MERCEDES-BENZ

MB SL 43 2022: brand access version is now available

After a long wait, Mercedes-AMG has finally revealed its new SL 43 2022, the access version of its convertible par excellence, which returns to the soft top, in the 2 2 configuration and which, in addition, in this version, dispenses with the V8 engines from its in-line brothers, in favor of a 4-cylinder turbocharged, micro-hybrid block.

Of course, the engine hidden under the hood is the same M139 from the Mercedes-AMG family of compacts, that is, the 2.0-liter turbocharged block used by the A 45, although in this case equipped with an electric turbocharger, installed by first time in a production model.

The SL 43 offers an output of 381 hp at 6,750 rpm, as well as a maximum torque of 480 Nm between 3,250 and 5,000 rpm. A small starter/generator can provide another 14 hp on time, so technically the SL 43 is a micro hybrid or mild hybrid.

It should be noted that the transmission is the 9-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G automatic, which sends the power of the engine only to the rear axle.

In terms of performance, the SL 43 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and can reach a top speed of 275 km/h, figures that are more than respectable for an 'access' version that has half cylinders and half as many turbos as its SL 55 and SL 63 brothers, and which weighs 1,810 kilos in running order.

According to the manufacturer, this electric turbocharger technology is inherited directly from Formula 1, and uses the same 48V electrical system as the generator/starter. Basically, there's a small electric motor that spins the turbo's turbine until the exhaust gases take over.

The result is that the engine response is much more immediate, especially at low revs, with a “particularly spontaneous throughout the rev range” throttle response. Furthermore, thanks to this system, efficiency is also gained.

According to Mercedes-AMG, the fact of having less weight on the front axle facilitates a specific behavior for this 4-cylinder version, which gains in agility. It also equips lighter anti-roll bars, specific to the SL 43, and active engine and gearbox mounts, like those on the Mercedes-AMG GT.

Aesthetically, the SL 43 doesn't seem too far removed from the rest of the range, but there are slight changes, such as a new bumper, oval tailpipes (instead of the square ones of the V8) and 19-inch alloy wheels, which optionally can be 20 and 21 inches.

Among the equipment available on the model are the rear axle steering, the AMG Dynamic Plus package and a luxurious interior, with a new generation steering wheel, digital instrumentation, a large vertical multimedia screen, heated and ventilated seats, massage functions. and Air Scarf, browser with augmented reality, Head-Up Display and a Burmester 3D sound equipment, among other things.

Autonews