Mercedes-AMG presented the “economy” version of its SL range, the new SL 43, which in this case, in order to significantly lower the starting price, he had to do without the famous V8 engine which until today was the master in models with powers of 476 and 585 HP. And to replace the engine that made the history of this series, the German manufacturer has chosen nothing less than a four-cylinder, a version that is unprecedented in the history of the Mercedes convertible model.
However, and to counterbalance what the more purists may consider a “heresy”, Mercedes has also introduced something revolutionary such as a new electric turbocharger exhaust gases, of which they ensure, that the AMG SL 43 is the first production model to have it fitted. This technology, inherited directly from Formula 1uses the same electrical system at 48V of the starter motor and runs the turbo turbine until the exhaust gases arrive, greatly reducing the existing lag at low revs and with much more instant throttle response.
Mercedes-AMG SL 43, small changes also in the design
For the rest, the engine used is the well-known M139, or the 2.0 turbo of the A45 with 381 hp at 6,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 480 Nm between 3,250 and 5,000 rpmnecessary to move the 1,810 kg of the Mercedes-AMG SL 43. To this has been added a starter motor / generator capable of supplying an additional 14 V. The gearbox is a AMG Speedshift MCT 9G a 9 rapporti whose power is sent to the rear axle. The result is a 0-100km / h sprint of 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 275km / h.
The differences from its bigger brothers in the range can be seen in the specific front and rear bumpers, as well as in the new exhausts. For its part, the alloy wheels are 19 inches, being able to equip come optional i 21″ Which were also offered in versions with a V8 engine. Of course, it includes suspension AMG Ride Control and the AMG Dynamic Select system with five driving modes.
Mercedes has not disclosed availability and prices.