jaguars 150. The “three hundredth” design turned out to be very successful. He combined the charm and assertiveness of this sports car and the convenience and practicality of the road.
True, the proportion was unequal - all the same, the prototype was racing, so the serial Mercedes-Benz 300 car is more racing than road. In particular, it concerned landing in the car. She looked more like landing in a car than in a normal car. The height of the threshold was very large (58 cm), and I had to climb in the following way: sit on the wide threshold, put the legs in the salon, trying not to hit the door pillar, and then slip under the steering wheel.
By the way before it it was necessary to fold it, turning the special lamb. And what are the doors of this car! Their shape and style determined the space frame and the car body. The doors were hinged to the middle of the roof and swung up. Such a decision was often later found on concept cars, but try to recall at least one production car with similar doors!
And it is because of the doors that are S-shaped, the Mercedes-Benz 300 got such a romantic nickname Gullwing (translated from English - gull wing). Among the technical innovations in the Mercedes-Benz 300, the most basic is the fuel injection system, first installed on a production car. At that time it was mechanical, and Bosch produced it.
Line 3 l six, developing 171 liters. And in 1954 in New York, the road version of the W198 was presented with an even more elegant body and a truly revolutionary engine - for the first time in the world, the Bosch direct fuel injection system was used. Capacity increased to 240 hp, speed up to 225 km / h, and up to a hundred from the spot, this beast fired in 7 seconds. I still want to respectfully take off my hat in front of such figures ... A unique case - the road version surpassed the sports one in almost all indicators. The car won many rallies and a champion title in 1956, and one of the cars with a lightweight aluminum body took fifth place in the 1955 Mille Milla.
The victory in that race, as well as the second place, got even more “fancy” 300SLR models with 300-horsepower engines. Driving machines Stirling Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio. Until 1956, 1400 coupe 300SL was released. In 1957, the Gullwing coupe was replaced by a 300 SL Roadster (W189 II) roadster with open cockpit and vertical headlights. He was 5 cm longer and 100 kg heavier. To make acceptable doors, modified the frame. The roadster got all-wheel disc brakes.
Since the summer of 1958 a rigid removable roof was attached to the roadster. Over 10 years of release, the model has received more than 10 modifications. Total made 1858 roadsters. In parallel, they produced a very similar to the 300 SL, but cheaper and mass model 190 SL.
But the most prestigious remains only the Mercedes-Benz 300 of the very first edition. Following in chronological order was the roadster Mercedes 230 SL sixties. This is the second generation of SL roadsters, the factory index is W113. The nickname is “pagoda”, given due to the characteristic concave shape of a removable hardtop. The suspension here is noticeably tougher than the previous "three hundred".
But the car listens to the steering wheel even better than the second-generation SL. But the bagel is completely “empty” - here for the first time on the cars of the SL series a power steering has appeared! And the transfer is not necessary to switch - for an extra charge put a four-stage "automatic". Not the most powerful "six" of 2.3 l, "thoughtful" transmission, simple interior. But the brakes are already real mersedesovskie - very sensitive and "tenacious." Just at that time, the legendary Bela Bareni, the founder of modern security, began his titanic work in Stuttgart.
And the next-generation Mercedes SL turned out to be a powerful five hundred, released in the first half of the 1980s. This Mercedes with the index R107 is like a good old friend. He inherited from the big Mercedes S-class solidity and thoroughness, but he also acquired the features of a real driver's car - an elastic steering wheel and quick reactions! Further, the new SL model was introduced in Geneva in 1989 - it is a car with a body roadster with a removable roof (platform type R129), with an amazing safety arc that did not immediately spoil the appearance of the roadster, was immediately put forward if the car suddenly began to roll over.
