SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: First pick of new R231 SL63 w/ Performance Package
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From: Studio City, CA
1985 500SL AMG, 1989 BMW 325is, 1997 C36, 1998 C43, 2001 BMW X5 4.4i, 2002 E55, 2005 C55
First pick of new R231 SL63 w/ Performance Package
Ok guys, here are the first picks of the new SL63 with the AMG performance package fresh from Geneva...
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-...photo-4872811/
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-...photo-4872811/
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From: San Diego
C63, C300, 911TT x 3, 911 C2 x 2, 911SC, SL65, SL500, 280SL Plus some trucks
I'm not too sure about it. I like the low more wedge front end on the current style. I suppose I'll get used to it though. But it seems a little busy and boy racer for the target audience.
Jim
Jim
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Sweden
2008 MB CL600. 2020 MB E300 de. 1987 BMW M535i.
Exact my opinion too.
Looks pimped out (in a bad way), in a busy & very unexpected unmercedes kinda way...
But since I'm a slow starter who knows, in 2 years I may find it nicer...
Or not.
Like I still can't get over the "dog taking a crap"-look of the CLS...
Only time can tell.
But for now, that new SL-look sure is a no-no in my book.
Looks pimped out (in a bad way), in a busy & very unexpected unmercedes kinda way...
But since I'm a slow starter who knows, in 2 years I may find it nicer...
Or not.
Like I still can't get over the "dog taking a crap"-look of the CLS...
Only time can tell.
But for now, that new SL-look sure is a no-no in my book.
Last edited by maxabo; Mar 7, 2012 at 01:06 AM.
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From: Phoenix AZ
2025 BMW I4, 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, 2008 ML550
It seems all the newer cars are getting more "boy racer". A lot of these cars now have Eurbani style front bumpers that "have a lot going on."
I wouldn't be surprised at all if the R231 used the same chassis as the R230. I mean, even the top closes the exact same way.
I think the R231 looks pretty damn similar to the R230 facelift and that only us enthusiasts will be able to tell the difference.
Would I rock one? Hell yeah. If I had the money, I'd probably throw down for an AMG version with the twin turbo V8 and get software.
However, I think my dream SL would be a 2007 or 2008 SL55 with a "facelift" conversion and extreme engine work. If I had an unlimited budget, I'd chose that supercharged V8 engine to play with as it was by far the most fun and best sounding of any car/engine I have ever owned.
When the warranty is up on my SL600, I will be buying a 2007 or 2008 SL55...or perhaps a 2009 SL600 if they are cheap enough by then.
I wouldn't be surprised at all if the R231 used the same chassis as the R230. I mean, even the top closes the exact same way.
I think the R231 looks pretty damn similar to the R230 facelift and that only us enthusiasts will be able to tell the difference.
Would I rock one? Hell yeah. If I had the money, I'd probably throw down for an AMG version with the twin turbo V8 and get software.
However, I think my dream SL would be a 2007 or 2008 SL55 with a "facelift" conversion and extreme engine work. If I had an unlimited budget, I'd chose that supercharged V8 engine to play with as it was by far the most fun and best sounding of any car/engine I have ever owned.
When the warranty is up on my SL600, I will be buying a 2007 or 2008 SL55...or perhaps a 2009 SL600 if they are cheap enough by then.
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sl500
hmmm...
i kind of like it.. except the shape and structure of both rear and front lights! the back is overall too soft looking and the "melting" design rear lights add quite a lot to it.. front is agressive and again, lights are somehow not shaped well, front bumper is not polished enough , too many rigid air-grasping shapes..
body, on the other hand looks awsome, the curvature, the shapes are solid and appealing..
just HO of an architect..
i kind of like it.. except the shape and structure of both rear and front lights! the back is overall too soft looking and the "melting" design rear lights add quite a lot to it.. front is agressive and again, lights are somehow not shaped well, front bumper is not polished enough , too many rigid air-grasping shapes..
body, on the other hand looks awsome, the curvature, the shapes are solid and appealing..
just HO of an architect..
