Istorie
Mercedes-Benz listed a 0-100 km/h time of 4.2 seconds, though several road tests show
that it actually takes under 4 seconds to reach 100 km/h.
Full description
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (formerly known as the SL Roadster) is a grand tourer manufactured by Mercedes since 1954. The designation SL derives from the German Sport Leicht, or Sport Lightweight and was first applied to the 300SL, often referred to as the ‘Gullwing’ due to its gullwing or upward-opening doors. In early 1996, over 6 years into the life of R129, development work on a successor began. On January 27, 1996 design work commenced and draft designs were submitted from ten designers in Germany, California, and Japan. Hundreds of sketches were submitted and would form the basis for twelve quarter scale models which were digitized for computer manipulation. Design of the R230 would progress through two different formats. The real world process centered on the traditional 1:4 scale models, with most of them initially being done clay. Virtual world design development took place in a room packed with state-of-the-art computer processing technology referred to as the “CAVE.” This technology was also used earlier on to design the W203 in 1995. The supercomputer in the “CAVE” (Computer Aided Virtual Environment) was able to create full-size images of selected designs, using its five projectors and allowing designers to inspect every inch of every surface rendered. Parallel to the virtual process, the twelve scale models were scrutinized as well, with four standouts chosen to be created in full-size mockups. This evolution of the scale models occurred alongside the development of the interior design. On June 16, 1997, the final design for the R230 was approved by the board and refined into production specifications into 1998. The design patents for the R230 were later filed in Germany on September 9, 1999 and on March 1, 2000 in the United States. In July 2001, after over 5 years of development, the new SL was unveiled and introduced at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show, that September. Production began on October 13, 2001 at the Bremen plant and European sales commenced that November. The mighty V12s that power the CL, S and now SL 65s are individually built on the top floor of AMG’s engine facility alongside supercharged V8s for the SLR. An extensive development programme has turned the already muscular 5.5-litre bi-turbo V12 that powers Merc’s ‘600’ models into this monster. The SL65 AMG version offers 604hp from its twin-turbocharged 6.0 litre, 5,980cc V12 engine at 5500 rpm. Mercedes-Benz listed a 0-100 Km/h time of 4.2 seconds, though several road tests show that it actually takes under 4 seconds to reach 100 km/h. Car and Driver achieved 100 km/h from a standstill in 3.6 seconds, 161 km/h in 7.5 seconds and recorded a Quarter Mile-time of 11.6 seconds at 198 km/h. This car has covered 1,418 Km
