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81-558: The Mercedes-Benz R129 SL is a roadster which was produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1988 until 2001. The R129 replaced the R107 in 1989 and was in its turn replaced by the R230 SL-Class in 2002 for the 2003 model year. The R129 was offered as a two-door roadster with an automated (electro-hydraulic), fabric convertible roof ; colour-matched, automated tonneau cover ; and a manually detachable hardtop that could be fitted over

162-457: A bore x stroke of 91.5 mm × 92.4 mm (3.60 in × 3.64 in) DOHC 4 valves per cylinder, fuel fed by naturally aspirated Bosch HFM fuel injection and a compression ratio of 10.5:1, producing 518 hp (525 PS; 386 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 750 N⋅m (553 lbf⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm of torque, which was later used also by Pagani in the Zonda , enabling

243-687: A dual clutch transmission ). Although these are considered the most well known in-house tuning divisions, Mercedes-AMG has a considerably different philosophy than BMW M. Compared to BMW M, Mercedes-AMG is "less narrow in its sporting focus, yet still combining sledgehammer performance with relaxed handling, cultured comfort, and practicality". While founders Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher had emphasized proper racing cars, Mercedes-AMG had diverged considerably from this philosophy in recent years, with their offerings being well known for straight-line acceleration but poor handling dynamics. However, current Mercedes-AMG chairman Volker Mornhinweg has urged

324-632: A "one man, one engine" philosophy at the current AMG plant in Affalterbach, Germany. To signify this, each AMG engine builder stamps the engines they produce with an engraved plaque depicting their signature. According to Mercedes-Benz, there are only about 50 AMG engine builders. As part of the official Mercedes product line, the AMG models are sold side by side with regular production models, unlike those offered by other Mercedes tuning firms such as Brabus . At 310 kW (416 hp) and 500 nm in

405-496: A 24-valve head. The V8 and V12 were carried over with no changes. 300 SL and 300 SL-24 became SL 280 and SL 320 while 500 SL and 600 SL were renamed as SL 500 and SL 600. In 1998, R129 received the major cosmetic and technical updates with revised engines to include the V6, V8, and V12 engines from the new W220 S-Class . All of those updated engines had three valves and two spark plugs per cylinder. The R230, introduced in 2001, continues

486-570: A chance discovery in its corporate archive clarified the abbreviation stood for "Super Leicht". According to the German definition, Leicht means light (as in weight, amount, and feeling, for instance) or easy (as in little effort). For this abbreviation in English language, the definition light is used. The 300 SL was a road-going version of the W198 racing car with extensive modifications to

567-450: A claimed 621 horsepower and 738 lb⋅ft (1,001 N⋅m) of torque. "65" models used a 5-speed automatic transmission for a long time, as the newer 7G-Tronic wasn't able to handle the torque from the V12 engines. This was changed with the introduction of 2012 SL 65 AMG, which uses the same AMG SpeedShift MCT transmission as the rest of the AMG line-up. Coinciding with the facelift of

648-563: A first for the SL-Class. The R232 is reverting to the soft fabric roof rather than the heavier retractable hardtop that was fitted to the R230 and R231. This generation is the first SL-Class to have the 2+2 seating configuration as standard rather than optional fitment since 1989 with the introduction of R129. While R107 was built to be two-seater convertible, the owners could opt for the 2+2 seating configuration when ordering their R107 or for

729-520: A larger 3.2-litre engine was introduced in the SL 320, subsequently dropped from the US market in 1998. The 1994 R129 introduced a minor cosmetic and technical updates; revised engine optionals; as well as a new nomenclature. The 3.0-litre in-line six engines, initially fitted with 12-valve (300 SL) and 24-valve (300 SL-24) heads, was revised to one engine in two displacements (2.8 and 3.2 litres) with both utilizing

810-405: A manual transmission V8 since the early 1970s. The performance wheels offered during the same period were 15-inch or 16-inch ATS AMG Five Spoke Road Wheels, typically coupled with an AMG performance suspension package that included uprated and lowered springs, and re-valved shock absorbers. Also popular were AMG body kits. These ranged from subtle front spoilers to aggressive Wide Body kits for

891-536: A modern multi-link axle. The number of standard features was high, with electric action for the windows, mirrors, seats and hydraulic convertible top. This car has a distinction of being the first passenger vehicle to have seat belts integrated into the seats as opposed to anchoring to the floor, B-pillar, and transmission tunnel. Starting in 1993 for the 1994 model year, R129s were re-designated. For example, 500 SL became SL 500. Starting in model year 1994, Mercedes-Benz offered special SL models from time to time, such as

