Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG

[Matt]

The most powerful Mercedes-Benz is ready for launch: World premiere of the new SL 55 AMG at the IAA 2001

Stuttgart, Aug 06, 2001
The new SL-Class celebrated its world premiere a few days ago in Hamburg with the unveiling of the SL 500. Now Mercedes-Benz is set to expand the model range with a breathtaking sports car from Mercedes-AMG. The Stuttgart-based car brand will present the high-performance SL 55 AMG Roadster for the first time at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, taking place from 13 to 23 September 2001. From the autumn of next year Mercedes-Benz will also offer the SL with a six-cylinder engine.
In addition to impressive state-of-the-art technology, comprehensive safety features and unparalleled exclusivity, the value for money of the new SL-Class puts it in a league of its own. Indeed, the new SL 500 is over three percent better value than the previous model, thanks to the considerably higher quality of the standard equipment fitted.

Mercedes-Benz has set the price of the SL-Class entry model - the V6 Roadster to be launched in 2002 - at approximately 75,000 Euro (ex factory). The SL 500, which will be presented at the car maker's sales and service outlets and sales companies on 13 October 2001, will cost 94,308 Euro ex factory and the high-performance SL 55 AMG Roadster will be available at 124,236 Euro (ex factory).

700 Newtonmetres torque and 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds

The supercharged V8 engine in the SL 55 AMG makes it the most powerful Mercedes passenger car on the market. The new 5.5-litre powerplant develops a remarkable 350 kW/476 hp and generates maximum torque of 700 Newtonmetres as low as 2650 rpm. This level of torque is available up to 4500 rpm. The end result is awesome performance on tap at low revs and unsurpassed elasticity under acceleration in any gear. The SL 55 AMG covers the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

These imposing engine data power the new SL 55 AMG to the top of the eight-cylinder roadster segment worldwide in terms of performance and torque.

Dynamic styling, an exclusive interior and automatic transmission with gear-shift at the steering wheel

From the outside, the AMG Roadster can be distinguished from the SL 500 by several features, including even more dynamic styling, striking side skirts, darkened taillights, sporty 18-inch multi-spoke wheels and four chromed tailpipes. Inside the car, the sporty integral seats in special perforated leather, coloured-leather decorative stitch-ing, trim elements in high-quality aluminium/sand casting and cockpit instruments with light-coloured dials, silver-coloured symbol discs and red needles emphasise the unique character of this high-performance roadster. The high-speed driving experience is further enhanced by five-speed automatic transmission with racing-style gearshift using buttons on the steering wheel.

SBC electrohydraulic brakes and active suspension come as standard

Another improvement on the previous SL generation can be seen in the unique hightech equipment fitted as standard on the new SL 500 and SL 55 AMG. This includes leading-edge driving dynamics systems - such as Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) and Active Body Control (ABC) suspension - the innovative vario-roof, new head-thorax-sidebags and xenon headlamps. Optimum comfort is provided by the automatic climate control system with its sun and pollutant sensor, memory function for the seats, steering wheel and exterior mirrors, and the Headlamp Assist light sensor. An antitheft alarm, adaptive accelerator pedal and infrared remote control for the vario-roof are other special features included as standard in the new Mercedes Roadster.

[Matt]

The new SL 55 AMG: most powerful of all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars

Seville, Dec 10, 2001
DaimlerChrysler will be exhibiting the new SL 55 AMG, currently the most powerful of all Mercedes passenger cars. Beneath the bonnet of the exclusive top-of-the-range Roadster lies a newly developed supercharged engine with eight cylinders, developing 350 kW/476 hp. The powerplant provides its maximum torque of 700 Newton metres from just 2650 rpm – a new record for V8 sports cars. The SL 55 AMG accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds.
The impressive power development in the eight-cylinder engine is largely down to a newly developed belt-driven supercharger that generates about 30 percent more charge pressure than other comparable belt-driven supercharging systems. Rotating at over 25,000 rpm, the compressor's aluminium rotors press some 1600 kilograms of air per hour into the combustion chambers. The screw-type compressor is connected to the crankshaft by means of an electromagnetic clutch and a separate poly-V-belt, thus enabling it to spontaneously react when the driver presses the accelerator and provide powerful thrust at engine speeds barely above idling speed.

