2007 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

The Mercedes-Benz SL is a roadster manufactured by Mercedes since 1954. The designation SL derives from the German Sport Leicht, or Sport Light — and was first applied to the 300SL 'Gullwing' named also after its "gullwing" or upward-opening doors.

The term SL-Class refers to the marketing variations of the vehicle, including the numerous engine configurations spanning five design generations.
In 2001, an all-new SL (initially just a 5.0 L SL500 version) featured a retractable hardtop (marketed as the Vario Roof) available on the SLK since 1997. A 5.0 L 302 hp (225 kW) V8 was optional, with a 5.4 L AMG V8 appearing in 2004's SL55 AMG. V12 engines are available in the SL600 and the limited-production SL65 AMG.

The Mercedes-Benz R230 automobile was introduced in 2001. It was sold as the SL-Class convertible, replacing the R129.
The SL500 was the top-selling version of the SL-Class early in the R230 series. It used a 5.0 L 24-valve V8 engine, which produced 306 hp (228 kW) and 339 ft·lbf (460 N·m).

A 5.5 L 32-valve DOHC V8 engine replaced the 5.0 L found in the SL500 for 2007. The 5.5 litre natrually aspirated V8 can also be found in the new E550 and S550. This model will retain the SL500 name in most markets, but will be sold as the SL550 in North America. It now produces 382 hp (285 kW) and 391 ft·lbf (530 N·m). It now accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds and has a limited top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h).

In 2007, Mercedes will create 75 limited-edition 50th Anniversary SL550s. Mercedes created 550 of these cars, all pewter in color with burgundy leather, black ash wood trim, 18-inch double five-spoked wheels, and matching 50th Anniversary Edition luggage.

The SL receives a face lift in 2008 featuring a new front end that evokes the classic 300SL with a large grille featuring a prominent 3-pointed star and twin "power domes" on the hood, the car also features new headlights with an optional "Intelligent Light System" and a new speed sensitive steering system. A more significant option will be the addition of a new entry-level model, the SL280 with a 228 hp (170 kW) V6. Another breakthrough for the facelift SL is a new 3.5 litre high-revving V6 with an 316 hp and 360Nm torque in the SL350, an improvement of 44 hp and 10Nm over the outgoing model. Also the outgoing SL55 AMG will be replaced by the newer M156 6.2 litre SL63 AMG. This has the new AMG developed 7-speed MCT "Multi Clutch Technology" semi-automatic transmission. This uses a twin clutch design, a first for Mercedes and AMG. It features a compact, wet start-up clutch and double declutching. it's fitted with four drive modes: “C” (Comfort), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual) and boasts 100 millisecond shifts in "M" mode. The face lifted SL will be debuted at the Geneva Auto Show.

The Mercedes-Benz SL is a roadster manufactured by Mercedes since 1954. The designation SL derives from the German Sport Leicht, or Sport Light — and was first applied to the 300SL 'Gullwing' named also after its "gullwing" or upward-opening doors.

The term SL-Class refers to the marketing variations of the vehicle, including the numerous engine configurations spanning five design generations.
In 2001, an all-new SL (initially just a 5.0 L SL500 version) featured a retractable hardtop (marketed as the Vario Roof) available on the SLK since 1997. A 5.0 L 302 hp (225 kW) V8 was optional, with a 5.4 L AMG V8 appearing in 2004's SL55 AMG. V12 engines are available in the SL600 and the limited-production SL65 AMG.

The Mercedes-Benz R230 automobile was introduced in 2001. It was sold as the SL-Class convertible, replacing the R129.
The SL500 was the top-selling version of the SL-Class early in the R230 series. It used a 5.0 L 24-valve V8 engine, which produced 306 hp (228 kW) and 339 ft·lbf (460 N·m).

A 5.5 L 32-valve DOHC V8 engine replaced the 5.0 L found in the SL500 for 2007. The 5.5 litre natrually aspirated V8 can also be found in the new E550 and S550. This model will retain the SL500 name in most markets, but will be sold as the SL550 in North America. It now produces 382 hp (285 kW) and 391 ft·lbf (530 N·m). It now accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds and has a limited top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h).

In 2007, Mercedes will create 75 limited-edition 50th Anniversary SL550s. Mercedes created 550 of these cars, all pewter in color with burgundy leather, black ash wood trim, 18-inch double five-spoked wheels, and matching 50th Anniversary Edition luggage.

The SL receives a face lift in 2008 featuring a new front end that evokes the classic 300SL with a large grille featuring a prominent 3-pointed star and twin "power domes" on the hood, the car also features new headlights with an optional "Intelligent Light System" and a new speed sensitive steering system. A more significant option will be the addition of a new entry-level model, the SL280 with a 228 hp (170 kW) V6. Another breakthrough for the facelift SL is a new 3.5 litre high-revving V6 with an 316 hp and 360Nm torque in the SL350, an improvement of 44 hp and 10Nm over the outgoing model. Also the outgoing SL55 AMG will be replaced by the newer M156 6.2 litre SL63 AMG. This has the new AMG developed 7-speed MCT "Multi Clutch Technology" semi-automatic transmission. This uses a twin clutch design, a first for Mercedes and AMG. It features a compact, wet start-up clutch and double declutching. it's fitted with four drive modes: “C” (Comfort), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual) and boasts 100 millisecond shifts in "M" mode. The face lifted SL will be debuted at the Geneva Auto Show.