SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL Class Folding Hard Top's Days Are Numbered
04-03-2014, 06:52 PM
#1
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SL Class Folding Hard Top's Days Are Numbered
Originally Posted by Jalopnik
The Mercedes SL is a pretty iconic car, but the folding hardtop that's been fitted to the two most recent generations of the roadster has also been a key selling point among other high-priced luxury convertibles. But recent news suggests the days of the SL's retractable hardtop are numbered.P
Autobild reports Mercedes is looking to cut lots of costs with the next-generation SL and SLK roadsters, as sales of these two-seaters have tanked since the recession. So not only are they trying to find more commonality in parts between these cars and other Mercedes models, but they're also concerned about weight and complexity. P
The casualty here is that the next SL will reportedly lose the folding hardtop and go back to an electrically operated fabric roof last seen on the R129 models produced from 1989 until 2002. P
While the folding hardtop roadster has become a Mercedes thing in the last 20 years or so, the packaging of such a big roof and the weight it adds in times of fuel consumption worries apparently makes it impractical even for a big, luxury cruiser like the SL. P
Weirdly, the SLK is advancing that trademark folding hardtop technology as well as trying to be a better rival for the Porsche Boxster.P
Of course, Autobild says a new SLK isn't due until 2020, and the next-gen SL not until 2021. So if you like the idea of a hardtop SL, you have some time to see if they rectify that huge nose of the current car before snagging one.P
Autobild reports Mercedes is looking to cut lots of costs with the next-generation SL and SLK roadsters, as sales of these two-seaters have tanked since the recession. So not only are they trying to find more commonality in parts between these cars and other Mercedes models, but they're also concerned about weight and complexity. P
The casualty here is that the next SL will reportedly lose the folding hardtop and go back to an electrically operated fabric roof last seen on the R129 models produced from 1989 until 2002. P
While the folding hardtop roadster has become a Mercedes thing in the last 20 years or so, the packaging of such a big roof and the weight it adds in times of fuel consumption worries apparently makes it impractical even for a big, luxury cruiser like the SL. P
Weirdly, the SLK is advancing that trademark folding hardtop technology as well as trying to be a better rival for the Porsche Boxster.P
Of course, Autobild says a new SLK isn't due until 2020, and the next-gen SL not until 2021. So if you like the idea of a hardtop SL, you have some time to see if they rectify that huge nose of the current car before snagging one.P
04-20-2014, 04:42 AM
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Well I have to disagree with such step because:
1-SL is a luxury expensive GT. Who cares about minor consumption difference at that level?
2-It stands alone against 6 series and R8 being hardtop.
3-My personal opinion: i love and ONLY love hardtops when it comes to convertibles. Better security, better all season car, and no need to drive around with a tent above your head.
4-Mercedes : PLSSSSSSSSSSS leave the SL's hardtop alone. You have already E-class conv soft top, and S Coupe as well as C Coupe are getting soft tops also so let your SL standalone in that.
1-SL is a luxury expensive GT. Who cares about minor consumption difference at that level?
2-It stands alone against 6 series and R8 being hardtop.
3-My personal opinion: i love and ONLY love hardtops when it comes to convertibles. Better security, better all season car, and no need to drive around with a tent above your head.
4-Mercedes : PLSSSSSSSSSSS leave the SL's hardtop alone. You have already E-class conv soft top, and S Coupe as well as C Coupe are getting soft tops also so let your SL standalone in that.
04-20-2014, 01:22 PM
#3
"So if you like the idea of a hardtop SL, you have some time to see if they rectify that huge nose of the current car before snagging one."
I have high hopes for change in the year 2016. That ugly bull nose of the SL isn't the only change I am looking for, but it tops the list.
I have high hopes for change in the year 2016. That ugly bull nose of the SL isn't the only change I am looking for, but it tops the list.
04-20-2014, 11:15 PM
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Sl65, SL600 RENNtech, Verde Ithaca LP640, 3 highly modified Panteras, Maserati Biturbo, 300D turtle
Each year goes by design style gets worse. Looking more and more like something my grandma would drive, especially now with hard top; however now with the aging baby boomers maybe grandmas is where the market is.
04-21-2014, 11:30 AM
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SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
Maybe all this ugliness and loss of the hardtop will actually help values.
Look..... I'm aloud to dream, aren't I?
Look..... I'm aloud to dream, aren't I?
04-21-2014, 11:55 AM
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04-21-2014, 07:58 PM
#7
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One way to look at it is this: fabric top means less weight, less weight means better fuel mileage and quicker trap times. Lotus said it best, simplify, then add lightness.
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04-21-2014, 08:33 PM
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The AutoBild article is just speculation but thinking of MB's soft top models, the only one in the last 20 plus years that I like is the SLS roadster.
It looks like a real roadster. Love that car.
That said, the R230 with a soft top wouldn't only be an inferior car, it would also look like crap. That car looks great with the top down and almost better with the top up. Same with the R231. That models front-end needs some re-work, but the roof is an essential part of making that car more solid than any convertible I have driven, including the 6 series and R8.
Plus living in cold MN, having a glass roof gives me a full 4 season car with an open air feel
It looks like a real roadster. Love that car.
That said, the R230 with a soft top wouldn't only be an inferior car, it would also look like crap. That car looks great with the top down and almost better with the top up. Same with the R231. That models front-end needs some re-work, but the roof is an essential part of making that car more solid than any convertible I have driven, including the 6 series and R8.
Plus living in cold MN, having a glass roof gives me a full 4 season car with an open air feel
