2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Model Range

The new SL 500 (3,935 lbs) weighs around 275 lbs less than its predecessor and the SL 350 (3,715 lbs) is 308 lbs lighter

Designed originally as a racing car in 1952, the SL became a production model in 1954 and met the world as a 300 SL Gullwing.  Even the very first SL’s offered powerful sportiness, exciting design, effortlessly superior style, technical innovations and the ultimate in engineering artistry, offerings that can still be found in today’s Mercedes SL after 60 years.

The unique combination of systematic sportiness, refined luxury and yet unrestricted suitability for everyday use at the same time is what makes the Mercedes-Benz SL the dream car it is – and it is also what lies behind its success where sales are concerned. The SL was always ahead of its time technically – even when it was rolling off the production line for 18 years at a time, as was the case with the SL bearing the internal code R 107 (from 1971 to 1989). Over 650,000 SL vehicles have left the production halls in Sindelfingen and Bremen since 1954, and from the last model generation alone – which celebrated its premiere in 2001 – nearly 170,000 specimens found their way into the hearts of the enthusiasts amongst fans of high-calibre sports cars.

The new generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL now being presented is the sixth generation model to follow the 1952 racing car. In the unique tradition of the SL it is entering its era as an athlete, refined aesthete and innovative trendsetter with an extraordinarily high utility value. Mercedes-Benz is initially offering the new SL with two engines – as the SL 350 with a V6 engine and as the SL 500 with a V8. The new BlueDIRECT engines have an output of 225 kW (306 hp) in the SL 350 and 320 kW (435 hp) in the SL 500 (a 12-percent increase over the predecessor).

Moreover, the new SL breathes new life into the meaning of the famous abbreviation “SL” – super-light – through systematic weight reduction. For the first time ever, Mercedes-Benz is implementing an all-aluminium bodyshell in series production. The newly developed vehicle weights approximately 110 kilograms less than a comparable bodyshell made of sheet steel. Nevertheless it is even more rigid – and safer – than its predecessor. Mercedes-Benz has achieved this through a systematic intelligent material mix of aluminium alloys and aluminium components which are tailor-made for the respective requirements, combined with just a few portions of high-strength steel and magnesium.

Although the new SL is even more comfortable and has more safety devices on board than its predecessor and therefore does actually sacrifice some of the weight saved through the aluminium bodyshell, the scales show some astonishing figures: the new SL 500 (3,935 lbs) weighs around 275 lbs less than its predecessor. On balance, the SL 350 (3,715 lbs) is 308 lbs lighter – all thanks to a host of other intelligent enhanced details to reduce weight, which Mercedes-Benz has also implemented in the new SL in addition to the aluminium bodyshell.

And these measurement results do not just impress as figures on the page; they are very much perceptible and tangible in practice, too. The resulting increase in longitudinal and lateral dynamics facilitates superb performance with a decided passion for cornering. The greater track width at both the front (+ 38 mm) and rear (+ 77 mm) axle serves the handling which is at once sporty and agile and keeps the car under safe control. Drivers will find the new SL even more agile than its predecessor – sheer pleasure for those of a sporty orientation.

There are two suspension variants from which to choose. The SL is supplied as standard with semi-active adjustable damping (lowered by ten millimetres in the AMG sports package). The active suspension system ABC (Active Body Control) is available as an optional extra. Unique the world over, it has been enhanced especially for the new SL.

In keeping with the Mercedes-Benz tradition, the new SL couples its sharpened athletic profile and agile nimbleness with a luxurious ambience. Its high-quality equipment and appointments contribute to the exquisite motoring pleasure that can be experienced every kilometre of the way. Fine materials, finished with great attention to detail, shape its style and character. The levels of comfort here – unique in the segment of luxury sports cars – blend with high everyday practicality, for the new SL shines with top marks where open-top motoring, suspension comfort and comfort on long journeys are concerned – plus its exemplarily low background noise, which is comparable with that of a saloon. This all adds up to the fact that this vehicle is a Gran Turismo in the very best sense of the word.

