The Mercedes-AMG SL has gained a new entry-level variant featuring a turbocharger technology that, the firm says, is directly derived from Formula 1.
- It gets a 375hp, 480Nm, 2.0-litre turbocharged engine
- sourced from the same technology as F1 cars
- that sits below the SL 55 and SL 63.
Mercedes-Benz SL 43: engine
The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder four-cylinder engine in the rear-wheel-drive SL 43 produces 375 horsepower and 480 Nm of torque. A 48V belt-driven starter generator provides an additional 12 horsepower to the model.
Mercedes-Benz claims that the SL 43 comes standard with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger, a world first for a series-production car.
It adds to the turbocharger shaft a 4cm-thick electric motor, which is the same technology Mercedes-AMG uses in its F1 cars. A turbocharger is driven directly by the motor, resulting in “significantly improved immediate response from idle speed and throughout the engine speed range,” claims the automaker.
Mercedes-Benz SL 43: improved dynamics
Mercedes-Benz claims it provides a more dynamic driving experience, optimizing acceleration and accelerator input. The system also maintains boost pressure when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator.
The technology allows the car to accelerate from 0-100kph in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of around 270kph. The SL 43 is also available with a nine-speed AMG Speedshift multi-clutch transmission.
According to Jochen Hermann, chief technical officer for Mercedes-Benz, the electric exhaust gas turbocharger is an excellent example of the extensive transfer of Formula 1 technology to production vehicles. “In implementing this in conjunction with our powerful M139 four-cylinder, we were able to draw on the experience of our colleagues at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains. The technology increases agility and driving fun, thereby, improving the efficiency of the drive system.”
Mercedes-Benz says the SL 43 features a slightly adapted exterior design, with rounded front and rear aprons. A set of 19-inch alloy wheels are fitted as standard, with the option to swap it to 20-inch or 21-inch instead.
Mercedes-Benz SL 43: interior
Among the standard features are the firm’s MBUX infotainment system, various driver assistance systems, electric, faux leather seats and black gloss interior trim with carbon highlights.
SL 43 prices have not yet been announced, but the model sits below the V8-powered SL 55 4Matic+, which is capable of 469 horsepower, and the 577-horsepower SL 63 4Matic+.