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972-468: A removable hardtop — the first Mercedes to feature a fully automatic, hydraulically-operated fabric convertible top; V8 and (later) V12 engines with four valves per cylinder; projector lens HID headlamps (introduced in 1995); and an automatic rollbar, which self-deployed in a rollover event. The retractable rollbar could also be raised or lowered manually using a switch on the console, and facilitated occupant safety without compromising aesthetics. In 1992, R129

1053-782: A wholly owned subsidiary of the Mercedes-Benz Group. AMG started off by designing and testing racing engines. It expanded its business into building custom road cars based upon standard Mercedes cars. AMG initially produced a range of unofficial upgrade and accessories packages mainly for the Mercedes-Benz R107 and C107 (1971–1989 SL roadster), Mercedes-Benz W116 (1972–1980 S-class), Mercedes-Benz W123 (1976–1985 E-class predecessor), Mercedes-Benz W124 (1984–1997 E-class), Mercedes-Benz W126 (1979–1992 S-class), Mercedes-Benz R129 (1989–2001 SL roadster), and Mercedes-Benz W201 (1990–1993 C-class) models. During

1134-744: Is differentiated from the 2010 model (itself face-lifted over the 2009 S 63) by the more angular design of the chromed dual exhaust tips, which also sport embossed AMG logos, as well as new forged wheels. For the CL 63 AMG, the new M157 engine coincides with the facelift of the CL-Class for the 2011 model year. Despite common belief, 63 AMG models are typically faster than their 65 AMG counterparts. An S 63 AMG accelerates faster and handles better than an S 65 AMG (due to 4-wheel drive and decreased weight), and an SL 63 AMG accelerates faster than an SL 65 AMG due to decreased torque, lower weight, and better balance by use of

1215-516: Is said to be ideal for powering full-size sedans such as the S-Class, but the older M156 remains in production, as its more precise throttle response is still well suited to smaller sportier models (the C-Class), until the 2015 model arrives, which is powered by a 4.0 liter V8. 5.5 L V8 BiTurbo models carry the "63" model designation, shared with the 6.2L V8 models. Visually, the 2011 S 63 AMG

1296-611: The There was a choice of 5-speed manual or 4–5 speed automatic for the six-cylinder cars; the V8 and V12 could only be ordered with a 4-speed automatic gearbox. In autumn 1993 Mercedes-Benz rearranged names and models. Also, the 300 SL and 300 SL-24 were respectively replaced by: Only the 280 was available with a manual gearbox. SL 500 and 600 continued with their respective engines. A second facelift, introduced in late 1998, comprised new external mirrors, 17" wheels and new bumpers. Also new were

1377-586: The 2021 Formula One World Championship , the German marque shares the role as the official Safety Car supplier with Aston Martin. AMG also provides engines for the Lotus Emira . The M139 I4 engine was originally used in the CLA 45 AMG . Mercedes-Benz allows customers to upgrade nearly any model by adding an AMG trim or styling package. So customers can customize Mercedes cars to look like an AMG car, minus

1458-769: The 300 SEL 6.3 litre . For example, newer-model AMG V8s such as the E 63 actually have 4.0L V8s. The world's first stand-alone Mercedes-AMG dealership, AMG Sydney, was opened in Sydney , Australia in 2018. AMG was founded as a racing engine forge in 1967 under the name AMG Motorenbau- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH (German for 'AMG Engine Production and Development Limited') by former Mercedes-Benz engineers Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher in Burgstall an der Murr , near Stuttgart . The initialism 'AMG' stands for Aufrecht, Melcher and Großaspach (Aufrecht's birth town). In 1976, most of AMG moved to Affalterbach, with

1539-464: The German term " Sport-Leicht", which translates to "Sport Light" in English. Initially, the first 300 SL was a racing sports car built in 1952 with no intention of developing a street version. In 1954, an American importer Max Hoffman suggested the street version of 300 SL for the wealthy performance car enthusiasts in the United States where the market for the personal luxury car

1620-520: The 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Straßenversion and made later available for the Zonda. It was the largest displacement naturally aspirated engine provided by AMG. On 25 July 2013, Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd and Daimler AG announced moves towards a technical partnership with Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The deal will see Aston Martin access significant Mercedes-AMG GmbH and Mercedes-Benz Cars' resources, allowing