The safest and the most sparing

Thanks to the crash-optimised aluminium structure, standard-fit PRE-SAFE® and assistance systems on the same high level as the S-Class, the SL is the world’s safest roadster.

What’s more, it is the most frugal one in its class. The SL 350 consumes 6.9 litres over 100 kilometres, which is virtually 30 percent less than its predecessor (CO2 159 g/km). The SL 500, too, posts a persuasive set of efficiency figures: 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres (minus 22%) correspond to 212g/km CO2.

The design, meanwhile, displays all the classic proportions so characteristic of the SL. Right from the first glance the masculine-looking roadster with a broad tail end is immediately identifiable as a member of the current family of sports cars from Mercedes-Benz. It emphasises its autonomy through a multitude of details created with loving care.

The sixth generation of the SL also offers a vario-roof that can be retracted into the boot using an electrohydraulic mechanism to save space, converting the SL into a roadster or a coupé, depending on the driver’s wishes and the weather. Unlike its predecessor, three versions are available for the new SL: painted, with a glass roof or with the unique panoramic vario-roof featuring MAGIC SKY CONTROL. The transparent roof switches to light or dark at the push of a button. When light it is virtually transparent, offering an open-air experience even in cold weather. In its dark state the roof provides welcome shade and prevents the interior from heating up in bright sunlight.

MAGIC VISION CONTROL is a new intelligent, high-efficiency windscreen wiper/washer system. Its system of channels supplies water to the windscreen just in front of the laser-cut wiper blade lip. As a result, when spraying, there are no gushes of water on the windscreen to disrupt visibility, and yet the windscreen is kept clean.

Also unique, the Frontbass system uses the free spaces in the aluminium structures in front of the footwell for housing the bass loudspeakers. As a result, the new SL features clear, crisp bass sounds that facilitate a concert hall ambience even with the top down.

Both innovations are part of the extensive standard equipment of the new SL.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL offers more comfort and sportiness, setting new standards for luxury roadsters

Mercedes-Benz is showing off their newly premiered 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, looking as bold and aggressive as it did in the photos. The SL Roadster adopts several styling cues from the popular Mercedes SLK. If you have an opportunity, make sure you head to the Detroit Auto Show beginning January 14th. For those of you that can’t make it, you won’t have to wait long, the 2013 Mercedes SL is set to hit showrooms this spring.

Compared with its successful predecessor, the new Mercedes-Benz SL offers considerably more comfort and sportiness, setting new standards in the luxury roadster class. Added to which is uncompromising day-to-day suitability, which turns the SL into an incomparable all-rounder among sports cars. In short, anyone that talks about the new SL is bound to be talking about the ultimate in passionate, refined motoring.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “There are around 900 million cars in the world and thousands of models. But there are only a handful of automotive icons. Our SL is one of them: it has class, it has style, it is the ultimate in comfort and luxury. But it combines all that with incredible sportiness and dynamism. You would struggle to find a car that embodies Gottlieb Daimler’s aspiration more perfectly than our new SL: the best or nothing.”

Lighter and more rigid: sophisticated all-aluminium bodyshell

The new-generation Mercedes-Benz SL takes the meaning of the famous letters “SL” – super, lightweight – literally. Consistent weight reduction is one of the most outstanding design characteristics in the new SL as was the case in its namesake, the original SL of 1952 with its lightweight tubular frame. For the first time Mercedes-Benz has implemented an all-aluminium bodyshell in a series-production model. Only very few components consist of other materials. The designers use the even lighter magnesium for the cover behind the tank. High-strength steel tubing is integrated in the A-pillars for safety reasons.

The new aluminium bodyshell weighs around 110 kilograms less than it would using the steel technology from the predecessor. “The effect is rather as if a heavyweight-class passenger had got out of the car” says Dr Thomas Rudlaff, responsible for the aluminium bodyshell at Mercedes-Benz. “The result is perceptible and measurable. Less weight means more dynamism and less consumption. In other words: the motoring enjoyment increases, the environmental burden sinks.”

