Mercedes celebrates the 60th birthday of its iconic SL roadster with the release of a short clip that chronicles the whole evolution of the model, from 1952’s 300SL all the way up to the recently unveiled R231 version, with its new aluminum bodyshell (a first in Mercedes-Benz’s history).

Just as a quick reminder, the new Mercedes SL comes with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 306 hp and 370 Nm of peak torque (for the SL350 version) and a 4.7-litre V8 unit producing 435 hp and 700 Nm (for the SL500). Both engines use a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission.

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Mercedes-Benz is at the 2012 International CES in Vegas with its newly unveiled SL roadster (just introduced to the world at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit) as well as the by now well-known C-Class coupe and the F125! Concept. Here is a bunch of pictures taken live at the event in Vegas by the colleagues from our parent-site Autoblog.it.

The much hyped new SL boasts a new aluminum body-frame that makes it 140 kg than the previous version, and will come in two variants: the SL350, equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 producing 306 hp and 370 Nm of torque, and the SL500, powered by a 4.7-litre twin turbo V8 unit delivering 435 hp and no less than 700 Nm of peak torque. More powertrain options and an AMG version will soon expand SL’s engine range.

The F125! Concept has been created to celebrate 125 years of automotive history, which also means 125 years of history for the three-pointed star house. The model is a hydrogen fuel-cell and plug-in hybrid electric car that boasts a range of no less than 1,000 km (about 620 miles) and, accordingly to its maker, anticipates the future of the automobile. This concept made its first appearance at the last Frankfurt Motor Show and has its fuel tank integrated in the body of the car, allowing for more room for passengers and luggage alike. The F125! is an all-wheel drive vehicle that adopts the e4matic technology, which implies that each one of the four wheels has its own dedicated motor. The car uses 23″ rims and develops 313 hp. The F125! goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) of 4.9 seconds and a limited top speed of 220km/h (137 mph).

View the full Mercedes-Benz at the 2012 CES photo gallery

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Mercedes-Benz is at the 2012 North American International Auto Show with three brand new models. The most significant one is obviously the eagerly awaited new SL roadster, but there are two new addition to its E-Class range that are definitely worth mentioning: the E 400 Hybrid (which uses a petrol engine and is destined to the North American market) and the E 300 BlueTec Hybrid (which has a diesel engine and will be marketed in Europe).

Thanks to its new aluminum bodyframe, the new SL (codenamed R231) is 140 kg lighter than its predecessor. This ultra light structure and its increased torsional stiffness provide the new SL with a much better dynamic behavior, which did not compromise its usual comfort. Its initial engine range is made of a 3.5 litre V6 delivering 306 hp and 370 Nm of torque as well as a 4.7-litre twin turbo V8, delivering 435 hp and 700 Nm of torque. Both variants are equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s own BlueDirect injection, start-stop system and 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission. In spite of its improved performance, the emissions of the new SL are claimed to be 29% lower than the previous model. The SL350 goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds whereas the SL500 needs only 4.6 seconds to hit the 100 km/h mark.

We have already been discussing the new Mercedes SL roadster extensively in several previous posts, when we presented some of its most impactful technical innovations such as the FrontBass audio system and the Magic Vision wipers, but if you still need to know more about the subject, there’s Mercedes-Benz official Press Release right after the jump.

View the full Mercedes SL, E 400 Hybrid and E 300 BlueTec Hybrid at the 2012 NAIAS photo gallery

Continue reading: Mercedes SL, E400 Hybrid and E300 BlueTec Hybrid at the 2012 NAIAS

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German tuner PP Exclusive presents its own tuning program for the R230 Mercedes SL, which is the predecessor of the brand new model that we have thoroughly covered in the last few weeks (codenamed R231).

The program include different types of alloy wheels of its own ‘Majestic’ line, ranging from 20 to 23″ and fitted with high performance Dunlop tyres. Obviously, in order to accommodate these massive rims, the tuner had to enlarge the fenders, which are now 25 mm wider on the front axle and 55 mm wider at the back. The model also uses an electronically adjustable suspension module that can be controlled by the driver through some commands placed next to the steering wheel, while the height status can be checked on the instrument panel. This set can lower the ride height by as much as 100 mm. Plus, we also have a built in stainless steel exhaust system with two couples of oval-shaped tail pipes at the sides of the rear bumper.

As for the interior, PP Exclusive opted for white Napa leather with black stitching for the seats, color-matching wood inserts on the dashboard and a new steering wheel finished in Alcantara. Unfortunately, no performance figures have been released.