1701-435: The 2.8-litre six-cylinder in-line engine carried over. It was updated again in 1985 for the 1986 model year with new 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine from W124 and enlarged 4.2- and 5.5-litre V8 engines while the 5.0-litre V8 engine carried over. The SLC Coupe is much rarer, produced from 1971 – 1981, as 280, 350, 380 and 450 SLC. With the 450 SLC, 450 SLC 5.0 and 500 SLC models, Daimler-Benz took part in major rallies at

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1782-560: The 45 S variant, the M139 with twin-scroll turbo was the world's most powerful four-cylinder engine in serial production at the time with a specific output of 208 hp per litre or 104 hp per cylinder. These are powered by the new Mercedes-Benz M 256 inline six cylinder engine. Launched in the UK market in April 2015, the 4-litre M178 V8 uses an unusual configuration where the position of

1863-412: The AMG 500 SL 6.0 of 1991. After being taken over by Daimler-Benz, there were several AMG SL-models available through D-B dealers. The SL 60 AMG was the most numerous of these rare cars. Sold from 1993 to 1998, it used a 6.0 litres (5,956 cc) V8 engine producing 375 hp (380 PS; 280 kW) at 5,500 rpm. AMG claimed a 0–100 km/h (62 mph) speed of 5.4 seconds. Its top speed

1944-612: The AMG branding for its F1 efforts, changing its name to Mercedes AMG Petronas from the 2012 season onwards. Three AMG E-Class V8 Supercars competed in the Australian Supercars Championship from 2013 to 2015, operated by Erebus Motorsport under the AMG Customer Sports Program. AMG also provides engines for Pagani 's Zonda , Huayra and Utopia cars. The M297 7,291 cc displacement V12 engines were originally used in

2025-520: The AMG engine and transmission. AMG trim can include things such as a rear spoiler, body styling, deep front air dam, AMG style wheels, sport front seats, sport steering wheel, AMG floor mats, sport suspension, sport brakes, and more. All AMG engines – with the exception of the "35", "43" and "53" models, as well as the PU106B 1.6 L V6 E-Turbo Hybrid F1 engine used on the AMG One – are hand built using

2106-462: The CL-Class for the 2011 model year, the 2011 CL 65 AMG had an enhanced engine. AMG redesigned the exhaust gas turbochargers and added new engine electronics. It produced 621 horsepower, pushing the car from 0–60 miles per hour (0–97 km/h) in 4.2 seconds (0.2 seconds faster than the 2011 CL 63), with an electronically limited top speed of 186 miles per hour (299 km/h). The update also improved fuel economy and reduced carbon emissions by 3.5% over

2187-636: The DTM series. The M156, in various states of tune, was used in models such as the SL 63, E 63, CLS 63, and S 63 until it was replaced by the M157 5.5 L Biturbo V8. This naturally aspirated V8 replaced most of the "55" models. The published output according to Mercedes varies from 457 PS (336 kW; 451 hp) on the C 63 AMG, to 525 PS (386 kW; 518 hp) on the C/CLK/R/ML/GL/S/SL/CL/E 63 AMG. The 2008 S 63/CL 63/SL 63s that used

2268-613: The European and international markets) instead of the red and white lenses of the pre-facelift models. A slight revision to the folding 'Vario-roof' hardtop meant it could deploy at up to 40 km/h (25 mph) without the luggage compartment partition having to be deployed in a separate manual operation. The seventh generation of the SL-Class was presented in October 2021. The R232 is confirmed to be an AMG model only, designating it as Mercedes-AMG SL-Class. There are three powertrains,

2349-527: The M156 engine at 518 horsepower edged out that of the S600/CL600/SL600, the latter powered by the 510 horsepower 5.5-liter twin-turbo V12, while also having a higher redline. However, the S600/CL600/SL600 is more expensive and has more torque at 612 pound-feet (830 N⋅m). The S 63/CL 63/SL 63, however, do have quicker acceleration times than their S600/CL600/SL600 counterparts and are the fastest in

2430-641: The M156 in its full-sized cars such as the S-Class and CL-Class (and is trickling down to the CLS, E-Class, and ML-class). In 2012, Mercedes-AMG Chairman Olla Kallenius said that Mercedes-AMG will not produce diesel engines to compete with BMW's tri-turbo diesels (BMW M Performance range). Although there were some AMG models in the 1980s with manual transmissions, almost all recent models have used automatics ( 5G-Tronic , 7G-Tronic and later 9G-Tronic with Speedshift), in contrast to BMW M , which used manual and recently automatic transmissions (the current type being

