Mercedes-AMG is busy developing the new SL generation, and Affalterbach takes its tests seriously: the SL has been through simulated trials, dyno tests and Immendingen Proving Grounds runs. Today, it was spotted being driven on a public road for the first time.
Throughout its long history, the SL has moved pretty far from what it had once been, and Mercedes-AMG promises us it won’t be like that for much longer. The next generation is being designed with the 1952 Mercedes 300 SL racer as the main source of inspiration. The car provided the foundation for the entire SL-Class when it debuted nearly seven decades ago.
Technical details aren’t quite there yet, but chances are good that the sports car will be based on the current AMG GT. It may even inherit its engine range, including the 730hp / 544kW V8 of the Black Series. An entry-level spec may go on sale with a turbocharged inline-six and an electric motor under the hood combined into a mild hybrid system.
The newcomer will also likely trade its outdated metallic hardtop for a modern soft top and feature a 2+2 seating formula. The latter point should make it attractive to those who wanted to buy a next-gen S-Class convertible only to learn that the next S-Class is going to be confined to the sedan/saloon body style.
The new Mercedes-Benz SL should premiere next year.