BERLIN: Almost 70 years after the launch of its legendary sports car, Mercedes is launching a new SL convertible.
The model's seventh generation will go on sale just in time for the start of the summer season, the manufacturer announced when presenting the vehicle in Los Angeles.
Mercedes has yet to reveal prices but the latest SL - initially offered exclusively as a V8 model - is likely to be more than US$170,000 (RM712,000).
For the first time entirely developed at Mercedes subsidiary AMG, the new SL version is more closely modelled after the 1990s R 129 series rather than its two current predecessors.
This means the two-door model, which now measures 4.70 metres, comes with a soft top again instead of the retractable hard top. The new SL also has two emergency seats in the second row, but they are only suited for passengers smaller than 1.50 metres, according to the company.
While the fabric roof gives the SL a little bit of a retro element, its technical features are all up to the latest Mercedes standards, including roll stabilization and all-wheel drive, a first for the series, as well as rear-axle steering from the new S-Class.
With the SL 63, the familiar 4-litre-volume V8 engine produces 430 kW/585 hp and accelerates from a standstill to 100kph in 3.6 seconds with up to 800Nm. The SL 55 has a maximum of 350 kW/476hp, 700Nm and can manage the sprint in 3.9 seconds, according to AMG.
The two versions make it to a maximum speed of 315 and 295kph, respectively, with consumption at 11.8 litres in each case (268 g/km CO2 emissions).
Mercedes is also planning to launch the AMG six-cylinder at a later date - for luxury car buyers with a smaller budget.
The company has already confirmed a version with a plug-in hybrid, for more power with less fuel consumption. It reportedly comes with around 588 kW/800hp.
