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OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Stuttgart, Germany, Dec 20, 2000
- Super sports car made by Mercedes-AMG
- New 7.3 litre twelve-cylinder engine developing 386 kW/525 hp
- Maximum torque of 750 Nm at 4000 rpm
The SL 73 AMG from Mercedes-AMG GmbH sets a new benchmark in the small and select segment of open-top super sports cars. The 7.3 litre displacement of its twelve-cylinder engine provides majestic power delivery and gives the charismatic roadster a top speed of 300 km/h in the optionally available version without electronic speed limiter. The SL 73 AMG takes the pleasure of roadster driving to new levels, combining top-class engineering with attractive styling, outstanding levels of safety and untempered motoring pleasure. The passengers too can bask in superior performance, discreet luxury and a cultivated ambience, uniquely blended with a fresh and sporty character.
Innovation: leading the way with ESP and ADS
The SL 73 AMG also benefits from the technological positioning of all Mercedes-Benz SL models, namely as pioneers in innovation. The engineering includes features such as the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) which minimises the risk of skids and slides, the Adaptive Damping System (ADS), which adapts shock absorber hardness to the carload, condition of the road surface and driving style, and the automatically triggered rollbar, which ensures highest possible safety standards for unfettered open-top motoring enjoyment.
The appeal of the SL's body styling has proved to be enduring and, eleven years after its first appearance, the car is still perceived as highly attractive and powerfully expressive. The AMG styling, with integrated fog lights, serves to emphasise still further the taut dynamism of this top sports car, without compromising its clear, classical lines. The large AMG 18-inch light alloy wheels provide an added and distinctive sporty edge.
Instrument cluster and new wood/leather steering wheel
In addition to exciting exterior styling, the SL 73 AMG also boasts an exclusive interior featuring an AMG instrument cluster with speedometer scale registering up to 320 km/h and the ergonomic AMG steering wheel with firm, sporty grip trimmed in colour-coordinated burl walnut and black leather.
High-end twelve-cylinder engine with power to spare
- 7.3 litre V12 engine develops 386 kW/525 hp exclusively for the SL roadster
- Four-valve twelve-cylinder engine delivers 750 Nm
When creating the new 7.3 litre engine, the Mercedes-AMG engineers used all their experience in the development of high-performance engines to maximise the power and torque of the basic engine but without building an overbred, unreliable powerplant. As with every Mercedes-Benz engine, high durability, uncompromising everyday practicality and absolute reliability were high on the list of priorities. Of course, the experience collected by AMG in several decades of motor sport proved particularly valuable.
From the displacement of 7291 cc, with a stroke of 80.2 millimetres and a bore of 92.4 mm, the engine mobilises 386 kW/525 hp, while mighty peak torque of 750 Nm is developed at 4000 rpm. More than 600 Nm are poised for action over practically the whole speed range, giving acceleration, which would at one time have been inconceivable for road vehicles.
Performance data:
SL 73 AMG
Displacement - 7291 cc
Output - 386 kW/525 hp
Rated torque - 750 Nm at 4000 rpm
0–100 km/h - 4.8 s
Top speed - 250 km/h*
* Optionally available without electronic speed limiter.
The twelve-cylinder engine is based on the 6.0 litre engine of the SL 600. Besides the increase in displacement, a range of other design modifications as well increased the output from 290 kW/394 hp to 386 kW/525 hp and the torque from 570 Nm at 3800 rpm to 750 Nm at 4000 rpm.
Transmission: AMG-tuned
The drive train has been modified in order to ensure the most effective and reliable transmission of such powerful output to the wheels. Amongst other things, the control parameters of the five-speed automatic transmission have been specifically adapted by AMG so that the enormous torque can be transmitted without problem and without compromises in terms of reliability and durability.
Source: Mercedes-Benz-Blog TRIVIA -- A professional look on Mercedes-Benz Heritage & Innovation: Mercedes-Benz-Blog TRIVIA: Mercedes-Benz SL 73 AMG: The ultimate roadster
