Detroit motor show 2012: Mercedes SL
* All-new Mercedes SL * Lighter and more efficient * On sale July 2012...
The new Mercedes SL gets its public debut at the Detroit motor show 2012.
The 2012 Mercedes SL is longer and wider than the current SL, but the new model (the sixth-generation SL) has an all-aluminium body that makes it significantly lighter. It has a range of more powerful, yet more frugal, engines and will be available with a raft of new high-tech features.
Although it has a similar overall shape to the outgoing model, the new SL has a longer body, with more sculpted sides and a prominent front grille.
As with the current car, theres an electrically operated folding metal roof. It's available with a choice of a conventional painted finish or with a glass panel, however. Theres also the option of a glass roof with Magic Sky Control, which switches from light to dark at the touch of a button.
The interior clearly shows the influence of Merc's SLS AMG supercar, with a similar design and circular air vents. Mercedes says the new SL provides more shoulder room than the current car.
Initially, therell be a choice of two petrol engines: the SL350 has a 302bhp 3.5-litre V6, yet it's nearly 30% more economical than its predecessor. The SL500 has a 429bhp 4.7-litre V8 that uses 22% less fuel than the current model's.
Both versions come with engine stop-start systems and a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Two suspension set-ups will be available a semi-active adjustable damping system and an optional system with active body control.
The new SL will introduce two new high-tech features to the Mercedes range; FrontBass and Magic Vision Control.
FrontBass is an audio system that uses the areas in front of the footwells as resonance spaces for the bass speakers. Mercedes says that it gives crisp, clear bass sounds, even with the roof down.
Magic Vision Control is a new windscreen wash/wipe system, with a wiper blade that applies washer fluid just in front of the blade, in both directions of the wipe. Mercedes says that no water is splashed on the screen, so visibility is not disrupted. The water doesnt spray into the cabin when the roof is down either, while a heated wiper blade will be available as an option.
Full pricing and technical details are yet to be confirmed, but all versions are likely to be well equipped and wed expect a starting point of around 65,000. The new Mercedes SL goes on sale in July.
More Detroit motor show news
Detroit 2012: Acura NSX
The new Acura NSX supercar has been revealed at the Detroit motor show 2012.
Detroit 2012: Audi Q3 Vail
The Audi Q3 Vail concept car has been unveiled at the Detroit motor show 2012.
Detroit 2012: Bentley Continental V8
Bentleys new Continental V8 models make their debut at the Detroit motor show 2012.
Detroit 2012: Buick Encore
The Vauxhall Mokka SUV has been revealed, in the form of the new Buick Encore shown at the Detroit motor show 2012.
Detroit 2012: Cadillac ATS
Cadillac has unveiled the ATS, a rival for compact executives such as the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series.
Detroit 2012: Chevrolet concepts
Chevrolet has unveiled two coupe concept cars at the Detroit motor show 2012: the Tru 140S and Code 130R.
Detroit 2012: Ford Mondeo
The new Ford Mondeo has been revealed at the 2012 Detroit motor show.
Detroit 2012: Hyundai Veloster Turbo
The Hyundai Veloster Turbo was unveiled at the Detroit motor show 2012.
Detroit 2012: Lexus LF-LC
The Lexus LF-LC concept car has been revealed at the Detroit motor show and previews how the next generation Lexus models will look.
Detroit 2012: Mercedes E-Class Hybrid
The Mercedes E-Class Hybrid has been revealed at the Detroit motor show 2012.
Detroit 2012: Nissan Pathfinder Concept
The Nissan Pathfinder concept car has been revealed on Facebook just ahead of its launch at the Detroit motor show 2012.
Detroit 2012: Porsche 911 Cabriolet
The new Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet gets its first public airing at the 2012 Detroit motor show.
Detroit 2012: Smart For-us concept
The Smart For-us concept car makes its debut at the Detroit motor show.
Detroit 2012: VW E-Bugster
The VW E-Bugster concept car unveiled at the Detroit motor show 2012 gives the best idea yet of what the new VW Beetle Cabriolet will look like.
Detroit 2012: VW Jetta Hybrid
The VW Jetta Hybrid has been revealed at the Detroit motor show 2012.
Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid
The Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept car makes its debut at the Detroit motor show 2012.