For 12 years, more than 200 thousand copies of this model were produced with an engine capacity of 2.8 to 6 liters. During this time there have been minor body changes that can be seen only if you look closely - these are new headlight and bumper blocks. Modification of the SL600 was released in 1992. The cars are equipped with an automatic 5-speed gearbox (SL280 is equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox), an on-board computer, ABS, anti-skidding ASR, ESP, side airbags. Depending on the modification, they are equipped with engines of various sizes and capacities: for the SL280 cars, a V6 engine with a capacity of 2.8 liters and a capacity of 204 liters is proposed.
from.; for the SL320 - V6 with a volume of 3.2 liters and a capacity of 224 liters. from.; for the SL500, the V8 engine has a capacity of 5.0 liters and a power of 306 liters. pp .: for the SL600 - V12 engine of 6.0 liter capacity and 394 liter capacity. from. The maximum speed is from 232 to 250 km / h. In 1995, the list of equipment offered for an additional fee. In 1998, restyling was carried out and a new generation of engines with reduced fuel consumption and toxic emissions was installed.
And in 2000, a fairly unique equipment SL73 AMG appeared, the idea of which, obviously, was prompted by one of the tuning companies specializing in Mercedes. Regarding the serial 6.0-liter V12 engine with a capacity of 394 hp, which is used on the SL600, the similar engine for AMG is lavished up to a working volume of 7.3 liters and forced to 525 hp. Therefore, despite the almost two-tonne own mass, the dynamic qualities of the SL73 AMG with a 5-step automatic transmission remained very high. For example, the acceleration time from zero to 100 km / h was reduced to 4.8 s versus 6.1 s for the SL600. Maximum speed over 300 km / h.
In the spring of 2001, the premiere of a new generation of two-seat sports models of the SL type (platform type R230) took place. In terms of size and mass characteristics of the car remained about the same, the novelty slightly increased the wheelbase - from 2515 to 2560 mm). However, the new SL of 2001 differs in a convertible body roadster-coupe (there was a folding hardtop, like the SLK). Thanks to the new top design, the sports car becomes a car for which there is no compromise, because it combines the joy of riding in an open roadster with the highest comfort of a Mercedes-Benz coupe.
By pressing the button, the roof rises or folds in 16 seconds, while the new lifting mechanism with a microprocessor is designed in such a way that the roof components take up even less space in the upper part of the trunk than before. The volume of the trunk under the folded roof is 235 liters. If the hard folding top is raised, then the volume of the trunk of the new SL-class will be a total of 317 liters (including the luggage compartment in the spare wheel well).
This is 52 liters more than the previous model. Since mid-2002, a version with a folding glass top has been supplied. This means that with a raised top you can enjoy the feeling of freedom that is so characteristic of a roadster. In addition, due to the large area of the transparent roof inside the car is light. Among the landmark technical solutions, the electro-hydraulic brake system Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) should be noted. Mercedes-Benz is the first car brand to offer this system. The SBC works with the ESP's tried-and-tested electronic motion stabilization system and Active Body Control (ABC) active suspension, which minimizes body movement when cornering or braking.
Thus, the new SL-class is serially equipped with a unique package of effective electronic control systems. The AMG compartment manufactured a powerful SL 55AMG, equipped with a 5.4-liter V8 engine with a volumetric supercharger developing 476 hp. with a maximum torque of about 700 Nm. The dynamic qualities of this car are no worse than those of the SL 73AMG with a 7.3-liter V12 engine of 525 hp. In the future, a cheaper model with a V6 and V10 engine will appear. In early January 2003, a powerful modification of the Mercedes SL 600 Roadster premiered at the Detroit auto show.
This version is equipped with a six-liter 12-cylinder bi-turbo engine from the Mercedes S600, which has a capacity of 493 horsepower and has a huge torque engine speed. From zero to one hundred kilometers per hour, the top version of the Mercedes SL accelerates in 4.7 seconds, and acceleration from 60 to 120 kilometers per hour takes only 4.9 seconds. The maximum speed of the novelty, according to tradition, is limited to 250 kilometers per hour. The standard equipment of the SL 600, which rightfully occupies a special status among sports cars of its class, includes everything for a tasteful journey.
