Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R231)

R231 is a chassis code for the current generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class roadster, replacing the R230. The car was released in March 2012 and uses Mercedes-Benz's new 4.7 litre twin turbo V8 engine with a power output of 435 PS (320 kW; 429 hp). AMG version of the roadster will follow. The new SL is 140 kg (309 lb) lighter than the previous, being made almost entirely out of aluminium.[2] For the first time, the R231 SL-Class is not available with a non-AMG V12 engined SL 600 model.

Mercedes-Benz R231
Overview
ManufacturerDaimler AG
Production2012–present[1]
Model years2013–present
AssemblyGermany: Bremen
DesignerFrank Pfisterer; Mark Fetherston (2007)
Body and chassis
ClassSports car (S)
Body style2-door retractable hardtop
LayoutFR layout
PlatformR231
Powertrain
Engine
  • Petrol:
  • 3.0 L 333 PS (245 kW) - 367 PS (270 kW) V6 Biturbo
  • 3.5 L 306 PS (225 kW) V6
  • 4.7 L 435 PS (320 kW) - 455 PS (335 kW)V8 Biturbo
  • 5.5 L 537 PS (395 kW) - 585 PS (430 kW)V8 Biturbo (2012-2019)
  • 6.0 L 630 PS (460 kW) V12 Biturbo (2012-2018)
Transmission7-speed or 9-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,585 mm (101.8 in)
Length180.4 in (4,582 mm)
AMG: 180.8 in (4,592 mm)
Width1,877 mm (73.9 in)
Height1,315 mm (51.8 in)
Curb weight1675 - 1845 kg
Chronology
PredecessorMercedes-Benz R230

Design

The R231 is designed with an aluminium space-frame, 182 in (4,623 mm) in length by 83 in (2,108 mm) in width. (2 in (51 mm). wider/longer than previous generation)[3] Engineers at Mercedes have also installed a new folding hardtop roof with a panoramic sunroof that will have as an option, variable tint.[4] The design process began in 2007, with a final design by Frank Pfisterer and Mark Fetherston being chosen, delayed for over 2 years, and then approved for production in early 2010. Design patents were filed on 5 August 2009 using a CAD file and in German patents in April 2010 using a prototype[5] Changes from last generation include all-aluminium body, MAGIC VISION CONTROL windscreen wipe/wash system, FrontBass footwell bass loudspeakers, HANDS-FREE ACCESS boot lid opening system via foot movement around rear bumper.

Equipment
Mercedes-Benz SL 350 AMG Line (Germany; roof unretracted)
Mercedes-Benz SL 350 (Germany; roof retracted)

Models

SL Edition 1 (2012–)
Interior

'Edition 1' is a time-limited version of SL-Class vehicle 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, Harman/Kardon Logic7 surround sound system, excluding designo crystal silver magno body colour option, trim in wave or deep white aluminium.

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show,[6] followed by the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.[7]

The vehicle was available from Mercedes-Benz sales partners from 31 March 2012. Early models include SL 350 BlueEFFICIENCY, SL 500.[8]

SL 63 AMG (2012–2019)

It includes a 5.5-litre V8 'biturbo' (twin-turbocharged) engine rated at 537 PS (395 kW; 530 hp) at 5500 rpm and 800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft) at 2000–4500 rpm, AMG sports suspension, AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed manual transmission, five-twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish with 255/35 R 19 front and 285/30 R 19 rear tyres, front apron with large air dams, AMG-specific LED daytime running lamps and a lower cross strut in silver chrome, AMG radiator grille with a double louvre in silver chrome, optional MAGIC SKY CONTROL Vario-roof, AMG sports seats in single-tone or two-tone nappa leather with a unique V8 seat upholstery layout and AMG badges in the seat backrests, a multicontour function and seat heating; AMG carbon-fibre trim, AMG illuminated door sill panels, ambient lighting and an IWC-design analogue clock.

The AMG Performance Package includes increasing engine power to 564 PS (415 kW; 556 hp) at 5500 rpm and 900 N⋅m (664 lbf⋅ft) at 2250–3750 rpm, raising top speed to 300 km/h (186 mph), carbon fibre AMG engine cover and AMG spoiler lip, AMG rear axle differential lock, red-painted callipers and an AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA.

Edition 1 model includes AIRSCARF neck-level heating, AMG forged light-alloy wheels (painted matt black, rim flange with a high-sheen finish), AMG Performance package, designo Exclusive leather in classic red or deep white with contrasting topstitching, designo headliner in black leather, harman/kardon Logic 7 surround sound system, MAGIC SKY CONTROL panoramic vario-roof.

