Mercedes-AMG examination drivers are taking advantage of winter’s past extend to set the subsequent-technology SL through its paces. They are in charge of fantastic-tuning the roadster for the reason that it will completely be sold as an AMG design, and they sent some of their enhancement prototypes to a frozen element of Sweden for the reason that all-wheel-push will be offered.
Termed R232 internally, the eighth-technology SL is remaining finalized practically 70 a long time soon after the initial design designed its world wide debut on the German autobahn. Placing miles on examination mules was a lot a lot easier in the fifties, decades before any person with a smartphone and a well-properly trained eye could grow to be a spy photographer. In 2021, finishing the SL’s enhancement demands delivery totally camouflaged prototypes to a non-public examination observe in a distant element of Sweden.
No quantity of camouflage can conceal the subsequent SL’s proportions, which are characterized by a extended hood and a shorter deck lid. And it really is apparent that the roadster is ditching the current model’s electric power-folding hardtop and returning to the electric power delicate top past offered on the R129 design constructed right until 2001. The top is offered in black and pink, amid other colours. Finer structure details (like the form of the lights) are however hidden beneath the black and white wrap.
Mercedes-Benz verified that, for the first time, the subsequent SL will only be offered in AMG-tuned variants. It did not release technical requirements, however. We’re hoping to see the V8 motor return, and it really is fair to believe that far more economical variants will get a straight-six motor. Some degree of electrification seems unavoidable.
Rear-wheel-push will very likely appear normal, but a different first on the requirements sheet is the availability of 4Matic all-wheel-push. Sending electric power to the 4 wheels will convert the SL into a 12 months-spherical driver for lots of fans.
Mercedes-AMG will keep on tests the subsequent-technology SL in the coming months, notably by allowing it loose on the Nürburgring observe in Germany. It spelled out that its purpose is to make the R232 a lot sportier than its predecessor. We will have a better idea of what the transformation involves when the 2022 SL makes its community debut later in 2021
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