2511-472: The M156, meaning it avoids the US Gas Guzzler Tax for the first time ever, despite having up to 47 horsepower more. The M157's increased torque from both the regular version and performance package means the engine can be shifted into a taller gear sooner, keeping engine revs and fuel consumption to a minimum. The new M157 has an engine start/stop mode and is lightweight at 204 kg. The M157

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R129) - Misplaced Pages Continue

2592-561: The Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG, in 1993). On 1 January 1999, DaimlerChrysler AG (as it was called between 1998 and 2007) acquired 51 percent of AMG shares, and AMG was renamed to Mercedes-AMG GmbH. Racing engine development was divested and continues to exist in Burgstall under the name HWA (Aufrecht's initials). On 1 January 2005, Aufrecht sold his remaining shares to DaimlerChrysler, and since then, Mercedes-AMG GmbH has been

2673-668: The Mille Miglia edition cars for the 1994 model year, or the SL edition for the 2000 model year. 1994 cars (for the 1995 model year) featured minor updates: From 1995 onwards, R129s for the 1996 model year featured a minor facelift for the car: During 1996 for the 1997 model year, these cars were the first of their model line to have an option of a panoramic roof. Also newly available: A second facelift occurred in 1998 for model year 1999 which featured: Initially, there were three different engines available, and joined in July 1992 by

2754-403: The SL 73 to set off from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in no longer than 4.5 seconds, while achieving a top speed of above-320 km/h (199 mph). Only 50 cars were made. Mercedes-Benz SL-Class The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (marketed as Mercedes-AMG SL since 2022) is a grand touring sports car manufactured by Mercedes-Benz since 1954. The designation " SL" derives from

2835-1440: The US lineup in 1998, leaving just the V8 and V12. Front suspension Independent damper struts with separate coil springs and gas-pressurised shock absorbers, triangular lower control arms with anti-dive geometry and stabiliser bar. Rear suspension Independent 5-arm multilink with separate single-tube gas-pressurised shock absorbers and coil springs, geometry for anti-lift, anti-squat and alignment control, stabiliser bar. Wheels 8.0Jx16H2 aluminium alloy and regular. Tyres 225/55 ZR 16 steel-belted radial. Brakes 2-circuit hydraulic power-assisted 4-wheel discs. Antilock Braking System (ABS). Body construction Monocoque with front and rear crumple zones and removable hardtop. Front suspension Independent damper strut with anti-dive geometry and stabiliser bar. Separate shock absorbers and coil springs. Negative-offset steering. Rear suspension Independent 5-arm multilink with geometry for anti-lift, anti-squat and alignment control and stabiliser bar. Separate shock absorbers and coil springs. Steering Recirculating ball with speed-sensitive power assist and hydraulic damper. Steering wheel turns (lock-to-lock) 3.0. Tyres Steel-belted radials. Performance 225/55ZR16. Wheels aluminium alloy 8.0Jx16 H2. Brakes 2-circuit hydraulic power-assisted 4-wheel disc. Ventilated front, solid rear brake discs. Antilock Braking System (ABS) ABS senses impending wheel lock-up under heavy braking and pumps

2916-475: The US models remained unchanged despite the revised US FMVSS regulations that allowed the 2.5-mph bumpers and form-fitting headlamps, starting with 1982 and 1983 model years respectively. The US model received the third brake lamp mounted on the trunk in 1986. The 560 SL was sold in the United States, Canada, Japan, and Australia only. The R129 was introduced in 1989 as a two-passenger convertible with

2997-623: The V8. Since 2013, AMG models with the S-Model package feature all-wheel drive, which allows for better handling and better acceleration. The Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG S has been tested to accelerate to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, with a quarter mile time of 11.6 seconds. This made it the quickest production sedan at the time. MotorTrend tested the 2014 E 63 AMG S with the M157 engine to produce an estimated 676 bhp (504 kW; 685 PS) and 631 lb⋅ft (856 N⋅m). AMG developed its own V8 engine (dubbed M156 in development) for

3078-451: The W126 coupes (reaching more than $ 700k on the classic market in 2022 ). Other options included Recaro seats, smaller diameter steering wheels, instrument clusters, chrome delete option (all brightworks colour-coded or painted satin black), refrigerators, shift knobs, hi-fi stereo systems, custom upholstery and enhanced interior wood packages. An AMG-modified W124 E-Class was claimed to be