The European model went on sale in May 2012 for €157,675, €189,269.50 for Edition 1 car, €14,280 for AMG Performance package (incl. 19% VAT).[9][10]

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.[7]

SL 65 AMG (2012–2018)
Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG in Cape Town, South Africa

The vehicle includes a bi-turbo V12 engine rated at 630 PS (463 kW; 621 hp) at 4800–5400 rpm and 1,000 N⋅m (738 lbf⋅ft) at 2300–4300 rpm, AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish with 255/35 R 19 front and 285/30 R 19 rear tyres (optional matt black with a high-sheen rim flange wheels), optional MAGIC SKY CONTROL Vario-roof, AMG sports seats with single or two-tone upholstery in Exclusive nappa leather with a special AMG diamond pattern, AMG carbon-fibre trim elements, the IWC-design analogue clock, the chromed AMG door sill panels illuminated in white, the AMG Performance steering wheel, 360 km/h speedometer, AMG start-up display with an exclusive AMG V12 BITURBO animation.[11]

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2012 New York International Auto Show.[12]

The German model went on sale in September 2012 for €236,334 (incl. 19% VAT).[13]

Japan model went on sale on 2012-08-29.[14]

SL 65 AMG "45th Anniversary" (2012)
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Anniversary Edition

It is a limited (45 units, 5 in Japan) version of the SL 65 AMG commemorating the 45th anniversary of the AMG brand. It included designo magno graphite (grey) body colour, "twin-blade" radiator grille with blade-like slats, the surround for the AMG-specific LED daytime driving lights, fins on the wings and the hood, Exterior Carbon-Fibre package, AMG sports exhaust system (black with chrome plating twin tailpipe, high-gloss chrome inner insert), AMG Performance Studio multi-spoke forged wheels painted in titanium grey with high-sheen rim flange and matt finish, 255/35 R 19 front and 285/30 R 20 rear tires, designo Exclusive STYLE leather upholstery in grey pearl/ginger beige, AMG Performance steering wheel, matt carbon fibre interior trim.[15]

The vehicle went on sale in September 2012.[16]

Japan models went on sale in 2012-08-29.[17]

Facelift (2017–)
SL 550 JDM version
SL 500 Grand Edition (2019)

A mid-cycle facelift was introduced in 2016 for the 2017 model year. Launched early 2016 in California, the revised SL 400 (renamed SL 450 in the US) featured a 3-litre 362 hp (270 kW; 367 PS) biturbo V6 mated, for the first time in the SL, to Mercedes' own 9G-Tronic PLUS 9-speed automatic transmission.

An SL 500 (US SL 550), with a 4.7 litre biturbo V8 producing 449 hp (335 kW; 455 PS), was likewise paired with the 9G-tronic PLUS transmission. The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 (577 hp (430 kW; 585 PS)) and SL 65 (621 hp (463 kW; 630 PS)) variants continued with virtually unchanged powertrains, paired with AMG's SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with claimed improved shift times.

Cosmetically, every SL received a revised front end, front grille treatment and larger non-functional side 'vents' behind the front wheels. All variants also received adaptive LED front headlights with integrated daytime running lights and turn signals, leaving the below bumper intake area free from lighting. The LED tail lights received single colour red or red and amber lenses instead of the red and white of the pre-facelift models.

Front and rear bumper assemblies were redesigned to align more closely with recent models introduced by Mercedes, while selected convenience and driver assistance technologies, introduced earlier on various other Mercedes models, were made optionally available, including revised Active Body Control (ABC), now with the "Curve Tilting" function from the S-Class Coupe. Externally, the SL 63 and SL 65 were distinguishable from the non-AMG variants by embellishments to their bumper assemblies and side sills in gloss black or polished aluminium, respectively. The SL 63 and SL 65 also featured trademark AMG 'twin lamella' front grilles and dual twin tailpipe exhaust trims as well as a carbon fibre composite trunk lid.

A slight revision to the folding 'Vario-roof' hardtop operation meant it would continue to deploy at speeds up to 25 mph (40 km/h) once initiated and the luggage compartment partition, required to prevent the hardtop components, when folded, and any luggage compartment contents coming into contact with each other, no longer had to be deployed in a separate manual operation.

Interiors continued virtually unchanged for MY2017 with the exception of slightly revised minor switchgear and a redesigned steering wheel.