View the full Mercedes Benz SL (R230) by PP Exclusive photo gallery

via | de.autoblog.com

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Recently we have been talking a lot about the new Mercedes SL Roadster, covering basically all steps of the process that eventually led to its virtual launch. Now, after the leaked brochure and photo gallery and the first lot of official videos, Mercedes-Benz just released another couple of videos starring their new model, right before we will finally get to see the car ‘in the metal’ at the upcoming North American International Auto Show (January 9-22), in Detroit. Check out the second video by clicking on the ‘Continue Reading’ link below, where you will also find a 9-minute long clip of the SL driving around uploaded by youtube user TheCarFanatic.

As recently confirmed by the carmaker, the new Mercedes SL will come with a 3.5-litre V6 engine for the SL350 version (producing 306 hp and 370 Nm of peak torque) and a 4.7-litre V8 unit for the SL500 (with an output of 435 hp and 700 Nm). Both engines will come with a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. Also worth mentioning is the fact that the model is also the first production Merc to use an aluminum body-shell, a choice that made it considerably lighter and less ‘thirsty’ than its predecessor, and still it boasts better performance figures.

Continue reading: 2013 Mercedes SL: more videos emerge

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Mercedes-Benz released the first bunch of videos starring their latest creation, the all new Mercedes SL (codenamed R231). The model replaces the successful version that waved the SL flag for a decade, selling 169.434 units and getting out of production just a few weeks ago. This new SL is the sixth generation of the iconic Mercedes roadster, which begun its ride in 1954 with the historic 300SL ‘Gullwing’

These four new videos (see the other three after the jump) provide us with a more comprehensive overview of both interior and exterior of the new SL, which have been covering pretty extensively in the last couple of weeks. As you can see, the car surely lives up to the expectations, retaining that feeling of luxury and exclusivity that characterized all of its predecessors. The new Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster will be officially unveiled at the upcoming North American International Auto Show, this coming January.

Continue reading: 2013 Mercedes SL: official videos surface

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In the wake of the leaks of a bunch of grainy images first and then a full official gallery right after that, Mercedes-Benz made official the last missing details of the new, fully redeveloped SL (code-named R231), which comes out exactly 50 years after the original SL was released. We have already been through some of its most significant innovations such as its brand new aluminum body-shell (first time ever that this solution is adopted by a production Merc), FrontBass system and Magic Vision Control in a previous post, so let’s focus on what we did not know.

First off, the rumors circulating these last few days about the engine range were right: the SL350 will come with a 3.5-litre V6 producing 306 hp and 370 Nm of torque, while the SL500 will use a 4.663 cc V8 unit delivering 435 hp with no less than 700 Nm of maximum torque. The former accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds (three tenths of a second faster than its predecessor), while the latter needs just 4.6 seconds to do that (eight tenths less than the previous SL 500). Besides, as predicted, both engines will come with a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, which has been optimized in terms of low fuel consumption and will feature the obvious start/stop function.

Thanks in most part to the new aluminum structure, the new SL350 weighs in at 1,685 kg and the new SL500 at 1,785 kg, making them 140 kg and 125 kg lighter than the models they are about to replace, respectively. Still in comparison with the previous range, the new generation of the SL is quite bigger, measuring in length 4,612 mm (+50 mm) and 1,877 mm in width(+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.

View the full 2013 Mercedes Benz SL Roadster photo gallery

Continue reading: 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL last details officially confirmed

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Just a few hours after a handful of grainy images of the model leaked on the internet through GermanCarForum.com, the same website has unleashed a massive official photo gallery of the long-awaited Mercedes SL Roadster, now exposed to the world in all of its glory. The aesthetics of the SL are quite different from the model it is about to replace, bearing some resemblance with both its smaller sister SLK and the SLS AMG. Please note the upright grille, the shape of the light cluster and the overall boxier sheetmetal. As for the cabin, we see a nice mix of modern materials, leather and genuine wood trim. Besides, we have no doubt that all sorts of entertainment and connectivity options that you would expect in a car of this rank will not be missing.

At the moment it is still unclear which sort of engine range will equip the newborn SL (although rumor has it that it will include a 3.5 litre V6 unit for the SL350 and a turbocharged 4.6-litre V8 for the SL500), but we do know for a fact that the car will be no less than 140 kg lighter (308 pounds) than its predecessor, thanks in most part to its brand new aluminum bodyshell. The new SL is also the first mainstream Merc ever to use this solution - which we had extensively introduced in a dedicated post we published a while ago - and it will surely be beneficial to the car’s handling, accuracy, stability, fuel efficiency and performance as well.

Mercedes-Benz will officially unveil the new SL m.y. 2013 at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, in January. As for now, quite obviously, no word on price. Click on the ‘Continue reading’ link below to find out more about the new SL roadster.

