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During the 70 years of its development history, what is known in shorthand as the SL series has undergone mutations from a racing car to an open-top luxury sports car. Now, the new Mercedes-AMG SL 43 is mutating again shedding eight-cylinders for four-cylinders, after two V8 models in the nascent Mercedes-AMG performance brand. Price range is unknown but in this league, 0h, $135,000+ is a good guess. (AutoInformed: Sports Car Market Magazine Hooks Hagerty as Sponsor of The SCM Modern and Classic Touring Series. AMG Invitational First)
The SL 43 is a 2+2-seater with fabric soft top and, ahem, a 2-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine rated at a combined fuel consumption 9.4-8.9 l/100 km with combined CO2 emissions of 214-201 g/km. In the new SL 43, materials used include aluminum, magnesium, fiber composites and steel, from which the windscreen frame is made, for example. This serves as roll-over protection in conjunction with the roll bar system behind the rear seats, which pops up when needed.
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Mercedes-AMG claims this is “befitting propulsion,” supporting the assertion with a Formula I derived electric exhaust-gas turbocharger, the first global application in a mass production vehicle. “The new form of turbocharging guarantees particularly spontaneous throttle response across the entire rev range, thereby offering an even more dynamic driving experience while increasing efficiency at the same time,” said M-AMG.
The turbocharger is operated by the 48-volt electrical system, which also feeds a belt-driven starter-generator (RSG). The SL 43 has an output of 280 kW (381 hp) and a maximum torque of 480 Nm, plus an additional short-term boost of 10 kW (14 hp) from the RSG in some driving scenarios.
“The electric exhaust gas turbocharger is a fascinating example of the extensive transfer between Formula 1 technology and the development of production vehicles. In implementing this in conjunction with our powerful M139 four-cylinder, we were also able to draw on the enormous wealth of experience of our colleagues at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains. The technology increases agility and thus driving fun, while at the same time improving the efficiency of the drive system. We are pursuing ambitious goals with a view to our electrified future. Innovative components such as the electric exhaust gas turbocharger help us to achieve this,” said Jochen Hermann, Chief Technical Officer of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH.
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The electric exhaust gas turbocharger uses a motor around four centimeters and thin is integrated directly on the turbocharger shaft between the turbine wheel on the exhaust side and the compressor wheel on the intake side. Electronically controlled, this drives the shaft of the turbocharger directly and thus accelerates the compressor wheel before the exhaust gas stream starts to drive it conventionally.
“This significantly improves immediate response from idle speed and across the entire engine speed range. The combustion engine responds even more spontaneously to accelerator pedal input, while the overall driving experience is more dynamic. In addition, the electrification of the turbocharger enables higher torque at low revs. This also increases agility and optimizes acceleration from a standstill. Even when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator or applies the brakes, the technology of the electric turbocharger is able to maintain the boost pressure at all times. This ensures so that a continuous immediate response,” claimed M-AMG.
The new SL of the R232 series is based on a new vehicle architecture developed by Mercedes‑AMG. This allows a 2+2 seating configuration for the first time since 1989 (Mercedes SL model series R129). The rear seats offer space for tiny people up to 1.50 meters tall (up to 1.35 meters with a child seat). If the extra seating is not needed, an insert-able draft stop behind the rear seats can protect front-seat occupants from drafts on the back of their necks. Or the second row of seats can be used as additional stowage space and accommodate a golf bag, for example, or a copy of Road&Track.
Constructed from lightweight aluminum composite, the chassis consists of an aluminum space frame with a self-supporting structure. The design – it’s claimed – guarantees maximum rigidity and is suitable for precise driving dynamics, high comfort, optimal packaging and sporty body proportions. “The aim of the body shell architecture is to realize the typical AMG Driving Performance with a focus on lateral and longitudinal dynamics, while at the same time meeting the high standards on comfort and safety,” said M-AMG.
‘Entry Level’ Mercedes-AMG SL 43 4-Cylinder?
