Looks like MB will be challenged to deliver any V8 models in 2022. Along with the chip shortage, this may continue the elevation of used car values. So if you have an SL550, drive on, and enjoy the motoring!

https://www.motor1.com/news/526643/m...ling-v8s-2022/

 

We have been watching this madness as it unfolds. Fortunate to have gotten my E63s sedan delivered in April with all the ordered options including the active multi contoured seats. My wife's SL550 is a 2014 in great shape and we plan on keeping both for as long as they will start and run.

 

No, you will keep them until the government says they are no longer legal!

 

Quite possible one day.

 

If they make them illegal they lose taxes and fees. Something that Government is unfamiliar with and aggressively opposed to. I think they'd rather let you keep it and raise gas taxes high enough to make you think about driving it. If it's possible to make them illegal and still generate revenue and tax, then I'd agree with you.

 

I had some work performed on my SL today and noticed a new 580S in the lot with a window sticker noting a $1700 credit for deletion of active contour seats. Could this be related to a supply chain issue?

 

Yes. Missing chips

 

Relax. We'll get to keep them a very long time.

BTW, had your shot yet?

 

It is possible, probably likely, that cars will be taxed on mileage driven so that the government can collect Highway Trust Fund $$$ from electric vehicles, not just via the federal and state gas taxes.

 

 

Here in NC they already hit us with an additional tax at time of purchase and yearly registration renewal based on the appraised vehicle value. They call it a highway use tax, even though our roads suck and never seem to be repaved. My E63s cost me 4900.00 to register when I bought. The lion's share of that fee was the highway use tax. They just can't seem to find a way to charge enough to make them happy. That will never change until it gets worse.

 

This is interesting:
Motor1 : Mercedes Canceling V8s Due To Quality Issues, Not Supply: Report.
https://www.motor1.com/news/534991/m...uality-issues/

 

I cannot imagine needing something more powerful than our SL450 engine anyway. It has more power than we will ever need or could ever use in the US with our speed limits. I respect someone deciding for a V8, that's their business.. We just liked the overall car performance and handling better with the 450 facelift model.

Does this mean the new SL will only be available with the 4 cylinder?

 

I've read a 4 cyl and a V8 but now not sure we'll see a V8.

 

I've seen a video of a test mule being driven around and it certainly had a V8. Sounded like the 4.0. A bit quiet, but still a nice sound.

 

If you go to the 232 forum on the new just posted thread about ride alongs, the Road Show article talks about the in-line six being offered. And they don't sound like it was a "guess" they were making. They were with the folks that should know....if I read it right.

 

All the prototype articles were wrong, they were just theorizing based on MB's current model lineup, they weren't given any official information other than the 63 would be a V8. As per the SL Product Training that is going on today, the R232 SL has been confirmed to be V8 only at launch with the AMG SL55 and SL63 both using the M177 V8 (no EQ-Boost) at different stages of tunes (~470HP for the 55, ~577HP for the 63). There is the possibility of a smaller displacement engine coming later, however no confirmation as of yet.

 

I love the V8. I remember the old phrase 'no replacement for displacement'

 

I love the 4.7 Liter V8 in my SL550 but the inline 6-cylinder M256 engine with the EQ boost and mini-supercharger in my CLS53 is a great setup. I like enough to have a GLE53 on order. With a combined 450hp and 560 lb-ft of torque with the flywheel motor, a launch from a standing start and a 0-60 time in the new SL would be excellent. Plus even in my 4-door CLS traveling at 75-80mph, I can get over 30mpg and still have a 4.4 second 0-60 time. Sure, it doesn't sound like a monster V8, but there is always the open exhaust option.

Here's link for a detailed description of the M256 engine:

https://www.autoweek.com/news/techno...n-well-see-it/

 

The new SL's are pretty quick from what has been posted... The SL63 is 3.1sec to 60 and the SL55 3.6sec

Still, the SL55 is a real oddball. I wonder if that will be a US-only model.

 

I find both trim levels to be a bit odd. Firstly, from what I've seen, the SL55 AMG line and SL63 look nearly identical from the outside, save for the rear valence. Secondly, the SL63 only comes with the bucket seats. What disappoints me most is the lack of 4 wheel steer on the 55 as well as an open rear diff.

 

I can't tell which exterior components are luxury vs AMG trim. The exhaust tips are the usual; square for higher-end, round for lower-end. Assume we will have to wait for launch to show all details.