The aluminium structure is not only lighter but also proves superior to the predecessor’s steel construction in terms of rigidity, safety and comfort. This is achieved thanks, among other things, to its intelligent lightweight construction with components optimised for their specific task. Thus, diverse processes

are used to make different kinds of aluminium depending on the use the component is to be given: the parts are made by chill casting or vacuum die-casting, worked into extruded aluminium sections or into aluminium panels of different thicknesses. The result: high rigidity, high safety levels and better vibration characteristics.

Although the new SL is even more comfortable and has more assistance systems on-board than its predecessor and therefore does actually sacrifice some of the weight saved through the aluminium bodyshell, the scales show some astonishing figures: the new SL 500 (1.785 kg) weighs around 125 kilograms less than its predecessor. On balance, the SL 350 (1.685 kg) is even 140 kilograms lighter – all thanks to a host of other intelligent enhanced details to reduce weight, which Mercedes-Benz has also implemented in the new SL in addition to the aluminium bodyshell.

Driving pleasure: frugal, powerful engines and agile suspension

Powerful while accelerating, effortlessly superior across all speeds, nimble on winding roads – the new SL provides ample driving pleasure. Apart from the powerful engines, the sportily tuned yet comfortable suspension, which also boasts intelligent lightweight construction, proves outstanding. For instance, the steering knuckles and spring links on the front axle are also made out of aluminium to reduce the unsprung masses. The same also applies to virtually all the wheel location components on the rear axle.

The new SL is available with two different suspension systems: the SL features semi-active adjustable damping as standard. The optional active suspension system ABC (Active Body Control) is available as an alternative.

Both suspension variants are combined with a new electromechanical Direct-Steer system featuring speed-sensitive power steering and a ratio that can be varied across the steering wheel angle. This ensures excellent straight-line stability and, therefore, a high degree of assuredness when travelling at motorway speeds and makes the SL very agile. It also reduces the amount of steering required when parking and manoeuvring.

The new V8 in the SL 500 develops 320 kW (435 hp) from its displacement of 4663 cc and thus around 12 percent more than its predecessor despite some 0.8 litres less displacement. The fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 22 percent. At the same time, the torque has increased from 530 Nm to 700 Nm – a gain of 32 percent. Although the displacement remains the same at 3499 cc, the new V6 engine in the new SL 350 develops 225 kW (306 hp) and delivers 370 Nm of torque. It uses just 6.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, making it almost 30 percent more economical than its predecessor. Both engine variants come with a standard-fit ECO start/stop function. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, which has been optimised in relation to fuel consumption and comfort, also contributes to the exemplary, low fuel consumption. The fuel economy of the BlueDIRECT engines takes nothing away from the roadster’s raciness. Quite the contrary: the SL 350 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, making it three tenths of a second faster than its predecessor. The SL 500 takes just 4.6 seconds – eight tenths less than the previous SL 500.

Interior: aesthetic, stylish, sporty

The new SL combines its aesthetically honed profile, which follows the Mercedes-Benz tradition, with a luxurious feel. Fine materials, perfectly finished with great attention to detail, distinguish the style and character of the interior.

Compared with its predecessor, the new generation of the SL is much longer 4612 mm (+50 mm) and wider 1877 mm (+57 mm), providing more room for more comfort in the interior, too. Shoulder room (+37 mm) and elbow room (+28 mm) have been increased, exceeding the dimensions normally found in this vehicle class. Clear lines create a formally coherent internal space within this comfortable interior. Generously used wood trim extends from the centre console across the dashboard into the doors, creating a pleasant wrap-around effect. Three types of wood along with two different aluminium trim finishes are available. Perfectly in tune with the roadster’s character, it combines the unpretentious atmosphere of a high-performance sports car with a comfortable, stylish ambience one comes to expect in a luxurious touring car.

