Mercedes-AMG SL 43 debuts with technology developed for Formula 1

After the introduction of the two V8-powered variants, Mercedes-AMG presented the SL, a “base” version of the legendary roadster.

Under the bonnet of the 2+2 convertible with a soft top hides a 2.0-litre in-line 4-cylinder petrol engine, the basis of unprecedented propulsion, since such a vehicle had never been integrated into a production vehicle. with Formula 1 technology.

The system implemented in the SL 43 derives directly from the technique used for years with excellent results by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team in the premier class of motorsport.

The new boost technology ensures a particularly spontaneous response over the entire speed range and thus provides a much more dynamic driving feeling while increasing efficiency.

The turbocharger is powered by the 48-volt on-board network, which also supplies the belt-driven starter-alternator (RSG).

As a result, the Mercedes-AMG SL 43 delivers 381 hp and a maximum torque of 480 Nm, which can be briefly increased in certain driving situations with the additional 14 hp from the RSG.

“The SL has set several technological milestones throughout its long history. Just as the legendary gull-winged 300 SL was the world’s first production passenger car to run on gasoline direct injection in 1954, the new Mercedes-AMG SL 43 is now the first production vehicle to feature gasoline direct injection. an electric turbocharger. . This technology gives the SL excellent performance, right from its basic version. Accordingly, the supposedly less powerful version of our SL combines typical AMG driving performance with an unrivaled level of luxury and comfort. With this innovative powertrain, we also want to meet the expectations of a wider group of customers,” says Philipp Schiemer, Chairman of the Management Board of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH.

Regarding the bridge of knowledge between F1 and production cars, Jochen Hermann, Technical Director of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH, says that “the electric turbocharger demonstrates in a fascinating way the vast transfer of technology between Formula 1 and the development of racing cars. series. For the implementation in combination with our powerful M139 4-cylinder engine, we were able to rely on the extensive experience of our colleagues from Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains. This technique ensures a more agile behavior and therefore increases driving pleasure, while improving the efficiency of the powertrain. We have set ourselves very ambitious goals for the future of electric driving. Thanks to innovative components such as the electric turbocharger, we will be able to achieve these goals.

On the box, unlike the Mercedes-AMG compact models, which have long incorporated the M139 4-cylinder engine without electric turbocharger and in a transverse position, the propeller of the SL 43 is mounted in a longitudinal position and in this version of the SL series, which is still equipped with rear-wheel drive, the engine is combined for the first time with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission.

The benefits are obviously exceptional. The SL 43 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 275 km/h.