2022 Mercedes SL (VIDEO UPDATE) spied testing on public road
10-29-20 | 11:38 AM
#32
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2022 Mercedes-Benz SL prototype spied testing on the public road
Rendering ...
the manufacturer already confirms that neither a coupe nor a convertible will join the new S-class sedan. As a not quite equivalent replacement, the brand is going to offer customers a new generation of SL-Class roadster, and we have exclusive renderings suggesting how it might look.
The rendering artist used the many spy shots of the new SL-Class as the basis for creating this vehicle. The engineers are currently evaluating the roadster on public roads.
Development of the new SL is carried out by the performance division at Mercedes, so the car in the renderings is AMG version of the vehicle, including the Panamericana grille with vertical ribs, sporty front fascia, red brake calipers, and V8 Biturbo emblem. We don't yet know for sure what engine the top version of the roadster might use. According to a rumor, it would be the 720-horsepower (537-kilowatt) V8 from Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. Alternatively, it may be the SL73e AMG 4Matic with an electrically assisted version of the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8.
Daimler Chief Designer Gorden Wagener says that the new roadster takes inspiration from the iconic mercedes 300 sl. Although, the similarities aren't particularly striking. The most obvious difference from the previous generation is using a fabric roof instead of a folding metal one.
The new SL-Class will debut at some point in 2021. It'll likely be on sale in late 2021 or early 2022.
The rendering artist used the many spy shots of the new SL-Class as the basis for creating this vehicle. The engineers are currently evaluating the roadster on public roads.
Development of the new SL is carried out by the performance division at Mercedes, so the car in the renderings is AMG version of the vehicle, including the Panamericana grille with vertical ribs, sporty front fascia, red brake calipers, and V8 Biturbo emblem. We don't yet know for sure what engine the top version of the roadster might use. According to a rumor, it would be the 720-horsepower (537-kilowatt) V8 from Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. Alternatively, it may be the SL73e AMG 4Matic with an electrically assisted version of the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8.
Daimler Chief Designer Gorden Wagener says that the new roadster takes inspiration from the iconic mercedes 300 sl. Although, the similarities aren't particularly striking. The most obvious difference from the previous generation is using a fabric roof instead of a folding metal one.
The new SL-Class will debut at some point in 2021. It'll likely be on sale in late 2021 or early 2022.
10-30-20 | 06:29 PM
#39
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From: NA
10-30-20 | 06:50 PM
#40
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From: MI
SL wasn't always a 2-seater. Lexus made do with what they could on SC and LC, since the badge and buyer base don't favor multiple high-priced 2 doors.
C107 SLC Coupe (1971-1981)
This was replaced in late 1981 by the C126 SEC coupe after a 10 year run from 1971 to 1981. MB had actually proposed in 1968-1969 a C116 S-Class based coupe, but ultimately vetoed it in 1969 in favor of C107 SL Coupe.
C116 S-Class Coupe Sketch by Paul Bracq (of BMW fame), Early 1969.
1982MY Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC V8 Coupe; West Germany
1982MY Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC V8 Coupe Velour Rear Seats,
For the first time since 1981, the line of S-Class based coupes will die in 2020 after nearly 4 decades.
C126 560 SEC Coupe; C140 S-Class Coupe
C215 CL 65 AMG Coupe; C216 CL Coupe
C217 S500 Coupe; A217 S65 AMG S Cabrio Facelift
SL really needs to return to form, I hope it will.
I know I'm being nostalgic, but at the same time I don't think I'm necessarily wrong when I say the R129 was the ultimate SL and has not been equalled since. The latest ones like this '02 are still drop dead gorgeous today, stunning to me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnAkowsgM6A
Since then they've been sort of watered down IMO.
I remember these from when they came out, they would stop people and gather a crowd.
Now there's so many different MBs it's hard to distinguish.
I know I'm being nostalgic, but at the same time I don't think I'm necessarily wrong when I say the R129 was the ultimate SL and has not been equalled since. The latest ones like this '02 are still drop dead gorgeous today, stunning to me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnAkowsgM6A
Since then they've been sort of watered down IMO.
I remember these from when they came out, they would stop people and gather a crowd.
Now there's so many different MBs it's hard to distinguish.
September 1974 Proposal for R129 SL Program
September 1974 Proposal Rear
That R129 was so special, it took nearly 15 years to develop from mid-1970s. A development hiatus in the late 70s ensued, when a development of an entry level Benz took priority.
