Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R230)

The Mercedes-Benz R230 automobile was introduced in 2001. It was sold as the SL-Class convertible, replacing the R129.

AMG SL65 (R230)

Models

Model	Years	Engine	Power	Torque
SL350	2003–2005	3.7 L M112 V6	245PS 180kW	350 N·m
SL350	2006–	3.5 L M112 V6	280PS 200kW	350 N·m
SL500 SL550	2002–2006	5.0 L M113 V8	306PS 225kW	460 N·m 339 ft·lbf
	2007–	5.5 L M113 V8	388PS 285kW	530 N·m 391 ft·lbf
SL600	2003–2006	5.5 L M275 V12	500PS 368kW	800 N·m 590 ft·lbf
	2007–		517PS 380kW	830 N·m 612 ft·lbf
SL55 AMG	2002–2003	5.4 L M113 V8	476PS 350kW	700 N·m
	2003–2006		500PS 368kW	700 N·m
	2007–		517PS 380kW	720 N·m 531 ft·lbf
SL65 AMG	2004–	6.0 L M275 V12	612PS 450kW	1000 Nm 738 ft·lbf

SL500

The SL500 was the top-selling version of the SL-Class early in the R230 series. It used a 5.0 L V8 engine, which produced 306 hp and 339 ft·lbf.

A 5.5 L 32-valve V8 engine replaced the 5.0 L found in the SL500 for 2007. The engine is essentially the old SL55 engine without the addition of supercharger. This model will retain the SL500 name in most markets, but will be sold as the SL550 in North America. It now produces 382 hp and 391 ft·lbf. It now accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds and has a limited top speed of 155 mph.

In 2007, Mercedes will create 75 limited-edition 50th Anniversary SL550s. [1] According to another article, Mercedes created 550 of these cars, all pewter in color with burgundy leather, black ash wood trim, 18-inch double five-spoked wheels, and matching 50th Anniversary Edition luggage.

SL600

The SL600 is the highest-output version of the non-AMG SL-Class models. It uses a V12 engine which produced 493 hp and 590 ft·lbf from 2003 through 2006 and was uprated to 510 hp and 612 ft·lbf for 2007. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds, according to Mercedes-Benz. However Car and Driver achieved extremely impressive acceleration test figures with 60 mph achieved in just 3.6 seconds, 100 mph in 8.6 seconds and a Quarter Mile run in 11.9 seconds at 120 mph.

SL55 AMG

The SL55 AMG version was released in 2002 with a supercharged 5.4 Liter, 5439 cc Mercedes-AMG V8 engine. This produced 493 hp at 6,100 rpm and can propel the car to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, according to Mercedes-Benz. Car and Driver got 60 and 100 mph in 4.5 seconds and 10.9 seconds, respectively. The car completed the Quarter Mile in 13 seconds flat at 110 mph.

The SL55 AMG was updated for 2007 with a 510 hp, 531 ft·lbf version of the same engine. With increased power and torque, the car can now, according to the official website, accelerate to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, 0.3 seconds quicker than before. The new model has only slight visual differentiators, the most noticeable is the three-slat grille rather than the four-slat version used previously. The top speed is limited to 155 mph, but can be extended to 186 mph for an additional cost.[2] The 6.3 liter V8 is expected to replace the current engine for the 2009 model year.

SL65 AMG

The SL65 AMG version offers 604 hp from its twin-turbocharged 6.0 liter, 5,980 cc V12 engine at 5500 rpm. It retailed for $179,720 as of 2005. Mercedes-Benz listed a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds on their official website, though several road tests show that it actually takes under 4 seconds to reach 60 mph. Car and Driver achieved 60 mph from a standstill in 3.8 seconds, 100 mph in 8.2 seconds and recorded a Quarter Mile-time of 11.9 seconds at 123 mph.

References

• "More Muscle: The big changes come under the hood for the new SL55 AMG". AutoWeek. Retrieved February 27. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
• "A Visceral Difference: SL upgrade focuses on performance". AutoWeek. Retrieved February 27. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)

External links

• SL 500 Gallery - FamilyCar.com

• Mercedes-Benz SL class R230 R230.com - All about Mercedes SL R230