Elements such as leather trimming in soft folds, V12 emblems on the headrests, soft floor mats with a silver-colored “chrome” sign, as well as an elegant steering wheel and gear lever trimmed with leather and wood add additional stylistic accents. The standard equipment of the top-modification roadster also includes the active position control system for the body above the road, the electronic brake system drive, the COMMAND system, which allows you to control the radio with a CD changer, telephone, navigation system and other electronic systems of the car.
At present, the AMG tuning studio, recently part of the Mercedes-Benz company, is preparing another interesting development - the most powerful and fastest version of the luxurious Mercedes SL Roadster. The prototype of this supercar has already begun road tests, and the premiere of the novelty should be held at the Geneva Motor Show in spring 2004. The peculiarity of this car will be that AMG specialists managed to bring the power of the powerful 6-liter, 12-cylinder biturbin engine to 612 horsepower. The maximum torque of this motor is 1000Nm. The top version of the Mercedes SL will be completed with a five-speed automatic with gearshift buttons on the steering wheel.
Another tuning studio Brabus has already presented its own version of this car, whose engine power was increased to 640 horsepower. The first major modernization of the series occurred in the 2006th year. The update affected mainly the set of engines used, as well as a small facelift of the exterior and interior trim.
All updated Mercedes SL differ in the changed front bumper with three air inlets, and also a new radiator grille. Fog lights got chrome edging, taillights acquired a slightly different design. There is a new line of alloy wheels, as well as an updated interior trim with new color options and combinations of materials.
The Mercedes SL 2006 almost completely changed the line of engines. The basic 3.7-liter V6 engine with a power of 245 horsepower gave way to a new 3.5-liter engine, already 282 horsepower. From zero to one hundred kilometers per hour, this version accelerates in 6.6 seconds, and its average fuel consumption is only 10.3 liters per hundred kilometers. The next version, the SL 500 with an eight-cylinder engine, will receive a new 5.5-liter unit with a power of 388 horsepower, instead of the 306-horsepower. The maximum torque of the new engine is 530Nm, and from zero to one hundred kilometers per hour, this roadster accelerates in 5.4 seconds, versus 6.2 seconds for a car with an old engine.
Following the basic versions of the SL Roadster, Mercedes decided to upgrade its “charged” modifications, which are produced by the AMG atelier. Mercedes SL AMG cars also received an updated body design, they began to be equipped with an upgraded suspension and brake system. The Mercedes SL 55 AMG version, equipped with a V8 engine with a mechanical supercharger, has received a new engine management system, an upgraded supercharger and a larger throttle. As a result, the engine power has grown from 500 to 517 horsepower, and the maximum torque from 700 to 720 Nm.
Acceleration from zero to one hundred kilometers per hour in this version now takes 4.5 seconds, and its maximum speed is limited to 250 kilometers per hour. The line closes the modification of the Mercedes SL 65 AMG, equipped with a V12 engine with a capacity of 612 hp. Both versions of the AMG SL Roadster are equipped with an upgraded suspension based on the second generation of the Active Body Control system, which prevents body pecks during braking and acceleration, and also reduces roll in corners. In addition, both roadsters also received new brakes with oversized discs made of composite materials.
According to the developers, these brakes are more efficient than normal, and less prone to overheating. The exterior of the Mercedes SL AMG Roadster has also changed a bit - new front and rear bumpers and upgraded exhaust pipes have appeared. The interior trim is now used inserts of carbon and aluminum, and among the devices appeared device RaceTimer, allowing to monitor the lap time on the racetracks, as well as to analyze the indications of speed and acceleration. At the Geneva Motor Show in 2008, Mercedes introduced a retailing version of the Mercedes SL Roadster. The changes affected two areas - body design and grams of power units.
The car has become more powerful, more luxurious and elegant. He received a new grille with a horizontal chrome strip dissecting it, new air intakes and headlights. The rear parts of the car have also undergone major changes - it acquired a new bumper, an aerodynamic spoiler and new exhaust pipes. The interior has been transformed by new trim materials, a three-spoke steering wheel and an updated on-board computer with a large color display. There are two types of leather to choose from, and decorative inserts can be made of both natural wood and aluminum. The roadster is equipped with the latest technical progress.
