Mercedes’ sporty SL – the legend continues

away, the new SL500’S performance did. Out goes the old version’s normally aspirated 5.5-litre V8, and in goes the brand’s new bi-turbo 4.7litre unit with an arse-kicking 320kw and 700Nm. It’s the very same motor already available in South African CL, S and CLS Class cars, but with a favourable power-toweight ratio in the 1.8-ton SL (the others are even heavier) – this roadster hustles like a Vegas croupier at a Sun City casino.

Mercedes claims 0-100km/h will happen in an Amg-like 4.6 seconds with a governed top speed of 250km/h. I shudder to think what the real-deal SL63 AMG, which makes 95kw and 200Nm more, will go like. Mercedes-benz says both the SL500 and SL63 will be launched in South Africa this July.

The new SL’S almost all aluminium body and chassis (10 percent is magnesium and there’s a bit of steel around the A-pillars), makes it around 110kg lighter than it would be if it were steel.

In case you were wondering, SL has stood for “Super Light” since the first tubular-framed 300SL was built for racing in 1952 – I’ll pretend not to notice that 1.8 tons is quite heavy for a modern performance car.

The weight is well justified though, with literally tons of gizmos you’d expect in a new Mercedes. Another introduction is what Merc calls “Frontbass”, where two subwoofers are mounted in the firewall near where your feet will go. It’s standard equipment regardless which of three optional sound systems is fitted, and it sounds great regardless as well. It also keeps heavy speakers out of the doors.

The new SL also gets optional Magic Sky Control in the top glass roof panel. This technology was first seen in the recently launched SLK Class, and works like a continuously variable tint that goes from light to dark at the push of a button. Don’t ask how it works; like Merc says... it’s magic. The roof itself folds away gracefully, but strangely the car must be at a complete stop to operate. This is unusual by today’s convertible standards.

Other features include a boot-lid opener activated by swiping your foot under the bumper, Comand online internet connectivity, Airscarf that blows warm or cool air on your neck while driving roof-less, and cell phone docks for Blackberry and iphone, amongst a long, long list.

South African pricing unavailable, but expect sticker prices just under and just over R2-million for the new SL500 and SL63 AMG models respectively.