The new-generation SL-Class will make its debut at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show and will go on sale in Europe from April 2008.

Design

The Mercedes-Benz designers set the aim of accentuating the Roadster's sporty attributes even more strongly than before.

This aspiration is reflected in the new front-end design featuring as its centrepiece a wide and, therefore, very dominant radiator grille whose V-shape symbolises sporty virtues such as forwards thrust and performance potential.

A horizontal louvre makes the radiator grille appear wider and, in doing so, emphasises the powerful aspect of the SL's front end, making it seem surprisingly new yet also very familiar.

By using expressive stylistics in this way, the Mercedes designers are able to forge a link with the SL's history and create a front-end design that is reminiscent of the earlier SL Roadster models, which also expressed their poise and assurance through wide, very distinctive radiator grilles.

Above: the restyled SL - below: the 2006 SL with Sports Package

The designers also pay homage to the forefather of the SL model series: the two powerdomes on the hood and the gill-style air outlets in the front wings are unmistakable hallmarks of the 300 SL from 1954 and have been given a modern interpretation for the new Mercedes sports car.

These classic design features drawn from five decades of roadster tradition combined with new elements of the modern Mercedes design idiom, including the distinctive V-shape of the front section and, above all, the headlamps, which are drawn deeply into the flanks, thus further emphasising the impression of breadth at the front end.

As well as giving the SL a highly contemporary look, this striking headlamp design also sees the Roadster continuing its traditional role as a trendsetter. Just like its predecessors, the design will serve as a template for future Mercedes passenger cars.

At the rear there is a new, diffuser-look bumper which adds a motorsport touch.

Features

Mercedes-Benz has introduced a new V6 unit for the entry-level SL 280. The six-cylinder powerplant delivers 170 kW/231 hp and a torque of 300 Nm from 2500 rpm. It accelerates the roadster from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, whilst fuel consumption (NEDC) is just 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres.

The engine that equips the SL 350 delivers output of 232 kW/316 hp yet achieving a fuel consumption figure that is 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres lower than that of its predecessor (NEDC).

The new direct-steer system features a variable rack ratio, which adjusts in line with the steering angle, increasing sharply as soon as this reaches five degree, allowing for a more direct car's response that enables the driver to steer more sportily.

New equipment includes bi-xenon headlamps,the Intelligent Light System and include AIRSCARF neck-level heating, which enhances comfort when driving with the roof down.

The SL range will feature two six-cylinder models (the SL 350 and the new SL 280) as well as the familiar SL 500 with a V8 engine and the top-of-the-range SL 600 with a V12 powerplant.

About the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

The history of Mercedes sports cars, which began in 1954 with the introduction of the legendary 300 SL "Gullwing", followed in 1957 by the launch of the first SL Roadster. To date, the Stuttgart manufacturer has produced a total of over 630,000 SL sports cars.

(Source: Mercedes-Benz)