2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is still the daddy
#1
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2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is still the daddy
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It's the eve of press days at the Detroit Auto Show, and Mercedes-Benz has kicked off the week in fine style with the premiere of its 2013 SL. While the 60-year-old franchise has periodically undergone radical revisions, the sixth-generation should look familiar to anyone who has seen the outgoing model, but that doesn't mean that Benz hasn't tugged and pulled the SL every which way. While the general form looks very similar to the fifth-generation roadster, there are subtle tweaks everywhere, the most noticeable being the eagle's-eye LED daytime running lamps.
As before, the two-seat roadster relies on a power folding hardtop, though the folding roof can now be had with Magic Sky Control, the trick bit of electrochromatic glass with variable opacity first offered on the SLK. The original SL nomenclature stood for Sport and Lightweight, but in recent years, the latter descriptor hasn't really applied to the big coupe. The 2013 model seeks to reclaim some of that featheriness with a new all-aluminum structure and body, and Mercedes says the new SL550 weighs about 275 pounds less than the exiting model.
Powered by Mercedes' 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8, the SL550 delivers 429 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and a whopping 516 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 rpm. As before, that power is routed through a seven-speed auto to the rear wheels. Apart from its lightweight aluminum construction and downsized engine, Mercedes has made a few other concessions to greener motoring including standard stop/start. Despite this, the 32-percent swell in torque and 12-percent bump in horsepower means that 60 miles per hour hits in just 4.5 seconds – the old car required 5.2 seconds. Top speed is limited to 130 mph, and judging from the engine, it sounds like you'll be able to say hello to the governor rather quickly.
Over the years, Mercedes has made many contributions to the art of year-round top-down motoring, with items like heated seats, HVAC systems with dedicated top-down modes, Airscarf, and so on. For 2013, the SL gains a new wiper blade system dubbed Magic Vision Control that streams wiper fluid along the blade to avoid overspray into the interior when the top is dropped. The entire wiper is heated as well.
The model seen here is the limited edition "Edition 1" launch specification, which wears 19-inch AMG alloys, Designo leather, Airscarf, Harmon Kardon surround audio and available Designo crystal silver magno paintwork. We should know a bit more about pricing before the car arrives in dealers this spring.
Galleries:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-...photo-4724855/
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-...photo-4679853/
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/08/2...-detroit-2012/
#5
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since when do drivers go over 130 on public roads? those who do should be in jail.
#6
Lexus Champion
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I do wonder if the SL will get an AMG version as well (or if it will just be like the CL class)
P.S.
hehe wait a moment (need to calculate)
130 mph x 1.6 kilometer/1 mph = 178 km/h (?)
Yeah, that is dangerous on village roads (or any road outside of a freeway/highway/expressway/motorway or any limited access roadway)
P.S.
Originally Posted by bitkahuna
since when do drivers go over 130 on public roads?
130 mph x 1.6 kilometer/1 mph = 178 km/h (?)
Yeah, that is dangerous on village roads (or any road outside of a freeway/highway/expressway/motorway or any limited access roadway)
#8
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The previous version looked much better, sleeker, and more exotic. I am not a fan of this new Mercedes pushed in snout with the big headlights. I liked the previous versions with the smaller circular headlights. The weight reduction and performance is nice but looks wise it does not stand out and is too bland.
#9
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I doubt the car won't stand out anywhere in the U.S. Just look at the snout/eyes on that car. I used to think the SLS or SLR didn't stand out until one day I saw both cars at the dealership and my eyes light up like a Christmas tree. This is exactly what I love about Mercedes whatever you want they got it.
This car will be a hit once it hit the street.
This car will be a hit once it hit the street.
#11
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Somebody correct me if I am wrong.
Also, 130 mph is a speed that many people won't be (and shouldn't be) driving, particularly in the US.
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#13
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:-)
of course, there are all seasons with Y rating (over 300kmh) as well as W rated tires from every major brand out there.