January 7, 2003

Mercedes-Benz introduces new SL 600 and SL 350

Detroit, Michigan - The new Mercedes-Benz V12-powered SL 600 and V6-powered SL350 were introduced in Detroit yesterday.

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Equipped with two turbo-chargers, an air/water intercooler, three-valves per cylinder, twin-spark AC ignition and other high-tech innovations, the new V12 engine has an output of 500 horsepower and a maximum torque of 800 Newton metres, which is available from just 1800 rpm and remains on tap at a constant level all the way up to 3600 rpm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.7 seconds and polishes off the 60 to 120 km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

Based on the features found in the already luxurious SL 500, the SL 600 includes interior appointments such as ruffled leather, embossed V12 emblems on the head restraints, soft-texture floor mats with chrome-coloured lettering as well as an elegant wood/leather steering wheel and a wood/leather selector lever. The COMAND system, a CD changer and a sound system are also standard equipment in the new twelve-cylinder sports car from Mercedes-Benz.

The external cues which identify the SL 600 comprise a radiator grille with discreet chrome elements, metal-effect brake callipers, V12 emblems on the side air intakes and bi-xenon headlamps. The first deliveries will commence in April, 2003.

The new SL 350 is equipped with a 245 horsepower V6 engine developing a maximum torque of 350 Newton metres at 3000 rpm. From standstill, the SL 350 accelerates to 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds and reaches a maximum speed (electronically limited) of 250 km/h.

Standard equipment includes the vario-roof, Sensotronic Brake Control, an automatic rollover bar, electrically adjustable integral seats, adaptive driver and front passenger airbags and large head-thorax sidebags. In addition a stereo radio, sensor-controlled automatic air conditioning, xenon headlamps and high-quality aluminium trim with seats upholstered in a sporty fabric/leather combination are standard in this Mercedes sports car.

Mercedes-Benz combines the V6 engine with the automated six-speed SEQUENTRONIC transmission, which can be operated from the steering wheel of the SL 350 in typical racing car fashion: two paddles on the reverse of the steering wheel spokes allow particularly fast gearshifts at a touch. SEQUENTRONIC also features two shift programmes (Comfort and Sport).

The new SL 600 and SL 350 models will slot in alongside the SL 500 and SL 55 AMG sports cars from spring 2003 onwards.

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