Design: classic SL proportions

The designers have brought the latest generation of the SL unmistakably to life on the basis of tradition but added new perspectives and visions. The result is a stylishly sporty and elegant luxury sports car with the classic hallmark SL balanced proportions: the long bonnet gives way to a compact passenger compartment that is set well back. A wide, powerful rear end giving the impression of raciness provides the finishing touch. A handful of elaborately styled lines define the powerfully sculpted and yet calm surfaces of the flanks. Finely worked details, a striking rear end as well as ventilation grilles with chromed fins from the dynamic traditional Mercedes-Benz design heritage visually emphasise the SL legend.

An upright classic sports car radiator grille clearly marks out the new SL visually as a prestigious member of the current Mercedes-Benz sports car family. The centrally positioned star is a contemporary reinterpretation of the famous trademark, which now extends into the centre section with its organically flowing contours.

Dynamically slanting headlamps set well to the outside flank the striking front end and give the new roadster its own unmistakable face. The headlamps come as standard with the Intelligent Light System (ILS). With five different lighting functions that are tailored to typical driving and weather conditions, and are activated depending on the driving situation, they offer the driver a much better illuminated field of vision. The striking sidelights and the horizontal strip of the daytime running lamps in the far ends of the bumper feature LED technology.

Vario-roof: MAGIC SKY CONTROL as an option

The sixth generation of the SL also offers a vario-roof that can be retracted into the boot using an electrohydraulic mechanism to save space, which converts the SL in a few seconds into a roadster or a coupé, depending on the driver’s wishes and the weather. Unlike its predecessor, three versions are available for the new SL: painted, with glass roof or with the unique panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL. The transparent roof switches to light or dark at the push of a button. When light it is virtually transparent, offering an open-air experience even in cold weather. In its dark state the roof provides welcome shade and prevents the interior from heating up in bright sunlight. The frame of the three roof versions is made of magnesium, making the roofs around six kilograms lighter than the roof on the predecessor, thus providing a lower centre of gravity for the vehicle and, in turn, better agility.

The engineers have refined the operating mechanism for the roof and boot lid. It now takes less than 20 seconds to open or close the roof completely.

Aerodynamics: new standards

The design of the new SL not only meets high aesthetic demands but it also boasts exemplary aerodynamic qualities.As such, the roadster merits best marks in its segment in four important disciplines:

  • With the lowest drag coefficient (cd = 0.27 in the SL 350);
  • With the lowest wind noise that is virtually on a par with a closed saloon;
  • With the best comfort for open-top motoring so that you can still have
  • the roof down even at high speed;
  • With virtually no accumulation of dirt on the side windows.
  • Two world premieres: Frontbass and MAGIC VISION CONTROL

With two innovations, the new SL remains true to its tradition as technological trendsetter:

  • MAGIC VISION CONTROL is a new, intelligent and highly efficient wipe/wash system. The innovative wiper blade concept always applies the washer fluid just in front of the wiper blade lip via the channels integrated into the blade – in both directions of wipe. As a result, no water is splashed onto the windscreen during spraying to disrupt the driver’s visibility, while at the same time cleaning the windscreen perfectly. The water also remains on the windscreen, thus ensuring it is cleaned without troubling the occupants, even with the roof down. For the first time a fully heated wiper blade is available as an option that prevents snow or ice from forming on the blade in winter. This heating function also allows warm water to be applied directly onto the windscreen for the first time, even in cold temperatures.
  • The likewise unique Frontbass system intelligently uses the free spaces in the aluminium structures in front of the footwell as resonance spaces for the bass loudspeakers. As a result the new SL features clear, crisp bass sounds that make possible a concert hall ambience even with the top down, and frees up space in the doors.

Both innovations are part of the extensive standard equipment of the new SL.

HANDS-FREE ACCESS: ‘kick’ to open

The HANDS-FREE ACCESS system is another Mercedes-Benz innovation which provides hands-free, contactless operation of the boot lid. The driver simply moves their foot in the vicinity of the rear bumper. Mercedes-Benz is the only car maker to offer a system which not only automatically opens the boot lid but closes it as well.