3159-497: The abbreviation meant Super Leicht . This contradicted with the abbreviation proposed by Engelen, Riedner, and Seufert who worked with Rudolf Uhlenhaut: they indicated the abbreviation means Sport Leicht . On 15 March 2021, Auto Motor und Sport published a photocopy of an undated "Informations-Unterlage" (press release) from 1952 in its issue, showing the definition of SL as s uper- l eicht . Mercedes-Benz used Sport Leicht and Super Leicht interchangeably until 2017 when

3240-750: The autumn. It came runner-up behind the Citroen XM for the European Car of the Year accolade. Designed in 1984, the R129 was based on the shortened floorpan of the Mercedes-Benz W124 and featured many innovative details for the time, for instance electronically controlled damping ( Adaptive Damping System ADS, optional) and a hidden, automatically extending roll-over bar. The R107's somewhat dated rear suspension with semi-trailing arms gave way to

3321-526: The body. The 300 SL in coupé form was introduced in 1954, featuring its trademark gullwing doors. In 1957, the roadster succeeded the coupé and had the larger conventional passenger doors and larger form-fitting headlamps and was in production until 1963. In 1955, the smaller 190 SL presented an attractive, more affordable alternative to the exclusive Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, sharing its basic styling, engineering, detailing, and fully independent suspension. Both cars had double wishbones in front and swing axles at

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R129) - Misplaced Pages Continue

3402-477: The bonnet, the car also features new headlights with an optional "Intelligent Light System" and a new speed sensitive steering system. The SL 63 AMG replaced the SL 55 AMG. A high-performance version of R230, SL 65 AMG Black Series, was offered as a coupe only body type. A total of 169,433 SL R230s were ever produced. The most common model is SL500 (~100,000 units). The rarest is SL65 AMG with only 3,055 units (350 of which SL65 AMG Black Series). Mercedes-Benz launched

3483-512: The current most powerful four-cylinder engine in serial production. The models listed below were powered by a variant of the Mercedes-Benz M275 engine . This AMG powerplant had an all-new design of the bi-turbo system, which features larger turbochargers and a new, more powerful charge-air cooling system, and the increase in the engine displacement (to 5980 cc) as well as many other engine design measures. This allows it to produce

3564-482: The development of bespoke V8 powertrains and the use of certain components of electric/electronic architecture. Daimler AG now owns a stake of 5% of non-voting shares in Aston Martin, joining existing shareholders Investment DAR , Adeem Investment and Investindustrial . The technical partnership will support Aston Martin's launch of a new generation of models and newly developed bespoke V8 powertrains. Since

3645-509: The division to return to its roots of building sports cars. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, AMG entered the big Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3 V8 saloon, affectionately named the "Red Sow", in the 1971 Spa 24 Hours , and the European Touring Car Championship . AMG and Mercedes worked together on Mercedes-Benz W201 cars for the 1988 Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM, German Touring Car Championship). AMG

3726-487: The early 1980s and up until 1990, AMG offered a variety of engine performance packages, alloy wheels and styling products as an entirely independent company from Daimler-Benz. In 1990, AMG signed a co-operation agreement with Daimler-Benz, and AMG options and cars were then offered in Mercedes-Benz showrooms; in 1999 Daimler AG, then known as DaimlerChrysler AG, bought the controlling share of AMG and made them part of

3807-445: The early 2000s, AMG focused principally on supercharged V8 and V6 engines, but the company officially abandoned this technology in 2006 with the introduction of the naturally aspirated 6.2 L M156 V8 . On 16 January 2006, Mercedes-AMG Chairman Volker Mornhinweg told AutoWeek that the company would use turbocharging for higher output rather than supercharging. For 2011, AMG released the M157 5.5L bi-turbo V8, which has supplanted

3888-604: The end of the 1970s such as the 30,000 km long Vuelta à la America del Sud (1977), the Safari Rally (1979) and the Bandama Rally. The R107 received its first update in 1985 with deeper front air dam, revised brake system with larger discs and four piston calipers, driver's side airbag (standard for US market and extra-cost option for the European market), and, for the European market, catalysator option. The 5-mph bumpers and four round sealed-beam headlamps fitted to

3969-661: The engines, The V12 engine remained unchanged. The new Mercedes Benz R129 roadster was first introduced into the Australian market in May 1990 with the 500SL model. The 600SL followed in May 1993, while a 6 cylinder SL did not arrive until the SL280 in October 1995. Only 38 cars of the 600SL/SL 600 were delivered to the Australian market. Not all engines were offered in North America. The 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL base model

