2017 Mercedes-AMG SL63 Hits the Road With its Predecessors on Ignition
How well has the SL held up over the years?
Today, it's easy to overlook the Mercedes-Benz SL among its brothers, the SLC, S-Class convertible, and upcoming AMG GT convertible. But even after 60 years, the very first SL stands out as an iconic endurance racer, and one hell of a beautiful car. On the latest episode of "Ignition," hosts Jonny Lieberman and Jason Cammisa explore the distinct possibility that the SL has lost some of its magic over the years.
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Mercedes first introduced the 300SL, also known as the Gullwing, in 1954. Three years later, a roadster version came out. Not only were the original Gullwings fast, reliable, and competent endurance cars, but they were the first cars ever to pack a direct-injected gasoline engine. On paper, the 2017 Mercedes SL looks even better, boasting V-6, V-8, and V-12 engine options. Lieberman and Cammisa test out the potent 2017 Mercedes-AMG SL63, which gets a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 with 577 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. But somehow, the car can't quite recapture the same spirit of the original model.
Has the 2017 Mercedes SL lost relevance in the luxury convertible market? Have other automakers found a better formula for success? Watch the video below to find out.
When I tell people I write about cars, the most common reply I receive is “Really?” I guess I never strike people as a car type as I drive down the freeway in the right lane going 60 mph in my old SUV. My gripes about driving in city traffic and fast drivers don’t help my case, either. For a time, the only cars I liked were old cars. Not old as in "classic" or "vintage," but as in well-worn. My first appreciation of cars came when I drove a very old Ford pickup. It wasn't perfect: I used a booster seat to reach the gas pedal, and the turn signal once fell off in my hand as I was learning to drive. But the thing I valued most was the memories. It took several years for me to truly become a "car person." Being a long-time writer and an avid reader has helped me develop a healthy curiosity and a desire to know how things work. This has made cars one of the most fascinating points of study for me because they are such intricate machines. I am interested in how cars can reach 200 mph, how they can run on hydrogen, and how they can drive and park on their own. I also enjoy learning how cars can solve problems whether it be in the form of reducing pollution, minimizing traffic, or helping people stay connected on the road. Yes, maybe I’m not a gearhead. Perhaps I’m a car nerd. Either way, I very much enjoy writing about cars and helping people stay in tune with the automotive industry. I wouldn't want to be writing about anything else. And don’t get me wrong: I know how to drool over a hot car. I am fascinated by the Tesla Model S, awed by the Lamborghini Veneno, and am hopelessly obsessed with the Audi R8.
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