Mercedes-Benz's Next-Gen SL Getting Stiffer, Lighter And Likely Faster

If you have ever driven the current generation Mercedes-Benz SL you'd know two things right off the bat:

1) It feels very sturdy over bumps and rides better than just about any other convertible out there -- at least that I've driven.

2) It's so damn heavy, and it's pretty clear once you put it through some switchbacks.

Knowing this, Mercedes decided to take this bull by the horns and change that for the next-generation SL. Instead of taking a traditional approach with the upcoming product, Benz decided to use aluminum. That means several things: the car will be lighter, stiffer, and -- likely -- faster.

Theoretically, that means we'll be getting an SL that has better driving dynamics and increased fuel efficiency.


Mercedes will break new ground with the sixth generation of its inimitable Mercedes SL roadster next year by making it the very first Mercedes in large-scale series production to use an almost exclusively aluminium lightweight construction.

At a preview event held close to last week’s Los Angeles motor show, Mercedes showed journalists a completed example of the new two-seater grand convertible’s ‘body-in-white’ superstructure...



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docsout1 - 11/25/2011 12:34:02 PM

+1 Boost

Please, help me understand, what is a 'body in white'?

Agent00R - 11/25/2011 1:10:59 PM

+1 Boost

@docsout1

"Body in white or BIW refers to the stage in automotive design or automobile manufacturing in which a car body's sheet metal components have been welded together — but before moving parts (doors, hoods, and deck lids as well as fenders) the motor, chassis sub-assemblies, or trim (glass, seats, upholstery, electronics, etc.) have been added and before painting."

[Source: Wikipedia]