According to MB Passion, Mercedes-Benz will be introducing a new SL spec later this month that will trade its usual V8 for a two-liter, inline-four turbo. Pre-orders should become available in a few weeks’ time.
The new SL 43 will allegedly utilize the same M254 block as the new C-Class, but tweaked to deliver 390 PS (385 hp / 287 kW). Among other things, it will feature an electric motor that the company co-designed with Garrett to use in the turbocharger drive system. A 48-volt starter will add 20 PS (20 hp / 15 kW) of its own when most needed.
The new spec will probably look the same as its big brothers except for the tailpipes: MB Passion believes there will be two round pipes instead of four diamond-shaped ones.
Later on, the same engine may make it under the hood of other models as well, such as the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe or the Mercedes-AMG С 43.
The new Mercedes-AMG SL debuted last October, changing the body formula from roadster to convertible and gaining AWD in the process. The SL 55 spec runs on a four-liter V8 rated at 476 PS (469 hp / 350 kW), while the SL 63 flagship gets 585 PS (577 hp / 430 kW).