And the award goes to…well, its in the title. While you may not wear a top hat and tails to this awards show ( though you can if you want)the 2013 Mercedes Benz SL is all class.
The 2013 SL visually rides the fine line which separates the utilitarian world from the finer things. Like an early American muscle car, the SL combines sharp lines with sleek curves, providing a perfect mixture of strength and finesse.
Constructed entirely of aluminum, the SL weighs in at more than 300 lbs less than its predecessor while upping the engine output. The SL comes equipped with a twin-turbocharged and direct-injected 4.6-liter V8, outputting 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque – a significant boost over the old model’s 384 hp and 391 lb-ft. All of this allows the SL to jump from 0-60 mph in around 4.5 seconds, with a ten percent improvement in fuel economy due to a modified seven-speed automatic gearbox and start/stop tech.
Speed-sensitive, electromechanical steering joins two suspension options: the standard Agility Control Suspension or the Active Body Control setup that debuted on the outgoing model.
The roof can be had with either the convertible option (Mercedes claims the roof stows away in 20 seconds and is more cleanly integrated than the R230, along with weighing 13 pound less thanks to its partial magnesium construction) standard glass, or the Magic Sky Control available on the SLK.
Magic Sky Control is a Mercedes Benz patented glass system. The glass, via technology derived from electro-hydraulic and magnetorheological engineering, changes its tint according to the natural light. The brighter it gets outside, the darker the tint. This technology can be applied to any piece of opaque glass on the vehicle.
“There are around 900 million cars in the world and thousands of models. But there is only a handful of automotive icons. Our SL is one of them: It has class, it has style, it is the ultimate in comfort and luxury. And it combines all that with an incredibly sporty and dynamic character. You would struggle to find a car that embodies Gottlieb Daimler’s aspiration more perfectly than our new SL – the best or nothing.” says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
Phoenix Valley auto enthusiasts can view and possibly test drive any of the exciting new Mercedes Benz models at their local Phoenix Valley Mercedes Benz Dealer.
