Mercedes-AMG has introduced the new SL43, an entry-level four-cylinder roadster. The Mercedes-AMG SL43 follows the introduction of the two V8 models that the brand introduced in the recent past. But the German brand boasts that the SL43 is no less than its bigger brothers, the SL55 and SL 63. The brand, for the first time in a production vehicle, offers an electric exhaust gas turbocharger derived directly from Formula 1. The Mercedes-AMG SL43 comes with an open-top 2+2-seater configuration with a fabric drop-top and numerous options that enhance comfort and safety.
Mercedes-AMG SL43 – Formula 1 Derived Turbocharging Technology
The motor also uses technology developed by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team and used for many years in the premier class of motorsport. The brand offers an engine with electric exhaust turbocharging. Furthermore, this technology guarantees spontaneous throttle response across the entire rev range. The system uses a 48-volt electrical system for the turbocharger and also feeds the belt-driven starter-generator (RSG). The new electric exhaust-gas turbocharger solves the trade-off between a small, fast-responding supercharger with low peak power and a delayed, large supercharger with high peak power.
Mercedes-AMG SL43 – Engine Specifications
Powering the Mercedes-AMG SL43 is a 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder engine with direct petrol injection and intake manifold injection technology. Thanks to the Formula 1 derived turbocharging technology, the engine produces 381 Hp of power and 420 Nm of torque, and also an additional 14 Hp of power from the RSG under certain driving conditions. The engine is matched to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G automatic transmission with a wet multi-disc start-off clutch and rear-wheel drive. Thanks to this, the Mercedes-AMG SL43 is capable of sprinting from 0-100 kmph in just 4.9 seconds and can achieve an electronically limited top speed of 275 kmph.
Mercedes-AMG SL43 – Platform
The SL43 features an entirely new vehicle architecture developed by Mercedes‑AMG. The new R232 series allows a 2+2 seating configuration for the first time since the 1989 Mercedes SL model series R129. Thanks to the new architecture, the daily practicality of the SL43 is increased while retaining the sportiness of the car.
In addition to this, the Mercedes-AMG SL43 is constructed using lightweight aluminium composite. The chassis also consists of an aluminium space frame with a self-supporting structure. This configuration guarantees maximum rigidity, which translates to precise driving dynamics, high comfort, and sporty body proportions.
Mercedes-AMG SL43 – Design
The Mercedes-AMG SL43 features a classic SL body design. This includes a long wheelbase and short overhangs. The car also features a long bonnet with the passenger compartment set further back. Also adding to the sporty design is the steeply raked windscreen and an emphatic rear end. The car also features differentiated front and rear aprons, as well as round tailpipes instead of angular exhaust ends found in the eight-cylinder models. Mercedes-AMG offers the SL43 with 19-inch light-alloy wheels as standard. However, customers can order aerodynamically optimised light-alloy wheels with a 20-/21-inch diameter as an option.
Mercedes-AMG SL43 – Active Aerodynamics
The Mercedes-AMG SL43 comes with features such as active aerodynamics thanks to AIRPANEL active air control system. AIRPANEL allows the upper air intakes to be electronically-controlled, balancing thermodynamics with aerodynamics. The car also comes with a retractable rear spoiler seamlessly integrated into the vehicle profile. A special control software takes into account numerous parameters, which include driving speed, longitudinal & lateral acceleration and steering speed. In addition to this, the brand also offers an options aerodynamics package which includes larger flics on the front and rear bumpers and a larger rear diffuser.
Mercedes-AMG SL43 – Top Features
The SL43 roadster comes with features such as a fabric drop-top and luxury seats as standard. The brand also offers a combination of analogue geometry and the digital world – known as “Hyperanalogue” on the interiors of the SL43. This includes a fully digital instrument cluster, which is integrated into a three-dimensional visor. The car also comes with a standard MBUX infotainment system with numerous connectivity features. The SL43 also gets AMG-specific content in five display styles. The brand also offers advanced features such as active rear-axle steering (HAL) as an option. The car also comes with AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension system and composite brake discs.
Also Read: Mercedes-AMG SL 55 4MATIC+ & SL 63 4MATIC+ go on sale
Mercedes-AMG SL 43 Roadster Exterior: Hyper blue metallic; Interior: leather Nappa style crystal white.