Mercedes-Benz · 2012–present

Mercedes-Benz R231

R231 is a chassis code for the sixth generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class roadster, replacing the R230. The car was released in March 2012 and uses Mercedes-Benz's new 4.7 litre twin turbo V8 engine with a power output of 435 PS (320 kW; 429 hp). AMG version of the roadster will follow. The new SL is 140 kg (309 lb) lighter than the previous, being made almost entirely out of aluminium. For the first time, the R231 SL-Class was not available with a non-AMG V12 engined SL 600 model.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

All Mercedes-Benz R231 data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

Design

The R231 is designed with an aluminium space-frame, 182 in (4,623 mm) in length by 83 in (2,108 mm) in width. (2 in (51 mm). wider/longer than previous generation). Engineers at Mercedes have also installed a new folding hardtop roof with a panoramic sunroof that will have as an option, variable tint. The design process began in 2007, with a final design by Frank Pfisterer and Mark Fetherston being chosen, delayed for over 2 years, and then approved for production in early 2010. Design patents were filed on 5 August 2009 using a CAD file and in German patents in April 2010 using a prototype. Changes from last generation include all-aluminium body, MAGIC VISION CONTROL windscreen wipe/wash system, FrontBass footwell bass loudspeakers, HANDS-FREE ACCESS boot lid opening system via foot movement around rear bumper.

Equipment

Active Body Control fully active suspension (optional) or standard semi-active suspension with adaptive damping system Torque Vectoring Brake MAGIC VISION CONTROL wiper blades MAGIC SKY CONTROL glass roof with selectable transparency Traffic Sign Assist with Speed Limit Assist and wrong-way driving warning function COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (as standard) ATTENTION ASSIST (as standard) ADAPTIVE BRAKE (as standard) DISTRONIC PLUS Brake Assist system BAS PLUS NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints PRE-SAFE, PRE-SAFE Brake, PRE-SAFE PLUS Active bonnet Active Lane Keeping Assist Full-LED headlamps with Intelligent Light System and Adaptive Highbeam Assist PLUS Night View Assist PLUS Active Parking Assist Active Blind Spot Assist Backup camera Electric parking brake with emergency braking function Direct-Steer Electromechanical steering with Steer Assist electromechanical steering power assistance

Models

=== SL Edition 1 (2012) === At the launch of the new SL, Mercedes offered a limited production 'Edition 1' version with an exclusive designo crystal silver magno body colour, panoramic vario-roof, AMG bodystyling, sports suspension, AMG 19-inch light-alloy wheels, designo Nappa leather with contrasting topstitching, AIRSCARF, heated seats, electric draft-stop, ambient lighting, Harman/Kardon Logic7 surround sound system, and trim in either black piano lacquer or deep white aluminium. The vehicle was unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, followed by the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The vehicle was available from Mercedes-Benz sales partners from 31 March 2012. Early models include the SL 350 BlueEFFICIENCY and SL 500. SL 63 AMG (2012–2019). The SL 63 AMG is powered by a 5.5-litre V8 'biturbo' (twin-turbocharged) engine rated at 537 PS (395 kW; 530 hp) at 5500 rpm and 800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft) at 2000–4500 rpm, paired with an AMG SpeedshiftT MCT 7-speed automatic transmission. It also features AMG sports suspension, five-twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish with 255/35 R 19 front and 285/30 R 19 rear tyres, front apron with large air dams, AMG-specific LED daytime running lamps and a lower cross strut in silver chrome, AMG radiator grille with a double louvre in silver chrome, optional Vario-roof, AMG sports seats in single-tone or two-tone Nappa leather with a unique V8 seat upholstery layout and AMG badges in the seat backrests, a multicontour function and seat heating; AMG carbon-fibre trim, AMG illuminated door sill panels, ambient lighting and an IWC-design analogue clock. The AMG Performance Package includes increased engine power to 564 PS (415 kW; 556 hp) at 5500 rpm and 900 N⋅m (664 lb⋅ft) at 2250–3750 rpm, raise

Engines and transmissions

The SL 500 is badged as SL 550 in U.S., Canada, and Japan. The SL 63 AMG was discontinued from 2019 onwards due to poor sales.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name: Mercedes-Benz SL (R231)
Manufacturer: Daimler AG
Production: March 2011–2020
Model years: 2012–2020
Assembly: Germany: Bremen
Designer: Frank Pfisterer; Mark Fetherston (2007)
Class: Grand tourer (S)
Body style: 2-door retractable hardtop
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Related: Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212)
Engine: Petrol:, 3.0 L M276 twin-turbo V6, 3.5 L M276 V6, 4.7 L M278 twin-turbo V8, 5.5 L M157 twin-turbo V8, 6.0 L M279 twin-turbo V12
Transmission: 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic, 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic
Wheelbase: 2585 mm
Length: 180.4 in, AMG: 180.8 in
Width: 1877 mm
Height: 1315 mm
Kerb weight: 1675 -
Predecessor: Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R230)
Successor: Mercedes-Benz SL (R232)