SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL55 Reviewed in Autocar Next Week
09-04-2002, 07:59 AM
#1
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
SL55 Reviewed in Autocar Next Week
11 September issue of UK Autocar magazine will carry a review of the SL55. Their road tests range in quality but hopefully they will give this one the print space the car deserves. Don't think they put this stuff on the net, but copies of it will be available from their back issues department on +44 123 553 4323
or fax (what's that?) 123 552 3005. I'll put a synopsis here.
This week's issue tests the new S600 with the de-tuned Maybach V12 and they're very impressed:
"There's no waiting, just an instantaneous and overwhelming tide of power that elevates the Mercedes into time-warp territory. It's not the 4.8sec the S600 occupies on the way to 62mph that leaves you incredulous. It's the near silence, the total absence of drama, the sense that the engine is barely exerting any effort...."
2100 parts have been changed overall and the perceived quality is said to be much higher than the current S. Thank goodness the return to quality happened before the SL was launched.
Compared to the Maybach engine, the capacity is reduced from 5.8 to 5.5 litres by reducing the bore by 2mm and the boost pressure is reduced to 1.0bar from 1.2bar.
The V12 looks a very tight fit under the hood and the review says the bonnet (hood) line has been raised 18mm to accomodate the engine.
Makes you wonder how the V12 is ever going to fit into the SL.
or fax (what's that?) 123 552 3005. I'll put a synopsis here.
This week's issue tests the new S600 with the de-tuned Maybach V12 and they're very impressed:
"There's no waiting, just an instantaneous and overwhelming tide of power that elevates the Mercedes into time-warp territory. It's not the 4.8sec the S600 occupies on the way to 62mph that leaves you incredulous. It's the near silence, the total absence of drama, the sense that the engine is barely exerting any effort...."
2100 parts have been changed overall and the perceived quality is said to be much higher than the current S. Thank goodness the return to quality happened before the SL was launched.
Compared to the Maybach engine, the capacity is reduced from 5.8 to 5.5 litres by reducing the bore by 2mm and the boost pressure is reduced to 1.0bar from 1.2bar.
The V12 looks a very tight fit under the hood and the review says the bonnet (hood) line has been raised 18mm to accomodate the engine.
Makes you wonder how the V12 is ever going to fit into the SL.
09-06-2002, 02:54 PM
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: UG
Posts: 999
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2013 ML63 AMG PP
At last!
I have to make sure I get that copy of Autocar once it is out. I wonder if they will be able to do a 0-60mph in 4.0 flat. Their usually cold weather and high octane fuel availability should make the 0-60 run faster than norm.
09-10-2002, 04:47 AM
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Forget it - I had been hoping for an objective comparative review between the SL55, the 575, the Vanquish, the 996 Turbo, say. Instead, what we get is a dreary intro about a stand-up comic and stuff like this:
"The SL55 spears down the throat of a black hole and bursts into a new universe with its wheels on fire" or "a cosseting cocoon of luxury and pampering gizmology".
No real performance numbers either, just quotes from MB, but the figure of 11.2 seconds to 100 surprises me, a full 1.9 seconds slower than the Lamborghini, 1.8 slower than the 575. Don't (want to?) believe it.
The problem is that the motoring press in the UK is totally preoccupied with the new Ford Focus RS, which is much more accessible to joe public. Putting that on the front cover is going to sell magazines, putting the SL55, which is largely unobtainable even for people who can afford the car, will not.
"The SL55 spears down the throat of a black hole and bursts into a new universe with its wheels on fire" or "a cosseting cocoon of luxury and pampering gizmology".
No real performance numbers either, just quotes from MB, but the figure of 11.2 seconds to 100 surprises me, a full 1.9 seconds slower than the Lamborghini, 1.8 slower than the 575. Don't (want to?) believe it.
The problem is that the motoring press in the UK is totally preoccupied with the new Ford Focus RS, which is much more accessible to joe public. Putting that on the front cover is going to sell magazines, putting the SL55, which is largely unobtainable even for people who can afford the car, will not.
Trending Topics
sigh!
09-12-2002, 11:24 AM
#10
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Yes it was in their September 4th edition. A quite short review, not much meat there, but they certainly liked what they saw. You would be able to obtain a copy at the phone nos above. I do not think they put them on the internet.
