Following the two variants with V8 engines, Mercedes-AMG presents the SL 43 (combined fuel consumption 9.4-8.9 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 214-201 g/km),[1] a technically innovative entry-level model of the newly developed roadster icon. Under the bonnet of the open-top 2+2-seater with fabric soft top is an in-line four-cylinder petrol engine with two litres displacement that provides the befitting propulsion. This is the first time in the world that an electric exhaust gas turbocharger is being used in a production vehicle. This technology comes from Formula 1™.
The system in the SL 43 is a direct derivative of the development successfully used by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team for many years in the premier class of motorsport. The new form of turbocharging guarantees particularly spontaneous throttle response across the entire rev range, thereby offering an even more dynamic driving experience while increasing efficiency at the same time. The turbocharger is operated via the 48-volt electrical system, which also feeds the belt-driven starter-generator (RSG). As a result, the Mercedes-AMG SL 43 has an output of 280 kW (381 hp) and a maximum torque of 480 Nm, plus an additional short-term boost of 10 kW (14 hp) from the RSG in certain driving situations. The new entry-level model in the SL family also shines with extensive standard equipment. In addition, numerous options that enhance comfort and safety offer a wide range of possibilities for individualisation.
The exterior design of the SL 43 differs in individual details from the two eight-cylinder models. For example, it has differentiated front and rear aprons as well as round instead of angular double tailpipe trim. The defining features of the SL body design include the long wheelbase, the short overhangs, the long bonnet, the passenger compartment set further back with steeply raked windscreen, and the powerful rear end. This results in the typical SL proportions. They give the roadster its powerful, dynamic appearance – together with the voluminously modelled wheel arches and the large light-alloy wheels that are flush with the outer skin. The SL 43 runs on 19-inch light-alloy wheels as standard. In addition, the same range as for the eight-cylinder models is available as an option: aerodynamically optimised light-alloy wheels with diameters of 20 or 21 inches, which reduce air resistance through low turbulence. Particularly sophisticated are 20-inch wheels with plastic aero rings that save additional weight.
As standard, the SL 43 is equipped with a newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL steel suspension with particularly powerful aluminium shock absorbers and lightweight coil springs. Another lightweight construction measure concerns the torsion bar stabilisers on the front and rear axles of the SL 43. The latest generation of AMG adaptive adjustable damping is available as an option for the SL 43. The suspension control unit uses data analysis – including acceleration and wheel travel sensors – to adjust the damping force for each wheel in a few milliseconds to suit the situation. The driver can pre-select the basic set-up via the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes: at the touch of a button, the handling characteristics change, for example, from full dynamics in “Sport+” mode to smooth cruising in the “Comfort” setting. In addition, the tuning can be adjusted in three stages independently of the driving modes via a dedicated button.
The Mercedes-AMG SL 43 can be equipped with active rear-axle steering (HAL) as an option. Depending on the speed, the rear wheels steer either in the opposite direction (up to 100 km/h) or in the same direction (faster than 100 km/h) as the front wheels. The system thus enables both agile and stable driving characteristics. The front-wheel steering ratio is more direct, making it easier to steer the vehicle at the limit with less steering effort.
With the details of its extensive standard equipment as well as many additional options available, the Mercedes-AMG SL 43 offers a broad individualisation spectrum for a wide range of customer wishes – from sporty and dynamic to luxuriously elegant. This includes twelve paint finishes including the two exclusive SL colours hyper blue metallic and MANUFAKTUR monza grey magno, three roof colour variants and several new wheel designs.
Three exterior design packages are available to sharpen the look further and make it more elegant or more dynamic.
The AMG Exterior Chrome Package contains elegant high-gloss chrome accents on the front apron, the side sill trim and the rear.
In the AMG Night Package, selected exterior elements are finished in high-gloss black, such as the front splitter, the side sill trims, the mirror caps and the trim element in the rear diffuser. Added to this are darkened tailpipe trims. Depending on the chosen paint finish, this results in striking contrasts or flowing transitions.
The AMG Night Package II includes additional elements in high-gloss black, including radiator grille, typography and Mercedes star at the rear.
With the AMG Exterior Carbon Package, lightweight components made of carbon fibre evoke the SL’s motorsport history. The carbon parts include the front splitter and the flics in the front bumper as well as the trim strip in the side member trim. Furthermore, there are tailpipe trims in high-gloss black and the trim strip in the diffuser in carbon or high-gloss black.
Dynamic AMG engine mounts connect the engine more rigidly or more flexibly to the body, depending on the driving situation. In every driving situation, this results in the best possible balance between driving dynamics and comfort.
The electronically controlled AMG limited-slip rear differential distributes the required power to the wheels even more promptly and precisely during dynamic cornering and rapid acceleration, thus guaranteeing maximum traction.
The “RACE” driving mode delivers race track performance at the touch of a button with even more spontaneous engine response and a more direct accelerator pedal characteristic. Selectable as an additional driving mode via the AMG steering wheel buttons.
The lowering by ten millimetres lowers the vehicle’s centre of gravity and additionally stabilises the vehicle. The yellow-painted AMG brake callipers visually underline the increased driving dynamics potential.