View the full 2013 Mercedes Benz SL Roadster official photo gallery

Continue reading: 2013 Mercedes SL Roadster: official photo gallery available

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Mercedes-Benz will present the new SL m.y. 2013 at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, this coming January, but apparently somebody just managed to put his hands on some sort of German brochure of the model as the very first images of the eagerly awaited new roadster from the three-pointed star have just surfaced on the internet. Website Germancarforum.com published some grainy shots that show us exterior, interior and instrumentation panel of the model, which is actually quite reminiscent of the current SLK in all these aspects.

As previously reported in an extensive post, we already know that the new SL will make use of a super-light aluminum body shell which will allow it to be 140 kg lighter than its predecessor, and will feature some interesting new technology such as the FrontBass sound system (with bass loudspeakers placed in the footwells) and the Magic Vision Control (an innovative adaptive windscreen washing system). As for the engine range, rumor has it that a naturally aspirated 3.5 litre V6 unit will equip the SL350 while a 4.6-litre V8 should pulse under the bonnet of the SL500. We expect Mercedes-Benz to reveal more details about the new SL in the near future.

via | 4WheelsNews

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Mercedes-Benz’s plant in Bremen is currently on a sort of hiatus as it gets ready to start production of the new SL R231, the model that will replace the SL R230 (pictured above) in the range of the German manufacturer. The 7th generation of the model has already been spotted by our mates from Autoblog.it a while ago, and we dedicated an extensive article to that event, introducing the groundbraking features that the next SL will boast, namely its full aluminum bodyshell, the FrontBass sound system and the Magic Vision Control wipers.

Since its official unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show 10 years ago, 169.434 units of the SL R230 have been sold. The very last one ever produced (just a few hours ago) is a SL350 with Iridium Gray paint job, sports bodykit and equipped with its signature 316 hp 3.5-litre V6, that will soon be on display at the carmaker’s museum. To see the new SL ‘in the metal’ we will have to wait for the next North American International Auto Show in Detroit (January 9-22).

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By the end of the year Mercedes will present the new and completely redeveloped SL Roadster, which is said to have taken the meaning of the SL tag (’sporty’ and ‘lightweight’) even more seriously. Our colleagues from Autoblog.it had the chance to see it at the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studio in Carlsbad, California, where they also met engineers and designers involved in the project, and here is an account of what they told them.

The car surely lives up to Mercedes’s high standards combining tradition and innovation, and its most distinctive feature is possibly its brand new state-of-the-art aluminum frame, the first full aluminum bodyshell ever implemented in large series production by Mercedes-Benz. This construction uses different kinds of aluminum, and each one of its components has been specifically designed and optimized for its own specific task. All parts are obtained through chill casting or vacuum die casting, worked into extruded aluminum sections or into aluminium plates of different thicknesses. Apart from being significantly lighter, this new structure is superior to the previous steel construction also in terms of rigidity and safety, with lower resonance and vibrations. However, it is not a 100% aluminum bodyshell as Mercedes also used the even lighter magnesium for the rear panel and high-strength steel tubing integrated in the A-pillars. Let’s translate all this into numbers then: weighing in at 254 kg, this new structure will allow the new SL 500 to gain 125 kg over its predecessor while the new SL 350 will be no less than 140 kg lighter than the current version. Torsional stiffness has gone up as well, going from the already impressive 16,400 Nm per degree of the last models up to 19,400 Nm per degree of this new aluminum bodyshell.

Click on the ‘Continue Reading’ link below the thumbnails to find out more about the new chassis and see more pictures and videos.

Continue reading: New Mercedes SL spotted at the Advanced Design Studio in Carlsbad

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Here are the latest Mercedes SL spy shots showing us a mule stripped of most of its usual camouflage, surely the most revealing set of pics so far. These images allow us to have a clearer idea of the recent development of its aesthetics, now featuring a front end that is actually a continuation of the styling we have seen on the latest Mercs, although it might be just a little too similar to the last SLK. There is also a more upright grille, designed in accord to the most recent European rules regarding pedestrian protection.

The rear end is clearly inspired by the CLS - especially as far as tail lights are concerned - while the lines of the side view are quite reminiscing of the current model. Besides, the bodywork uses one of the new metallic paint colors that have been introduced with the SLS AMG Roadster range.

As for the interiors, the new Mercedes SL will use the same scheme adopted by SLS and SLK models, featuring round-shaped commands and instrumentation and loads of leather, aluminum and carbon fibre. Power will come from a wide range of power plants including a 3.5 liter V6 and a 4.6 liter bi-turbo V8. Needless to say, spiced-up AMG versions are already in the works.

View the full Mercedes SL spy shots photo gallery

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