September 1974 W201 190 Program 1:1 Proposal; October 1977 W201 Scale Clay (Bottom)
November 1977 W201 1:1 Clay Proposal ; 1979-80 Winter Testing of W201 190 test mule
1982 Daimler-Benz AG Press Photo of 1983 190 (USA 1984MY)
That later became the 190 sedan above by 1982, renamed C-Class in 1993.
March 11, 1982 R129 SL Design Proposal 1 alongside competing designs
June 1983 R129 Alternative Sketch by Hans Dieter Futschik of Mercedes-Benz Design
By the time development resumed in early 1982, the C126 S-Class coupe had finally appeared and W201 190 was going to be entering production. A final design was set October 17, 1984 and resulted a long 3.5 years of spy shots from 1985 to early 1989.
October 17, 1984 R129 SL Final Design Approval in 1:1 Fiberglass
1989 R129 SL (Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft 1988 Press Photo)
When it was launched in mid-1989 for Europe and late 1989 for USA, the outgoing R107 SL had been in production for 18 years since 1971 and had its roots in the 1960s mindset of engineering.
June 1968 Design Freeze of 1972MY R107 SL
Introduction of SLC at Paris Motor Show 1971
The R129 was a serious tour-de-force in 1989-1990. This new R232 for 2022 is a return to form indeed.
The R230 introduced in November 2001 wasn't bad, but a little bit too cookie cutter and later forgettable. Was the last SL designed under design chief Sacco, who went a little too modern in the 1990s with MB Design in Sindelfingen to stave off Lexus/BMW. He completed it in June 1997.
R230 SL 500 (2001 DaimlerChrysler Press Photo); sold November 2001 to 2006; Designed through June 1997.
2012 of R231 was just plain ugly and undesirable, the product of outgoing design director Peter Pfeiffer (1999-2008) misreading the market.
2012 R231 SL 500 (2011 Daimler AG Press Photo)
Mercedes-Benz Modular Rear Architecture (MRA) W205 C-Class Press Photo (C) 2013, 2014
MRA II from W223 S-Class Daimler AG Press Photo (C)2020
It is very obvious to many, the SL has been a flop since a poorly received facelift in 2008 for MY 2009 and its troubled last redesign in 2012, that was in development hell for 2 years. Incumbent R231 SL was panned until a huge facelift released in 2016, the same for SLC (neé SLK).
R230 MY2007 Refresh (2005 DaimlerChrysler Press Photo); R230 MY2009 Facelift (2007 DaimlerChrysler Press Photo)
R231 SL 500 MY2017 Facelift (2015 Daimler AG Press Photo)
Therefore, the SL has not been designed well since Brüno Sacco left Mercedes-Benz as design director in 1999 and retired after 24 years in charge (41 years at MB-1958). The previous generation SL of 2002 (further above) was designed under him in the late 90s before his retirement.
His executive successor in Pfeiffer couldn't live up him in regards to SL design, until recently with Gorden Wagener (age 52) fixing it by 2016 and also creating this new R232 SL generation for 2022. This SL will be a knockout, after so many misses since 2008.
Aside from that, ALL manufacturers use test mules for development. Those who don't, rely on 100% digital development or an uber expensive prototyping process, which solely relies on exact spec prototypes the whole 9 yards.
The latter almost never happens anymore, as it's so time consuming and costly. Germans NEVER do digital prototyping as a sole means, so you're gonna see test mules in other bodies.
I think I've made my point on what the real story is.
Last edited by Carmaker1; 10-31-20 at 10:34 PM.
10-30-20 | 07:35 PM
#42
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10-31-20 | 10:17 PM
#43
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From: MI
Well, I guess this has become commonplace with all the brands out there nowadays. SL73 is extreme for a 4.0 liter. At this point it's all about a "higher number", to hoodwink ignorant customers.
I really, really look down on people spending money above $100k and not knowing what the hell they're buying. Might as well get a Camry or a CRV, if one be bothered to know.
(I am referring to a lot of young guys I encounter and don't know whether they have RWD/FWD or a V12 versus a V8.)
10-31-20 | 10:28 PM
#44
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
I suspect, though, that, in a number of cases, they DO know what they are buying, but just want to Keep up with the Jones, or impress people at the Country Club.
11-03-20 | 03:06 PM
#45
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From: Knoxville, TN
R129 will be my next purchase after we get LX570.
Looking for 2002 SL500 in silver ideally. Lovvvvvveeeee the Silver Arrow editions but not sure they're worth the extra cost; the basic car and drive is identical.
Looking for 2002 SL500 in silver ideally. Lovvvvvveeeee the Silver Arrow editions but not sure they're worth the extra cost; the basic car and drive is identical.