4050-467: The entry-level powertrain being a 2.0L I4 mild hybrid engine found in the SL 43, producing 280 kW (375 hp). Two of the powertrains are 4.0L V8 Biturbo gasoline engines, with the SL 55 developing a maximum of 350 kW (476 PS; 469 bhp) & 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft), and the SL 63 developing a maximum of 430 kW (585 PS; 577 bhp) & 800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft). Both versions are available only with all-wheel-drive,

4131-406: The evolution of R129 with smoother body design and new peanut-shaped headlamp design. The fifth-generation SL-Class featured a 'Vario Roof' retractable hardtop , as introduced on the 1996 SLK Class : Active Body Control (ABC) active suspension system, Keyless Go keyless entry and smart key, and Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) electro-hydraulic power brake system. The SBC proved troublesome, and

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4212-438: The first time, the V8 engines were fitted to the SL-Class. With the production from 1971 to 1989, R107 was one of few longest-produced vehicles from Mercedes-Benz. R107 received a very minor update in 1972 with new rubber-edged wing mirrors from W116 and a major update in 1985 for 1986 model year. The engine options were updated in 1980 for the 1981 model year with new aluminium V8 engines from W126 S-Class introduced in 1979 while

4293-639: The front brakes individually or the rear brakes together (to help maintain stability), as needed, up to 30 times per second to prevent lock-up and maintain steering ability. Wheelbase 99.0 in Boot capacity 7.9 cu ft Fuel capacity 79.9 L – 21.1 gal (US) 17.5 gal (Imp) Wheelbase 99.0 in Boot capacity 7.9 cu ft Fuel capacity 79.8 L – 21.1 gal Wheelbase 99.0 in Curb weight 2020 kg – 4,455 lb Boot capacity 7.9 cu ft Fuel capacity 79.8l 21.1 gal AMG had already offered an SL version while still independent,

4374-479: The intake and exhaust are reversed, to create a more compact engine and hence vehicle design. This "hot inside v" configuration, as AMG calls it, has the exhaust gasses exiting into the central v area of the engine block where the engine's twin turbochargers are also mounted. The M139 found in the C 63 S E-Performance produces 350 kW (469 hp), giving it a specific output of 235 hp (175 kW) per litre or 117 hp (87.5 kW) per cylinder, making it

4455-422: The interior with new dashboard padding, switches and knobs, steering wheel, and door pockets (US model only). The wheel covers fitted to 250 SL and 280 SL replaced the smaller hubcaps. A year later in 1968, the engine was enlarged again to 2.8 litres, and the 250 SL was changed to 280 SL. In 1971, R107 was introduced with new design language and safety features that spread to the subsequent Mercedes-Benz models. For

4536-492: The introduction of the W113 SL-Class. Replacing both the 300 SL and 190 SL, the 230 SL was introduced in 1963 with a distinctive concave roofline that earned the nickname "pagoda top". The W113 featured a low waistline, large curved greenhouse windows, detachtable hardtop, and a new 2.3-litre straight-six engine . For 1967, the engine was enlarged to 2.5 litres, and 230 SL was renamed as 250 SL. The changes were made to

4617-458: The lineup in 2014, due to the added weight and torque of the 65s, thus decreasing the 0-60 times and the handling limits. Compared to the "55" supercharged 5.4 L V8 engine—which was restricted to the Speedshift 5G-Tronic five-speed automatic transmission, as it had a torque capacity of 796 lb⋅ft (1,079 N⋅m)—the reduced torque of the "63" M156 6.2L V8 means it can be mated with

4698-463: The maximum ratings). Both engines are mated to Mercedes-Benz's 7-speed MCT transmission . Unlike the M156 naturally aspirated 6.2 L V8, which was developed entirely within AMG, the M157 is based upon the M278 used in the regular Mercedes-Benz S-Class and CL-Class. The M157 boasts 25% better fuel economy (10.5 litres per 100 kilometres versus 14.4 L/100 km in the European driving cycle) over

4779-465: The more efficient 7G-Tronic , which can withstand a limit of 542 lb⋅ft (735 N⋅m). Despite the reduction in torque, the increased horsepower and more efficient transmission enable the 63 models to match or surpass the acceleration of the "55" models. Most of the M156-engined models used the 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, however the more recent 2009 SL 63, 2010 E 63, and 2012 C 63 use

