MB SL 600 Details

Press Release

ABC Active Suspension Gives Cat-Like Agility The SL chassis uses a fully independent, double A-arm front suspension and Mercedes-Benz’ patented five-link rear suspension. Most importantly, ABC active suspension is Mercedes’ revolutionary system that virtually eliminates body roll in cornering, squat under acceleration and dive during braking. Each of the three SL models use software programming specific to the model, loosely akin to increasing the spring rates, shock damping and anti-roll bar stiffness of a conventional suspension. Mercedes-Benz engineers use ABC’s interplay of hydraulic, electronic and mechanical parts to reduce body roll by 68 percent (compared to the same vehicle with a conventional suspension), providing the driver with needed feedback through the vehicle chassis. A Sport switch on the center console can alter this, further limiting roll to 95 percent reduced along with tighter shock damping, if the driver prefers sportier handling. The active suspension system uses four hydraulic servos (or pistons), one on top of each steel coil spring, applying additional forces in response to split-second signals from the ABC computers. Put simply, active suspension solves the traditional old tradeoff between ride comfort and handling precision: the SL roadsters exhibit excellent comfort while offering league-leading handling. The World’s First Electronic Brake System Mercedes-Benz, the company that invented ABS anti-lock brakes, traction control and ESP stability control, also launched the world’s first electronic brake system last year on the new SL500, and e-brakes is now also standard equipment on all three SL models. This system provides faster, more sure-footed brake response, especially in emergencies. The brake pedal works with a computer that tells four fast-acting valves exactly how hard to apply the brakes on each wheel. A backup hydraulic master cylinder comes into play only if there’s a serious problem or electrical failure. With split-second accuracy, the system can change brake pressure on each wheel over uneven surfaces and can even increase brake pressure on just the outside wheels when braking in turns, taking advantage of the higher loading during cornering. Even ABS anti-lock and ESP stability control work more efficiently since they are more deeply integrated with the brakes, instead of functioning as parallel systems. If the driver switches his foot quickly from accelerator to brake pedal, the electronic brake system recognizes the early signs of an emergency situation and reacts automatically. With the help of the high-pressure reservoir, the system raises the pressure in the brake connectors and instantaneously moves the pads onto the brake discs, which can then spring into action with full force as soon as the brake pedal is pressed. At highway speeds, this pre-loading of the braking system reduces stopping distance by about three percent. In addition, the system automatically senses when the road is wet and imperceptibly applies the brakes just enough to keep the discs dry, so that brake operation remains fast and consistent in the rain. From Coupe to Roadster in 16 Seconds At the push of a button, the new SL’s retractable hardtop can be fully opened or closed in just 16 seconds. As the power roof retracts, the rear window glass “spoons� the stowed roof panel, providing a surprisingly large cargo area of 8.3 cubic feet. With the top up, the trunk holds 11.2 cubic feet. A hydraulic pump and 11 computer-controlled hydraulic cylinders power the system, and top operation is controlled by a distinctive switch on the center console. Standard equipment includes COMAND, CD changer and sound system The theme of refinement and enjoyment is also picked up by the exceptionally high level of standard equipment in the new SL 600. Based on the features found in the already luxurious SL 500, it includes interior appointments such as ruffled leather, embossed V12 emblems on the head restraints, soft-texture floor mats with chrome-coloured lettering as well as an elegant wood/leather steering wheel and a wood/leather selector lever. The COMAND system, a CD changer and a sound system are also standard equipment in the new twelve-cylinder sports car from Mercedes-Benz. The external cues which identify the SL 600 comprise a radiator grille with discreet chrome elements, metal-effect brake callipers, V12 emblems on the side air intakes and bi-xenon headlamps. The light-alloy wheels which are fitted as standard are distinguished by their exclusive design. At the front, the sports car is equipped with 255/40 R 18 tyres, while the rear wheels have 285/35 R 18 tyres. Parking and manoeuvring is made more convenient by the PARKTRONIC system which also forms part of the standard equipment. Superb high-tech systems, such as Active Body Control (ABC), Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC™) (a new type of electrohydraulic brake system), the automatic climate control system which is equipped with advanced sensors, and the innovative vario-roof add the perfect finishing touches to the driving experience and also reflect the special position which the SL 600 occupies among the sports cars in its class.