A number of generations of the Mercedes SL had been out there with a V12 engine however the present R232 initially got here out solely with V8 energy. AMG did what appeared unthinkable not that a few years in the past and put a four-cylinder engine within the SL43 unveiled in April 2022. Quick ahead to Might 2023, the bottom model of the premium 2+2 convertible has been confirmed for america. Math begins at $109,900, plus $1,150 for vacation spot charges, and earlier than choices.
That makes it $27,500 cheaper than the SL55 and $68,200 lower than the SL63. It makes use of a variation of the M139 discovered within the AMG “45” compact vehicles the place the engine is mounted transversally in addition to within the new AMG C63 the place it is put in longitudinally. Clearly, with the Sport Leicht being a rear-wheel-drive automobile, the engine’s orientation is longitudinal. The SL43 employs Components 1-derived tech by being the primary manufacturing mannequin to function an electrical exhaust gasoline turbocharger.
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This four-cylinder, 2.0-liter engine is nice for 375 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque channeled to the rear axle. That F1-adapted tech contains a 1.6-inch electrical motor built-in onto the turbocharger shaft. Its position is to speed up the compressor wheel earlier than the exhaust gasoline circulation kicks in. Doing so boosts throttle response throughout your entire rpm bandwidth.
The intricate four-pot allows a 0 to 60 mph dash in an estimated 4.8 seconds previous to hitting an electronically ruled prime pace of 170 mph. Weight is not specified for the US-spec mannequin however we do know the European model ideas the scales at 1,810 kilograms (3,990 kilos).
Arriving at US dealerships this summer season, the 2023 SL43 is bought by AMG solely with rear-wheel drive and a nine-speed computerized transmission. 19-inch wheels are customary, however clients can go for bigger 20- and 21-inch alloys. The entry-level SL will get its personal entrance fascia and rear apron together with spherical exhaust tricks to set it aside from the V8-powered flavors.
With the SL getting a four-banger, it’s going to be fascinating to see whether or not the next-generation AMG GT Coupe coming later this yr may even spawn a “43” base mannequin. Each vehicles have been developed concomitantly by AMG, with the SL changing the GT Roadster.