4860-417: The most expensive and highest-performing variant of each Mercedes-Benz class. AMG has also made special variants of some Mitsubishi and Honda models. AMG variants are usually badged with two numerals, as opposed to regular Mercedes-Benz vehicles, which have three (e.g. "E 63" as opposed to "E 350"). The numerals do not always indicate engine size, but are rather a tribute to earlier heritage cars, such as

4941-485: The official Mercedes-Benz line-up. Typical AMG performance enhancements, which the buyer could custom order, included increased engine displacements (5.2 litre, 5.4 litre), performance top ends with port and polished heads and intake, lightened valve train, and more aggressive cams. The DOHC 32V engine had also just been developed and was the pinnacle of AMG performance. A Getrag five-speed manual transmission could be ordered from AMG, and Mercedes had not offered

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5022-557: The outgoing model. The models listed below were powered by the M157 variant of the Mercedes-Benz M278 engine . Rumoured in 2009 and confirmed in 2010, AMG developed the M157, a 5.5-litre V8 with direct fuel injection and twin turbochargers . Power is rated at up to 577 bhp (430 kW; 585 PS) at 5,250-5,750rpm with a peak torque of 664 lb⋅ft (900 N⋅m) made between 2,000rpm and 4,500 rpm (the amount of power and torque depends on model, but these are

5103-466: The racing-engine development remaining at the old location in Burgstall. At this time, Erhard Melcher ceased to be a partner, but he continued to be an employee at the Burgstall location. In 1993, with AMG having become a high-profile purveyor of modified Mercedes-Benz cars, Daimler-Benz AG and AMG signed a contract of cooperation, allowing AMG to leverage Daimler-Benz's extensive dealer network and leading to commonly developed vehicles (the first one being

5184-458: The rear. Instead of the 300 SL's expensive purpose-built W198 tubular spaceframe, the 190 SL used a shortened unitary floorpan modified from the W121 base saloon. A 1.9-litre four-cylinder in-line engine was used instead of the 300 SL's engine. Both the 300 SL roadster and 190 SL have a soft fabric folding top and an optional removable hardtop. The production for 300 SL and 190 SL ended in 1963 with

5265-404: The retrofit kit to be installed in their R107 at later date. The rear seats are optimal for the passengers whose height is up to 1.5 metres. The dashboard is symmetrical along with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen panel in the centre. The instrument cluster is placed within a binnacle as to reduce the reflections from the sunlight and improve the legibility when

5346-550: The roof is folded down. The touchscreen panel in the centre is electrically tiltable to the vertical position for the same reason. Mercedes-AMG Mercedes-AMG GmbH , commonly known as AMG ( Aufrecht, Melcher, Großaspach ), is the high-performance subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG . AMG independently hires engineers and contracts with manufacturers to customize Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicles. The company has its headquarters in Affalterbach , Baden-Württemberg , Germany. AMG

5427-666: The sixth generation SL, internally designated R231, at the North American International Auto Show in January 2012. The R231 introduced aluminum bodywork, its weight advantage offset by higher safety and convenience equipment. New features included a system marketed as 'FrontBass', which used space in the aluminium structure ahead of the front footwells as resonance spaces for the bass loudspeakers. Additionally, standard equipment included an adaptive windscreen wipe/wash system which supplied fluid from

5508-588: The stored fabric convertible roof and tonneau. It was available with a variety of powertrains across its twelve-year production, including a V12 option used in the SL600. Designed in 1984, the R129 was based on the shortened floorpan of the Mercedes-Benz W124 . The new SL-class was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1989, with left-hand drive sales beginning that summer and right-hand drive sales in

5589-406: The wiper blade itself, as needed and depending on the direction of wipe. The R231 was available with two suspension systems: semi-active adjustable damping as standard and active suspension system ABC (Active Body Control) as an extra-cost option. Both types featured electro-mechanical, speed-sensitive power steering, which allowed the variable steering ratio across the steering wheel angle. The R231

5670-470: The world's fastest passenger sedan in 1986. Nicknamed the Hammer, it featured an AMG-tuned 5.6-litre DOHC Mercedes-Benz V8 in a midsized sedan. Advanced for its time for a street engine, it had four valves per cylinder and was claimed to push the car faster than a Lamborghini Countach from 60 to 120 mph. Later models were even more powerful and introduced the 17-inch AMG Aero 1 Hammer wheels. Through