The safest roadster

Thanks to the crash-optimised aluminium structure, standard-fit PRE-SAFE® and assistance systems on the same high level as the S-Class, the SL is the world’s safest roadster. The rigid aluminium bodyshell forms a sturdy passenger compartment along with precisely defined deformation zones in the front and rear ends. In the event of the vehicle overturning, A-pillars made out of a mix of steel and aluminium and two roll-over bars protect the passenger compartment. The restraint systems including the two-stage driver and front passenger airbags have been further developed. A headbag integrally covers the side head-impact area. An additional thorax airbag in the seat backrest can protect the upper body in the event of a side impact. Another new feature is the crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints developed by Mercedes-Benz which are fitted as standard in the SL. An active bonnet and a front end with a large, yielding impact area help ensure pedestrian protection.

A safety highlight is the unrivalled anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE® developed by Mercedes-Benz which is fitted as standard. If the system detects a serious risk of an accident, it reflexively activates precautionary protective measures for the vehicle occupants, so that the seat belts and airbags are able to fulfil their protective function to the full during an impact.

Additional post-crash measures supplement the integral safety concept and facilitate rapid assistance: regardless of the severity of the impact, the doors can be automatically unlocked after an accident, the interior lighting activated and the side windows lowered by 50 millimetres to ventilate the interior more effectively. The steering wheel can also be moved upwards.

Standard: ATTENTION ASSIST AND ADAPTIVE BRAKE

In the new SL too, a unique combination of driver assistance systems helps prevent accidents. These include the standard-fit drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST and the ADAPTIVE BRAKE. The latter features ABS, acceleration skid control (ASR) and active yaw control, and offers comfort and convenience functions in addition to safety functions.

The ADAPTIVE BRAKE works in conjunction with the equally adaptive brake lights. In emergency braking situations, it warns vehicles behind with flashing brake lights.

PRE-SAFE® Brake: autonomous partial and emergency braking in response to a serious risk of a rear-end collision

As an option DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control and PRE-SAFE® Brake, which is already well proven in other Mercedes-Benz models, are available. Both work on the basis of the same radar sensors. Once a serious risk of a rear-end collision is detected, the PRE-SAFE® Brake warns the driver initially and can initiate autonomous braking if the driver fails to react, and so either prevent the accident or at least mitigate its severity. PRE-SAFE® can also activate occupant protection measures.

Active Parking Assist: automatically manoeuvred into a parking space

The Active Parking Assist is new in the SL. Using ultrasound sensors it can identify parking spaces and automatically steer the vehicle into the space while parking.

Infotainment: COMAND with internet access

Even in the entry-level variant, the new Mercedes-Benz SL comes with the “Cockpit Management and Data System” COMAND. Functionality includes Bluetooth telephony along with simpler operation of the car phone. COMAND Online with internet access and DVD changer is also available as an option. It provides unlimited web browsing while the vehicle is stationary along with high-speed access to a Mercedes-Benz online service – for instance requesting a weather report or a special destination search. There is also the option of sending individual destinations and routes via Google Maps to the vehicle. For the first time, Mercedes-Benz is also offering new apps for the new SL: in addition to a free news app and a Facebook app, there are optional Mercedes-Benz apps for share prices and a car park finder. A Yelp app to look for restaurants is available for the US market.

Both COMAND versions feature a high-resolution TFT colour display with 17.8 cm diagonal (800 x 480 pixels) at the side next to the instrument cluster. This screen arrangement prevents the driver from being distracted as far as possible.