Engines and transmissions
ModelYearsType/codePower at rpm, Torque at rpmTransmission
SL 3502012-20143,498 cc (213.5 cu in) V6 (M 276 DE 35)306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp) at 6,500, 370 N⋅m (273 lbf⋅ft) at 3,500-5,2507-speed automatic (7G-Tronic Plus)
SL 400[18]2014-2,996 cc (182.8 cu in) V6 BiTurbo (M 276 DE 30 LA)333 PS (245 kW; 328 hp) at 5,250-6,000, 480 N⋅m (354 lbf⋅ft) at 1,600-4,0007-speed automatic (7G-Tronic Plus)
SL 4502017-2,996 cc (182.8 cu in) V6 BiTurbo (M 276 DE 30 LA)367 PS (270 kW; 362 hp) at 5,250-6,000, 500 N⋅m (369 lbf⋅ft) at 1,600-4,0009-speed automatic (9G-Tronic Plus)
SL 500 (SL550)2012-20154,663 cc (284.6 cu in) V8 BiTurbo (M 278 DE 46 AL)435 PS (320 kW; 429 hp) at 5,250, 700 N⋅m (516 lbf⋅ft) at 1,800-3,5007-speed automatic (7G-Tronic Plus)
SL 500 (SL550)2016-4,663 cc (284.6 cu in) V8 BiTurbo (M 278 DE 46 AL)455 PS (335 kW; 449 hp) at 5,250, 700 N⋅m (516 lbf⋅ft) at 1,800-3,5009-speed automatic (9G-Tronic Plus)
SL 63 AMG2012-145,461 cc (333.3 cu in) V8 BiTurbo (M 157 DE 55 AL)537 PS (395 kW; 530 hp) at 5,500, 800 N⋅m (590 lbf⋅ft) at 2,000–4,500

AMG Performance Package: 564 PS (415 kW; 556 hp) at 5,500, 900 N⋅m (664 lbf⋅ft) at 2,250–3,750

 7-speed (AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT)
SL 63 AMG2015-20195,461 cc (333.3 cu in) V8 BiTurbo (M 157 DE 55 AL)585 PS (430 kW; 577 hp) at 5,500, 900 N⋅m (664 lbf⋅ft) at 2,250–3,7507-speed (AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT)
SL 65 AMG2012-20185,980 cc (365 cu in) V12 BiTurbo (M 279 E 60 AL)630 PS (463 kW; 621 hp) at 4,800–5,400, 1,000 N⋅m (738 lbf⋅ft) at 2,300–4,300 (limited)7-speed automatic (AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC)

The SL 500 is badged as SL 550 in U.S, Canada, and Japan.

The SL 63 was discontinued from 2019 onwards due to poor sales.

References
  1. http://www.motor-talk.de/forum/aktion/Attachment.html?attachmentId=703148
  2. "New Mercedes SL: Topgear.com". BBC Worldwide-Topgear.com. Archived from the original on 9 January 2012. Retrieved 18 December 2011.
  3. "Mercedes SL first look: insideline.com". Edmunds Inc. Retrieved 18 December 2011.
  4. Welsh, Jonathan (16 December 2011). "SL Roof and general info: Wall street Journal". The Wall Street Journal. Dow Jones &company- Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 18 December 2011.
  5. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 6 September 2012. Retrieved 9 May 2013.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  6. "Mercedes-Benz at the 2012 NAIAS in Detroit – strong impetus for 2012: Dynamic start – a super light and highly efficient beginning to 2012". Archived from the original on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 16 October 2012.
  7. "Mercedes-Benz at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show: Two world premieres and three European premieres in Geneva - Two world premieres and three European premieres in Geneva: Dynamism and efficiency". Archived from the original on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 13 December 2013.
  8. "Available at dealerships from 31 March: Market launch of the new SL". Archived from the original on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 3 April 2012.
  9. "The new Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG: Enhanced performance, reduced weight and lower consumption". Archived from the original on 27 March 2012. Retrieved 21 March 2012.
  10. Steven J. Ewing 6 March 2012 at 4:41PM (6 March 2012). "2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG is big and beastly, not so beautiful". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  11. "Mercedes SL AMG". carz.co.il. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
  12. "Three Mercedes World Premieres at the 2012 New York International Auto Show - Pure driving fun: New Generation GLK, new GL and SL 65 AMG celebrate world premiere". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2012.
  13. "The new Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG: Effortlessly superior and stylish performance". Archived from the original on 30 March 2012. Retrieved 21 March 2012.
  14. メルセデス・ベンツSL 65 AMGを発売 Archived 16 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  15. "2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG 45th Anniversary Edition Celebrates AMG with Matte Carbon Fiber and Paint". Blog.caranddriver.com. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  16. "The new Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG "45th ANNIVERSARY": 45 years of AMG - Marking the anniversary with high-performance and style". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2012.
  17. "SL 65 AMG 45th ANNIVERSARY Editionを限定発売" (PDF). Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  18. "Mercedes SL400 launched". Auto Express. Retrieved 6 June 2014.
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