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October 26, 2022
The new SL makes its Japan premiere, arriving as the latest roadster featuring an F1-derived inline-four turbo engine｜Mercedes AMG
Mercedes AMG SL 43 | Mercedes AMG SL 43
The traditional SL from Mercedes debuts as a model developed entirely in-house by AMG.
Mercedes-Benz Japan has announced the new "Mercedes AMG SL 43" luxury roadster.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
Equipped with a 2.0-liter inline-four turbo engine producing 280kW (381ps) and 480Nm of torque
"SL," an abbreviation of "Super" and "Light," was born in 1952. Marking its 70th anniversary since the debut of the first generation, the new model has been reborn as a model developed entirely in-house by Mercedes AMG.
Notably, the lightweight aluminum composite chassis was developed from scratch by Mercedes AMG exclusively for the SL. While there are height restrictions, it allows for the revival of the 2+2 seating, compatibility with a wide variety of drive systems, and the simultaneous achievement of AMG's signature driving performance, comfort, and safety.
The torsional rigidity of the body shell structure has also improved by 18% compared to the previous generation, with lateral rigidity increased by 50% and longitudinal rigidity by 40% compared to the AMG GT Roadster. Furthermore, despite the chassis being made of aluminum, the connection points for the powertrain and axles are positioned low, and key components for rigidity are integrated within the body shell structure, ensuring a low center of gravity.
The powertrain features the "M139" 2.0-liter inline-four turbo engine, meticulously hand-assembled by skilled master craftsmen. It produces a maximum output of 280kW (381ps) and a peak torque of 480Nm, and incorporates an electric exhaust gas turbocharger, a world-first for a production vehicle.
This turbocharger utilizes technology derived from Formula 1, based on the system long adopted and proven by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team. A 4cm thick electric motor is directly integrated into the shaft of the turbocharger, between the exhaust-side turbine wheel and the intake-side compressor wheel. This motor electronically controls and directly drives the turbocharger shaft, accelerating the compressor wheel.
This significantly improves response across the entire engine speed range, from idling, allowing for a more dynamic driving experience, according to Mercedes AMG.
Furthermore, the electrification of the turbocharger enhances low-end torque, improving agility and initial acceleration. Even when the driver lifts off the accelerator or applies the brakes, the electric exhaust gas turbocharger can maintain boost pressure, ensuring seamless and immediate response.
Additionally, the transmission is a 9-speed automatic from the "AMG Speedshift MCT," previously exclusive to the 63 models. The suspension is a newly developed multi-link "AMG Ride Control suspension" as standard. It also features AMG's latest generation dampers with adjustable damping characteristics.
Six drive modes are available to leverage these functions, including "Comfort" and "Sport," as well as "Race" for circuit driving and "Individual," which allows users to select and save their preferred parameters.