General Description
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a grand touring sports car manufactured by Mercedes-Benz since 1954. The designation SL derives from the German Super-Leicht, (Super-Light). The original idea was suggested by American importer Max Hoffman, who perceived a market for a toned-down Gran Prix car tailored to affluent performance enthusiasts in the booming post-war American market.
The fifth generation SL (code named R230) was launched in 2001. The all-new SL featured a retractable hardtop (marketed as the Vario Roof) which had been launched on the SLK in 1997 to great critical acclaim. The flagship models were built by AMG in the form of SL55 and SL65, both highly tuned versions of the SL55 and SL600 respectively. The SL55 was powered by mighty supercharged versions of the 5.5 litre which produced 493bhp.This effortless engine propelled the SL55 from 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds and on to an electronically limited 155mph. And if that was not enough, the seriously speed-addicted could opt for the F1 version, which came with AMG’s Performance Package developed for the 2002 Formula 1 Safety Car. Costing an additional £10,000, AMG’s upgrades included ‘relaxing’ the electronic speed restriction, enabling the car to reach 186mph, plus changes to the suspension and brakes. There was also an extra oil cooler, a limited-slip differential, and various changes to the exterior and interior styling.