5751-685: The world, such as the FIA GT3 European Championship , Blancpain Endurance Series , Blancpain Sprint Series , VLN , 24 Hours of Nürburgring , British GT Championship , Super GT , Australian GT Championship , Bathurst 12 Hour , Dubai 24 Hour , Macau GT Cup and Pirelli World Challenge . In late 2011, after the end of the Formula One season, Mercedes GP Petronas announced that it would be using

5832-520: Was booming after the Second World War . Whether the abbreviation SL was derived from a 1931 Mercedes-Benz SSKL (Super Sport Kurz Leicht—Super Sport Short Light) isn't known. At the public introduction of 300 SL in 1952, Mercedes-Benz did not define the abbreviation SL . The German magazine, Auto Motor und Sport , declared in its 2012 special edition issue of Mercedes-Benz SL that Rudolf Uhlenhaut —in his notarised letter—indicated

5913-763: Was built by the AMG Factory as a purpose-built race car to compete in the 2001 Targa Tasmania 7 day road race. Mick Doohan was the works Mercedes-Benz AMG driver. Six successive lightly modified Mercedes-Benz AMG models (including, most recently, a C190 GT Black Series) have acted as the safety cars for the FIA Formula One World Championship. Since 2010, the SLS AMG GT3 and the AMG GT3 have been competing in GT competitions around

5994-419: Was later disabled by Mercedes-Benz in a large recall campaign due to the difficulties in modulating the brake effort. In 2006, R230 received a minor cosmetic update and revised engine options. The R230 SL underwent a significant facelift in 2008 featuring new and revised engines and a new front end that evokes the classic 300 SL with a large grille featuring a prominent 3-pointed star and twin "power domes" on

6075-487: Was limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Extremely rare was the SL 72 AMG , with a 7.1 litres (7,055 cc) engine, sold through Mercedes-AMG in 1995, and offering the most powerful V12 engine ever put into an SL up to that time with 510 PS (375 kW; 503 hp). Only 35 cars were made. After a brief hiatus, the SL 73 AMG was offered with the new M120 engine 7.3 litres (7,291 cc) from 1997 to 2001, with

6156-538: Was longer and wider than its predecessor. Shoulder room is increased by 37 mm (1.5 in) and elbow room 28 mm (1.1 in). A mid-cycle update was introduced in 2016 for the 2017 model year along with revised engine and transmission options. A 9G-TRONIC Plus 9-speed automatic transmission was fitted to the SL-Class for the first time (SL 400/SL 450 and SL 500) while AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT and AMG SPEEDSHIFT Plus 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmissions for SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG respectively remained unchanged. SL 350

6237-519: Was made the official partner. When DaimlerChrysler acquired a majority share of AMG in 1999, the motor racing department was divested into HWA AG . Their first car was the ill-fated Mercedes-Benz CLR . Since 2000, HWA builds and runs the cars for Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM), as well as the M271 engine tuned for use in Formula 3 . In 2000, an extensively modified one-off Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK 55

6318-617: Was originally an independent engineering firm specializing in performance improvements for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. DaimlerChrysler AG took a controlling interest in 1999, then became the sole owner of AMG in 2005. Mercedes-AMG GmbH is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG, which is in turn owned by the Mercedes-Benz Group . AMG models typically have more aggressive looks, higher performance, better handling, better stability and more carbon fibre than their regular Mercedes-Benz counterparts. AMG models are typically

6399-517: Was renamed as SL 400 (SL 450 for the North American market). R231 had a revised front end, front grille treatment, and larger non-functional side 'vents' behind the front wheels. It 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 lenses (for North American market) or red-and-amber lenses (for

6480-426: Was the 228 hp 300 SL version (European 300 SL-24) equipped with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, but it was the 322 hp 500 SL (with a 5.0-litre V8 engine ) which made the most headlines. For model year 1993, the 600 SL was additionally introduced stateside. The SL 320 replaced the 300 SL in the United States in 1994, but the SL 280 was not offered. The 6-cylinder SLs were dropped from

6561-409: Was the first SL-Class to offer an optional a V12 engine (600 SL/SL 600) and to have official AMG variants (500 SL 6.0 AMG, SL 60 AMG (V8), SL 70 AMG (V12), SL 73 AMG (V12), and then SL 55 AMG (V8)). The R129 was the last SL-Class offered with a manual gearbox. For the US market, R129 was the first SL-Class offered with six-cylinder in-line engine from 300 SL-24 (named as 300SL) since the 1971. For 1995,

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