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2001 Lamborghini Diablo, 2009 SL65 (sold), 1998 CL600 (sold), 1989 560SEL (sold)
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From: Asheville, Atlanta
SL 65 AMG, Porsche 911 (993), 2014 Cayenne GTS, 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited
New market....
I guess they want to hook younger buyers with disposable income and lead them the next Mercedes level - SLS level, speculative SLC level, etc....or a S or CLS for the developing family man instead of them going eventually from BMW 5/6 series to M series, 7 series, etc...or Audi or Porsche progressions.....
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From: Sydney, Australia
Vath ML63 Brabus C63 SL63 CLK63BS C63BS
I do not like it. I bet it drives like a dream but the upright front and strange lights don't do it for me at all. I will stick with my current 09 supercharged SL 63 thanks
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From: N Cal/Maui
'08 CLK Black, '08 SL65, '17 SL65, '07 SL55, '20 E63S Wagon, '22 E450 All Terrain
I was skeptical at first, but I liked it better when I saw a '550 in person at CES. My main concern is that it's bigger - didn't need to be bigger. I like the R230 front better - but it may grow on me. But the newer tech and 250 lbs lighter is nice. I am seriously considering ordering an SL65 now that it's been announced that there will be one.
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
Ferrari 488
i saw the 550 at the detroit show, its a better car in person, still looks kind of awkward though from the front. i love the back, the interior is awesome! and the seats are way more comfortable than my dads 07 SL55 w/ 030 package. From certain aspects the 63 looks aggressive and badass. i told my dad the biggest reason to buy this car would be for the engine.
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From: San Diego
C63, C300, 911TT x 3, 911 C2 x 2, 911SC, SL65, SL500, 280SL Plus some trucks
I still stand by my comments in post #2.
I find it interesting that the most enthusiastic comments are coming from sons encouraging their dads to get the car. That's what I meant by target audience.
When you get to a stage of success where dropping a couple of hundred grand on a CAR is not a problem, you are more than likely past the boy racer stage or you already have a 911 Turbo stashed in the garage.
I know I didn't buy my SL65 to stage next to Camaros and Mustangs. I have a C63 and I don't mind that it looks boy racer. But I bought the SL for refined, comfortable pleasure driving. I think a lot of other qualified buyers would be in my position. I have the C63 muscle car and a trio of Porsche 911 Turbos. I wouldn't be looking to MB to buy yet another one.
Jim
I find it interesting that the most enthusiastic comments are coming from sons encouraging their dads to get the car. That's what I meant by target audience.
When you get to a stage of success where dropping a couple of hundred grand on a CAR is not a problem, you are more than likely past the boy racer stage or you already have a 911 Turbo stashed in the garage.
I know I didn't buy my SL65 to stage next to Camaros and Mustangs. I have a C63 and I don't mind that it looks boy racer. But I bought the SL for refined, comfortable pleasure driving. I think a lot of other qualified buyers would be in my position. I have the C63 muscle car and a trio of Porsche 911 Turbos. I wouldn't be looking to MB to buy yet another one.
Jim
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
Ferrari 488
i mean he likes the power of the new engine, we drove a 2012 E63 that didnt have the pp and it didnt feel as powerful as it should. but the more and more he sees the car he likes it. I didnt care for the new cls then i saw it again and again, then eventually in person and i love it now. but i do agree with you that this car appeals to a younger crowd, maybe its the black rims or the brake calipers idk. but i do like it, not sure of the front yet compared to the 2007
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Studio City, CA
1985 500SL AMG, 1989 BMW 325is, 1997 C36, 1998 C43, 2001 BMW X5 4.4i, 2002 E55, 2005 C55
I've always been in a fan of the carbon fiber rear spoilers on the PP cars but the one of the r231 just looks, idk, disgusting.