Further special technical features in the V8 supercharged engine include the fuel system which, for the first time in a Mercedes-Benz, is controlled by a computer. This ensures that the right amount of fuel is delivered every time, depending on the engine speed and load. A sophisticated exhaust system with ceramic firewall catalytic converters and two powerful metal catalytic converters on the underbody reduces the high-performance sports car's emissions to a level which meets the EU-4 requirements due to come into force in 2005.

High-tech systems for enhanced safety and a dynamic driving experience

Like the SL 500, the new SL 55 AMG has a unique package of cutting-edge dynamic handling control systems, unrivalled by any other series-produced car in the world. It consists of the new electrohydraulic brake system, Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC), the Active Body Control system (ABC) and Electronic Stability Control, ESP®. The optimum interaction of these systems ensures that the SL 55 AMG offers a very high degree of driving safety and dynamic handling.

Among the most important performance features of the new Sensotronic Brake Control system are the extremely high dynamism when building up brake pressure and the precise monitoring of driver and vehicle behaviour using sophisticated sensors. In emergency situations, SBC instantly increases the pressure in the brake lines and applies the pads to the brake discs, so that they can grip instantly with full force when the brake pedal is pressed. Furthermore, thanks to variable brake force distribution, SBC offers enhanced safety when braking through corners too.

The Mercedes-AMG engineers have adapted the axles, wheels, tyres and the entire powertrain of the SL 55 AMG to the high engine output. Internally ventilated and perforated brake discs on both axles ensure safe braking. The front pad face measures 220 square centimetres, making it almost twice as large as it is in the SL 500.

Gear changes at the push of a button on the steering wheel

Furthermore, the high-performance sports car also comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission which sporty drivers may choose to operate using the Formula-1-style gearshift with two selector switches located behind the top two steering wheel spokes. To enable the system, the driver must first the activate "manual" mode.

Further high-tech innovations which come as standard with the new SL 55 AMG include the vario-roof, which transforms the Roadster into a watertight Coupé in 16 seconds, the state-of-the-art lightweight body with its aluminium add-on parts and exemplary aerodynamics, the sensor-controlled automatic climate control system and adaptive drive dynamics which automatically adapt to the driver's personal driving style.

A new type of head/thorax bag in the doors, two-stage airbags for driver and passenger, newly developed integral seats and the automatic, sensor-controlled roll-over bars make up the standard comprehensive occupant protection package on board the high-performance Roadster.

Bumpers, side skirts and wheels with sporty AMG bodystyling

Visually, features which distinguish the SL 55 AMG from the SL 500 include bumpers with dynamic AMG bodystyling, distinctive side skirts, 18-inch multi-spoke wheels and four chromed tailpipes. Inside the power Roadster, high-quality aluminium trim with a sand-cast effect, AMG sports seats for perfect lateral support and cockpit instruments with silver-coloured symbol dials and red needles underline the exceptional character of this top-of-the-range sports car.

The integral seats are trimmed in leather featuring an exclusive AMG perforation pattern and design. The powerful contours of the backrest side cushions distinguish them from their counterparts in the SL 500 and mean the seats can offer even better lateral support when cornering at speed.

[6'bore]

I thought this was a pretty good pic

[Matt]

Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG #3

[Matt]

Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG #4

[Matt]

Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG #5

[Matt]

Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG #6

[Matt]

Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG #7

[Matt]

Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG #8

[Matt]

Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG #9

[Matt]

Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG #10

[Matt]

Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG #11

[Matt]

Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG #12

[Matt]

Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG #13

[Vindesh17]

where do u get these pics?