MB SL 600 Details

Press Release

SL-Class: new SL 600 with twelve cylinders, two turbochargers and 800 Newton meters (590 lbs.-ft) of torque

• 368 kW/500 hp (493hp US) model crowns the successful SL-Class Roadster range
• Superlative performance and exclusive luxury appointments

Mercedes-Benz is announcing the global debut of a bi-turbo V12-powered version of its award-winning new SL roadster at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The first deliveries of this compelling new V12 two-seater will be made by the dealerships and sales partners of the Mercedes-Benz brand in April 2003 as well as being destined for the U.S. market later this year as a 2004 model as it joins the V8-powered SL500 and SL55 AMG models. The SL600 features a jet-smooth 5.5-liter V12 that's fitted with two turbochargers - one for each cylinder bank of the 60-degree V12 powerplant. While the SL600 has virtually the same power as the supercharged SL55 AMG, each model has a markedly distinct character and, as a result, a different customer base. The new SL600 will be the latest in the highly successful SL line, which began in 1954 with the legendary "Gullwing" 300SL. Launched for the 2003 model year, the current Mercedes-Benz SL roadster line boasts breathtaking styling, capped by a retractable hardtop that combines the open-air fun of a convertible with the quiet comfort of a coupe. The SL roadster is also a technological tour de force, with ABC active suspension and ESP stability control, plus the world's first electronic brake system. Like all Mercedes-Benz cars, the SL600 uses ESP stability control to reduce skidding, especially in poor weather driving. However, because both the SL600 and SL55 AMG shatter the performance envelope, ESP is programmed specifically for each model, with the high power, handling grip, dynamics and braking performance all playing a crucial role its new programming. New V12 Engine Gives Silky Performance A look under the bonnet reveals a technological tour de force in the shape of the newly developed Mercedes twelve-cylinder engine. Equipped with two turbo-chargers, an air/water intercooler, three-valves per cylinder, twin-spark AC ignition and other high-tech innovations, the new unit is one of the most advanced car engines in the world. And one of the most powerful in its class, too: the bi-turbo configuration gives the V12 engine an output of 368 kW/500 hp (493hp US) at 5000 rpm and a maximum torque of 800 Newton metres (590 lbs.-ft), which is available from just 1800 rpm and remains on tap at a constant level all the way up to 3600 rpm. With figures like these, it is clear that the SL 600 has ample resources to cope with every driving situation. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.7 seconds and polishes off the 60 to 120 km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. The design goal for the new V12 was to develop the power characteristics of a much larger naturally aspirated engine. These figures are also an astounding 30 percent and 50 percent higher than those of the prior V12 engine. Sophisticated electronic fuel injection and ignition mapping go a long way to help this goal. The engine's computer control also has extremely fast resolution and can adjust itself in milliseconds in accordance with ambient temperature, barometric pressure, coolant temperature, oil temperature, gear selected, and of course, throttle position. The twin-turbocharging system also employs two intercoolers positioned downstream from the turbos. A smart valvetrain architecture with two intake and one exhaust valve per cylinder enables clean emissions, thanks to heat being concentrated at each exhaust port, which effectively reduces emissions even before the exhaust stream reaches the catalytic converters. The new V12 is a 60-degree design, and therefore has the best possible inherent balance to compensate for secondary forces. A bedplate design in the engine block uses gray cast iron inserts at the crankshaft bearings. This also allows the use of an oil pan completely decoupled from the crankcase, which, in turn, minimizes any slight combustion resonance or vibration. Combustion noise is also minimized because the dual ignition system keeps pressure gradients within the chambers at low levels. Of course, both turbochargers themselves naturally dampen intake and exhaust noise. The engine itself weighs 568 pounds, some 65 pounds more than the previous V12 due to the addition of turbochargers, intercoolers and a larger alternator. Even so, lightweight components include magnesium valve covers, aluminum upper and lower crankcase sections, Silitec cylinder liners and lightweight camshafts with indexed, pressure-fit steel lobes.