Racing cars for Germany to be built by VW in Kariega
South Africa is exporting one of its most successful racing formulas to Germany.
- Industry News
- 7 February 2025
The SL has always been known as an open top luxury sports model, perfectly engineered for a perfect driving experience. The new Mercedes-AMG SL combines its sporty DNA with the latest technology.
What’s new?
The SL 43 is the entry-level model in the SL series. It has the latest MBUX user interface, which is easy to operate and adapt to learning. A Formula One derived powertrain gives the SL 43 its racing pedigree. The new SL is the first production car to feature a multi-link front axle.
Exterior:
Known for its sleek look, the SL 43 has opted for an electric soft top instead of the previous metal rook. The new roof is 21 kg lighter and can fold up in just 15 seconds. The exterior design features on the SL include a long wheelbase, short overhangs, a longer bonnet resulting in the vehicle looking far more aggressive.
The SL 43 sits on 19-inch light alloy wheels as standard, but buyers can opt for the 20 or 21–inch in the eight-cylinder models of the SL range.
Interior:
“Hyperanalogue” is the word Mercedes-Benz uses to best describe the interior of the new SL, it is a combination of analogue geometry and the digital world. It has a fully digital instrument cluster integrated into a three-dimensional visor. The MBUZ infotainment system can be operated on the high resolution 12.3-inch LCD screen. The 11.9–inch Central Display touch screen can tilt to help avoid the light reflection from the sun.
The SL 43 is equipped with nappa leather as standard, optionally AMG sports seats, and AMG Performance seats are available.
Performance:
The changes to the new SL 43 are not only cosmetic. It houses an inline four cylinder petrol engine delivering 280 kW and a maximum output of 480 Nm of torque.
The SL 43 has an electric exhaust gas turbocharger, which is a first for Mercedes using this technology in a production vehicle. As standard, it uses the AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission with a wet start-off clutch and rear wheel drive. The SL 43 does 0 – 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 275 km/h.
Pricing:
It is currently available at local dealerships for R2 449 500.
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