Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the United States (US)-specification SL 43, a roadster with Formula 1-derived technology.
According to Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance division, the SL 43 is powered by an AMG-enhanced 2.0-liter turbocharged M139 powerplant.
The engine, Mercedes-AMG pointed out, features an electric exhaust gas turbocharger — the technology of which was derived from the system used by the eight-time Constructor’s World Championship-winner, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team.
Per Mercedes-AMG, the said form of turbocharging applied to the SL 43 “guarantees spontaneous throttle response across the entire rpm (revolutions per minute) range to deliver an even more dynamic driving experience.”
Operated via a 48-volt electrical system, the exhaust gas turbocharger helps give the Mercedes-AMG SL 43 a maximum power output of 375 horsepower with a maximum torque of 481 Newton-meters.
“The electric exhaust gas turbocharger is a fascinating example of the extensive transfer between Formula 1 technology and the development of production vehicles. In implementing this in conjunction with our powerful M139 four-cylinder, we were also able to draw on the enormous wealth of experience of our colleagues at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains. The technology increases agility and thus driving fun, while at the same time improving the efficiency of the drive system. We are pursuing ambitious goals with a view to our electrified future. Innovative components such as the electric exhaust gas turbocharger help us to achieve this,” said Mercedes-AMG Chief Technical Officer Jochen Hermann.
Aside from boosting the power and torque of the US-market Mercedes-AMG SL 43, the aforementioned turbocharger improves the roadster’s responsiveness.
Through it, the response of the engine — from idle and across the entire rpm range — is enhanced. The gasoline-fed mill responds even more spontaneously to accelerator pedal input, which makes the overall driving experience more dynamic.
In addition, Mercedes-AMG explained that the electrification of the turbocharger also allows higher torque at low rpm increasing the agility and optimizes the acceleration of the SL 43.
Complementing the turbocharged engine is the AMG Speedshift Multi-Clutch Transmission.
This setup sends the Mercedes-AMG from a standstill to around 100 kilometers per hour (kph) in just 4.8 seconds leading to a top speed of approximately 273kph.
Stopping power comes from AMG high-performance composite brakes. The discs used in the braking system are made of cast steel while the brake disc pots are made of aluminum.
Mercedes-AMG also gave the SL 43 five driving modes, namely Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual. Further, the marque endowed the roadster the AMG Dynamics — an integrated vehicle dynamics control.
Exterior appointments that reflect the Mercedes-AMG SL 43’s capabilities include a unique front fascia and rear apron, as well as round (instead of angular) double tailpipe trim accents.
It rides on 19-inch alloy wheels but can be optioned with aerodynamically-optimized 20 and 21-inch alloy wheels. Also available is a set of 20-inch wheels with weight-saving “aero rings.”
Inside, the Mercedes-AMG SL 43 for the US region boasts a “hyper analog” cockpit. Featured is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster integrated into a three-dimensional visor. Accompanying it is an 11.9-inch infotainment system with the latest-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience system.
Seats are covered in Nappa leather as well as the steering wheel.
The Mercedes-AMG SL 43 will arrive in the US in the summertime (from June to September) and will have a base price of US$109,900 (around P6.116 million).
Photos from Mercedes-AMG
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Mercedes-AMG unveils SL 63 ‘Motorsport Collectors Edition’
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