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During the 70 years of its development history, what is known in shorthand as the SL series has undergone mutations from a racing car to an open-top luxury sports car. Now, the new Mercedes-AMG SL 43 is mutating again shedding eight-cylinders for four-cylinders, after two V8 models in the nascent Mercedes-AMG performance brand. Price range is unknown but in this league, 0h, $135,000+ is a good guess. (AutoInformed: Sports Car Market Magazine Hooks Hagerty as Sponsor of The SCM Modern and Classic Touring Series. AMG Invitational First)
The SL 43 is a 2+2-seater with fabric soft top and, ahem, a 2-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine rated at a combined fuel consumption 9.4-8.9 l/100 km with combined CO2 emissions of 214-201 g/km. In the new SL 43, materials used include aluminum, magnesium, fiber composites and steel, from which the windscreen frame is made, for example. This serves as roll-over protection in conjunction with the roll bar system behind the rear seats, which pops up when needed.
Click to Enlarge.
Mercedes-AMG claims this is “befitting propulsion,” supporting the assertion with a Formula I derived electric exhaust-gas turbocharger, the first global application in a mass production vehicle. “The new form of turbocharging guarantees particularly spontaneous throttle response across the entire rev range, thereby offering an even more dynamic driving experience while increasing efficiency at the same time,” said M-AMG.
The turbocharger is operated by the 48-volt electrical system, which also feeds a belt-driven starter-generator (RSG). The SL 43 has an output of 280 kW (381 hp) and a maximum torque of 480 Nm, plus an additional short-term boost of 10 kW (14 hp) from the RSG in some driving scenarios.
“The electric exhaust gas turbocharger is a fascinating example of the extensive transfer between Formula 1 technology and the development of production vehicles. In implementing this in conjunction with our powerful M139 four-cylinder, we were also able to draw on the enormous wealth of experience of our colleagues at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains. The technology increases agility and thus driving fun, while at the same time improving the efficiency of the drive system. We are pursuing ambitious goals with a view to our electrified future. Innovative components such as the electric exhaust gas turbocharger help us to achieve this,” said Jochen Hermann, Chief Technical Officer of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH.
Click to Enlarge.
The electric exhaust gas turbocharger uses a motor around four centimeters and thin is integrated directly on the turbocharger shaft between the turbine wheel on the exhaust side and the compressor wheel on the intake side. Electronically controlled, this drives the shaft of the turbocharger directly and thus accelerates the compressor wheel before the exhaust gas stream starts to drive it conventionally.
“This significantly improves immediate response from idle speed and across the entire engine speed range. The combustion engine responds even more spontaneously to accelerator pedal input, while the overall driving experience is more dynamic. In addition, the electrification of the turbocharger enables higher torque at low revs. This also increases agility and optimizes acceleration from a standstill. Even when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator or applies the brakes, the technology of the electric turbocharger is able to maintain the boost pressure at all times. This ensures so that a continuous immediate response,” claimed M-AMG.
The new SL of the R232 series is based on a new vehicle architecture developed by Mercedes‑AMG. This allows a 2+2 seating configuration for the first time since 1989 (Mercedes SL model series R129). The rear seats offer space for tiny people up to 1.50 meters tall (up to 1.35 meters with a child seat). If the extra seating is not needed, an insert-able draft stop behind the rear seats can protect front-seat occupants from drafts on the back of their necks. Or the second row of seats can be used as additional stowage space and accommodate a golf bag, for example, or a copy of Road&Track.
Constructed from lightweight aluminum composite, the chassis consists of an aluminum space frame with a self-supporting structure. The design – it’s claimed – guarantees maximum rigidity and is suitable for precise driving dynamics, high comfort, optimal packaging and sporty body proportions. “The aim of the body shell architecture is to realize the typical AMG Driving Performance with a focus on lateral and longitudinal dynamics, while at the same time meeting the high standards on comfort and safety,” said M-AMG.