All models are endowed with a new optimized steering and advanced Telematik system with voice control Linguatronic. As an option, you can order a luxurious Harman Kardon audio system with an output power of 510 watts with 10 speakers. In the line of engines - exclusively V-shaped gasoline engines. A pair of six-cylinder: SL 350 Sport with a capacity of 316 hp and SL 280 with a capacity of 231 hp Acceleration to 100 km / h from the SL 350 Sport takes 6.2 seconds, and the maximum speed is 250 km / h. SL 280 to 100 km / h accelerates in 7.8 seconds.
Models SL 500 and SL 600 remained the same with the same power of 388 and 517 hp. Atelier AMG presented the SL 63 AMG, which replaced the previous SL 55 AMG. This version is equipped with a 525-horsepower V8 with a maximum torque of 630 Nm.
Acceleration to 100 km / h takes 4.7 seconds, and the maximum speed is 250 km / h (limiter). The engine is paired with a 7-speed sports box automatic. The official debut of the sixth generation Mercedes-Benz SL took place at the January Detroit Auto Show in 2012. The roadster added 50 mm in length and 57 mm in width. The car is almost completely (frame, bonnet, doors) made of lightweight aluminum, which makes it 140 pounds lighter than its predecessor. The trunk lid is made of plastic and steel, and for greater safety during coups, the windshield frame is of pure steel origin.
The rigidity of the car has become 20% stronger than the steel predecessors. The body of the new 2013 SL consists of 44% aluminum casting, 17% profiles and 28% aluminum sheet. Throughout the entire body structure, Mercedes-Benz uses only 8% of high-strength steel for reinforcement, and the remaining 3 percent is made of lighter and more durable than aluminum titanium. The design of the roadster is made in the style of the SLK, presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011.
The front part of the SL is almost the same as the more compact counterpart. The overall silhouette has not changed radically - the same elegant, swift lines. The roadster SL 2012 retained the geometric shapes and proportions of its predecessor, but of course it didn’t change without changes in the exterior and interior of the model. On the exterior, a brand-name grille with a three-beam star, large headlights, drop-shaped tail lights, quadrilateral exhaust pipes and side “gills” on the front wings are riveted to the eye. The interior design of the SL largely repeats the style of the cab of the latest generation SLK-class sports car.
Magic Sky Control is available as an option. At the touch of a button, the driver can change the transparency of the panoramic sunroof built into the roof, which allows for extra comfort to provide additional comfort in the interior. The roof closes when you press a button in the cabin in just 20 seconds. Another improvement to the SL 2013 model from Mercedes-Benz is the smart wiper system (Magic Vision Control), which contains water holes directly on the brushes, which eliminates the smearing of dirt or poor cleaning inherent in simple systems. There are three modes of operation - for winter, summer and for an open top.
In the first case, the volume of the supplied liquid is increased due to severe pollution of the glass, where, if necessary, the heater will also work. In the second - it is very small, since in the summer you can just easily shake off the dust. Well, if the glass is very polluted, then the system itself to determine it and submit a sufficient amount of liquid to clean it. And in the third, water is supplied so that the spray does not fall into the cabin. The roadster is offered with two power units.
Mercedes-Benz SL 350 - with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine developing 306 hp power and 370 Nm of torque, with fuel consumption of 6.8 liters per 100 kilometers, which is almost 30% less than its predecessor. Mercedes-Benz SL 500 - with a 4.7-liter power unit with eight V-shaped cylinders with a capacity of 435 hp and a torque of 700 Nm, which is 12% more in power and 170 Nm at maximum torque. Both options are equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission and a system for killing and starting the engine “Start-Stop”. The new SL 350 accelerates to 100 km / h in 5.9 seconds, and the SL 500 in 4.6 seconds. The maximum speed of both is limited at the turn of 250 km / h.