Orders for the new SL commenced on 15 December 2011. The prices including 19% VAT are as follows:

  • SL 350 BlueEFFICIENCY: 93,534.00 euros
  • SL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY: 117,096.00 euros

To coincide with the launch of the new SL, Mercedes-Benz will also be offering a special-edition model, the “Edition 1”, for a limited period. The “Edition 1” is superbly equipped and comes as standard with a panoramic vario-roof, AMG bodystyling, sports suspension, AMG 19-inch light-alloy wheels, designo nappa leather with contrasting topstitching, AIRSCARF, heated seats, electric draught-stop, ambient lighting and Harman/Kardon® Logic7® surround sound system and much more. The designo crystal silver magno special paintwork is available exclusively for the “Edition 1”, along with trim in wave or deep white aluminium. Depending on the basic model, the extra charge is between 19,028.10 euros and 22,598.10 euros.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Photos and Details Released

The 2012 Mercedes SL-Class will weigh 310 pounds less and offer 20 percent more rigidity over the outgoing model

For those of you anxiously awaiting the arrival of the next-generation 2012 Mercedes SL-Class, new photos and details of the forthcoming roadster have been released today, and we have them for your viewing pleasure.  One noteworthy detail of the 2012 SL is the addition of what Mercedes is calling the Magic Vision Control system– a technology that integrates the windshield washer nozzles into the wiper blades themselves, thus helping eliminate the chance of getting soaked with wiper fluid when the top is down.

As for when the 2012 Mercedes SL will make its premier, the North American International Auto Show will be the site of the 2012 SL’s debut, where we expect to see the roadster showing off an aluminum design that enables the car to weigh around 310 pounds less than the current Mercedes SL model.  Even with its drastic weight-loss, hydroformed beams and chilled cast longitudinal members help the 2012 SL achieve an increase in rigidity of 20% over the outgoing model.

A final interesting piece of info relating to the 2012 SL is geared towards music lovers, with Mercedes incorporating a new front bass sound system with two subwoofers mounted in the footwells to improve sound quality.

We’ll keep you posted as new details of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL are released; in the meantime, hit the gallery to see the latest round of 2012 SL images.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Spy Photos With Minimal Camouflage

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class was spied out and about with less camouflage then we have seen in the past

With its launch date planned for early next year, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class was spied out and about with less camouflage then we have seen in the past.

Thanks to these recent spy photos, we are able to get a better idea of what the next-generation Mercedes SL’s design will look like.

As previously mentioned, the 2012 Mercedes SL-Class is expected to received its power from a series of engines that include the 3.5-liter V6 with 306 PS (225 kW / 302 hp) and 368 Nm (272 lb-ft) of torque as well as a twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8 that features 435 PS (320 kW / 429 hp) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft).

Thanks to Wyatt and WCF for the tip.

New Mercedes-Benz SL Due Out Mid 2012

Mercedes-Benz is currently doing testing on their much beloved SL, which will likely come to market in mid 2012

Mercedes-Benz is currently road testing their much beloved SL roadster, which will likely come to market in mid 2012. Just like the SLK, the SL will likely offer Magic Sky Control with the Vario Roof optional.

The next-generation SL will mimic styling of the SLK and SLS AMG. with engine options likely to include a 306 PS (225 kW / 302 hp) 3.5-liter V6 as well as a twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8 with 408 PS (300 kW / 402 hp) and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. Furthermore, the SL63 AMG could be powered by a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 with 544 PS (400 kW / 537 hp) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque and 571 hp with the performance package.

The technology in the SL will be updated by including the latest assistance systems, like lane assist and sign recognition. The interior of the new SL will house a steering wheel and center console controls reminiscent of the CLS, the ventilation nozzles will be the same as in SLS, SLK, or new B-Class, centered is the Command with fixed display framed between two air vents.

So far there are no official details about price, but keep in mind that the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG will come with a slightly higher price than that of the current model, which cost $139,050.

Photos via Mercedes-Benz Passion

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Spy Photos

Engine reported to include a 306 PS (225 kW/302 hp) 3.5-liter V6 in addition to a twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8 with 408 PS (300 kW/402 hp)

Photographer Ben G caught the 2012 Mercedes SL-Class driving in London with minimal covering. We have been bringing you Mercedes SL spy photos for several months and as based on those and the new photos seen below, you see that the 2012 SL will take on the SLK and SLS AMG styling. Engine options will reportedly include a 306 PS (225 kW / 302 hp) 3.5-liter V6 in addition to a twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8 with 408 PS (300 kW / 402 hp) and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. Reports are also in that the SL63 AMG will be powered by a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 with 544 PS (400 kW / 537 hp) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque.

