Mercedes-Benz has unleashed its most powerful production car, the SL55 AMG, in limited numbers in South Africa.
Mercedes-Benz has unleashed its most powerful production car, the SL55 AMG, in limited numbers in South Africa.
According to the German manufacturer, the SL55 AMG has more power and torque than any other standard Mercedes-Benz ever built.
Maximum torque from the new V8 engine is 700 N.m at 2 650 r/min, with a power peak of 368 kW at 6 100 r/min. This is enough to power the SL to 100 km/h in 4,7 seconds and its electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h is reached in under 24 seconds.
The engine’s new belt-driven supercharger achieves about 30 per cent more charge pressure than other comparable belt-driven super-charging systems.
Other improvements include quicker reaction to throttle inputs and more power lower down the rev range.
The new engine also includes a computer-controlled fuel system to ensure that the right amount of fuel is delivered according to the engine speed and load.
Power goes to the rear wheels via the same automatic transmission as fitted to the SL500, but has been adapted to include a "steering wheel gearshift", as well as manual transmission mode. It is the first time a Mercedes-Benz features a Formula-One-style gearshift with two selector switches located behind the top two steering wheel spokes.
Sensotronic Brake Control and Active Body Control are standard on the SL55 AMG.
The active suspension for the new SL has a load adjustment element. It calculates the actual load on the vehicle and uses this figure in the calculation processes for the active suspension. The car’s suspension struts have stiffer damper settings and the algorithms have been reset for the active suspension and other control systems (ESP®, Brake Assist, DISTRONIC).
To distinguish the SL55 from its SL500 sibling, the new car has bumpers with AMG bodystyling, distinctive side skirts, 18-inch multi-spoke wheels and four chromed tailpipes. Aluminium forms the basis for the trim in the centre console and on the door panelling.
Inside, new head/thorax sidebags, two-stage airbags for the driver and passenger, newly-developed integral seats and the automatic, sensor-controlled roll-over bars are part of the standard protection package. It also has DISTRONIC autonomous intelligent cruise control, COMAND control and display system, and electronic tyre pressure monitoring.
The SL55 AMG is covered by a two-year/unlimited kilometres warranty. The normal Mercedes-Benz six-year/120 000 km maintenance plan, touring guarantee and 24-hour roadside assistance are standard.
It is priced at, wait for it, R1 650 000!
