2013 Mercedes-Benz SL: Spy Pics & Info

[Mr. Mercedes]

We've had this same convo over and over, the current SL has similar overhangs but it aint too shabby now, is it?

The overhang is being exagerated by the wheel angle too.

 

[GBOY]

You can clearly deduce that the 'overhang' on the side is pretty normal, however, the SL is very pointy at the nose so if you cover the entire front end and shoot a pic from the side it appears to have really long overhang but in real life it JUST has a really pointy nose.

 

[Pagani]

You can clearly deduce that the 'overhang' on the side is pretty normal, however, the SL is very pointy at the nose so if you cover the entire front end and shoot a pic from the side it appears to have really long overhang but in real life it JUST has a really pointy nose.

Very clever point, one of those hidden-in-plain-sight things I am just now noticing. It makes sense, since the whole package never looks offending to the eyes, only when viewed subjectively through certain limiting shots.

 

[PHYBENZ]

 

[Merc1]

Looks much better. Whew. The only problem with it (and the SLK) is that pedestrian-friendly, blunt front end. I hate it. It almost messes up the entire design.

M

 

[Human]

Looks much better. Whew. The only problem with it (and the SLK) is that pedestrian-friendly, blunt front end. I hate it. It almost messes up the entire design.

M

I don't no, I like it. Mind you back in the day when pedestrian safety was non - existent, the W126 Coupe's front end was also blunt

 

[Merc1]

I don't no, I like it. Mind you back in the day when pedestrian safety was non - existent, the W126 Coupe's front end was also blunt

Sure it was, that was the style back then. Most 80's cars were blocky/boxy.


M

 

[Pagani]

Sure it was, that was the style back then. Most 80's cars were blocky/boxy.


M

That was the time. My first car in 1998 was an '82 240 D Mercedes, to this day one of the most solidly built things on wheels, in my opinion. I want some of that design flair back. Now cars have gotten so organic in their design. A good car needs to convey it is still a machine.

 

[Deleted member 1071]

I personally like the SLS-inspired front end theme. Very assertive exuding a sense of confident presence. Looks absolutely grand on the new SLK and it will surely be no different and perhaps even better on the upcoming SL. And with regard to the CLS, the best view is the front view IMHO.

 

[Zafiro]

I think the front will be similar to the new SLK.

 

[LaArtist]

Shaping up reaaal guud

 

[SCOTT27]

When I see the SL I get the same feelings I get when I see the SLK with it's rounded rear and sharp angular front I am hoping they do not decide to do the same to the SL. Because in actual viewing, visually the SLK is a mess.

So far looks like the SLS AMG Roadster will be the only design cohesive Cabrio.

 

[Human]

IMO this is going to be the most evolutionary SL to date, not that it's a bad thing. The SL has iconic status and that should not be watered down

 

[Wunderkind]

I have the latest issue of Auto Motor Und Sport with me. The article states that the SL350 will be equipped with the now familiar 305ps V6 engine. But there is a turbocharged version producing some 400ps. The SL500 will have around 435ps and the SL63 AMG will have around 544ps.

As for the V12-engined SL600; the article says "Auch der prestigetrachtige V12 bi-turbo soll weiterhin im programm bleiben, zumal der SLS auf dieses triebwerk verzichten muss. Die leistung stiegt aber von 517 auf 630 ps."

In English -by Google Translation "Also, the bi-turbo V12 prestigetrachtige is to remain in the program, especially since the SLS has to give up those engines. The performance flies but 517 to 630 ps".

I suppose this is good news.

 

[SKY]

I have the latest issue of Auto Motor Und Sport with me. The article states that the SL350 will be equipped with the now familiar 305ps V6 engine. But there is a turbocharged version producing some 400ps. The SL500 will have around 435ps and the SL63 AMG will have around 544ps.

As for the V12-engined SL600; the article says "Auch der prestigetrachtige V12 bi-turbo soll weiterhin im programm bleiben, zumal der SLS auf dieses triebwerk verzichten muss. Die leistung stiegt aber von 517 auf 630 ps."

In English -by Google Translation "Also, the bi-turbo V12 prestigetrachtige is to remain in the program, especially since the SLS has to give up those engines. The performance flies but 517 to 630 ps".

I suppose this is good news.

I see some weird thing here. Why would anyone pay the extra price for the V8 when the V6 has just 35 ps less?. Or the V6 Turbo has less ps or the V8 gets and upgrade. Then there´s the V12 case. I guess what they are refering to is the V12 AMG will have 630 ps, as the new CL65 AMG.

 

[martinbo]

Thanks Wunderkind... so here at last, comes the turbo'd V6 it would seem.

 

[Merc1]

Mercedes should put the turbo V6 in the SL350 and S350, with 350hp. Maybe a CLS350 also. Would make nice entry level cars in the U.S. IMO.

I'm starting to doubt we'll ever see a turbo V6 from Mercedes-Benz.



M

 

[bum-man]

I have this feeling it will not have a turbo on it.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Looking very very promising even though it appears rather evolutionary.

Rear lights are looking great.

MB needs to get off their asses and turbo the V6 asap. In NA form it seems to be a very sweet unit, but just lacking in performance against the BM and Audi.

 

[Wunderkind]

I see some weird thing here. Why would anyone pay the extra price for the V8 when the V6 has just 35 ps less?. Or the V6 Turbo has less ps or the V8 gets and upgrade. Then there´s the V12 case. I guess what they are refering to is the V12 AMG will have 630 ps, as the new CL65 AMG.

I think Mercedes the product planners have found that a 3,000cc V6 engine will probably boost sale in many markets because in these markets, a 3,000cc engine capacity is the tax threeshold for lower registration taxes and other emissions related levies. It allows Mercedes to price the SL competitively and gives buyers (new and existing SL buyers) the choice of a N/A V6 or a turbocharged V6 that delivers sportscar performance.

For those who must have the V8 engine, they can still choose the 4.6L turbo V8 or the AMG 5.5 turbo engine. I am certain the 4.6L turbo V8 will sound much better and will be much smoother and potent (torque-wise) than the 3.0L turbocharged V6 and will be worth it for those who has the means.

One final thought, Leopold Mikulic, the Mercedes Head of Powertrain Development remarked the V6 engine will be the first engine with the new pulse compression turbocharger. Will it be this 'turbocharged' V6 he's talking about or the engine reserved for the AMG mini-SLS? Personally, I think it's going to be the engine reserved for the AMG mini-SLS.