Thanks to Giana for sending the photos. We will keep you posted with the latest information as it comes in.

2012 Mercedes-benz SL63 AMG Spy Photos Surface

Mercedes will fit the 2012 SL63 AMG with the new 5.5-liter biturbo V8 engine, which is available in various outputs

The latest information on the 2012 Mercedes-benz SL63 AMG was revealed today, as a prototype of the next generation model was spotted on the Nurburgring race track. The 2012 Mercedes SL63 AMG being tested is dressed completely in camouflage, so there’s not much on the design we can comment on. A new rear diffuser, redesigned taillights, a smaller boot lid spoiler and a new exhaust system with two double pipes are the only styling elements of the 2012 SL63 AMG that can be seen.

If early reports are correct, Mercedes will fit the 2012 SL63 AMG with the new 5.5-liter biturbo V8 engine, which is available in various outputs. The 2012 Mercedes SL63 AMG is expected to get a 536 hp and 800 Nm of torque version.

There are also rumors saying that Mercedes-Benz will offer a Performance Package for the 2012 SL63 AMG. This will increase the output of the car to 563 hp and 900 Nm of torque.

We’ll have more information on the 2012 Mercedes SL63 AMG as it is released.

Source: WorldCarFans

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Spied Testing in Sweden

The upcoming 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class was spied testing in Sweden this week with limited body coverings

The upcoming 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class was spied testing in Sweden this week. Unlike past spy photos of the future roadster, the SL was spied without its traditional false body paneling.

Thanks to its limited coverings, the SL’s overall body shape is easily seen, with the next generation SL-Class appearing to note a wider base and a slightly taller bonnet than the current SL. Likely taking styling cues from the 2012 Mercedes CLS and SLS Supercar, the front of the SL will be the biggest change we’ll see.

GMotors spoke with the spy photographer that captured the new Mercedes, and he mentioned that the SL was testing together with an Aston Martin Vantage Roadster and a Jaguar XK, most likely for benchmarking purposes.

As for when we can expect the new roadster, the next-generation Mercedes SL will be launched later this year, with a world debut coming  at Frankfurt Motor Show.

To see more of the next-generation 2012 Mercedes SL-Class, hit the gallery below for a few pics, then head over to GMotors for the full spy photo gallery.  And a big thanks to Andrus for the tip.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Spied Testing with Light Camouflage

With less camoflauge this time around, we are able to get a better idea of the new SL models overall body shape

Every Couple of months we receive spy photos of the upcoming 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, and almost right on schedule we have another batch of spy photos with less camo than before.

With less camoflauge this time around, we are able to get a better idea of the new SL models overall body shape. New to the SL-Class, in order to reduce weith and improve agility, fuel economy and performance, will be the generous use of reinforced plastics and carbon fiber components. Earlier this year, Daimler announced a deal with Japanese textile maker Toray Industries in order to help develop materials specifically for use in the next-generation SL.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is assumed to be debuting sometime in 2011 with the 3.5 liter V6 and the new 4.6 liter twin-turbo V8 engines expected.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Spy Photos

We have the most recent spy photos of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz SL-Class testing on the Nürburgring

We have the most recent spy photos of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz SL-Class testing on the Nürburgring.

The major design changes of the future SL are still covered by camo, but what is clear is the new flatter nose that is becoming standard on new Mercedes-Benz Designs. Other than the nose on the upcoming Mercedes-Benz SL, it looks to reamin close to its original shape.

New to the SL-Class, in order to reduce weith and improve agility, fuel economy and performance, will be the generous use of reinforced plastics and carbon fiber components. Earlier this year, Daimler announced a deal with Japanese textile maker Toray Industries in order to help develop materials specifically for use in the next-generation SL.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is assumed to be debuting sometime in 2011 with the 3.5 liter V6 and the new 4.6 liter twin-turbo V8 engines expected.

Thanks leo for the tip. Photos via WorldCarFans.