The Mercedes-Benz SL faces an uncertain future, especially when the two-door S-Class and AMG GT lineup continue to flourish. And with a new SL due in a few years, the rumor mill has been active. Now, a new report suggests the next-gen model will be based on underpinnings from the AMG GT.
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Autocarclaims Mercedes has asked AMG to lead the development of the new SL. It will reportedly be based on the AMG GT's platform, retaining the rear-transaxle setup, along with its aluminum body and carbon fiber torque tube. Engine choices will include Benz's upcoming inline-six and a twin-turbo V-8, though a V-12 is less certain.
The SL will differ from the GT in a number of ways. For starters, its windshield will be more upright, and it could switch from a two-passenger setup to a 2+2 seating configuration. If so, the SL will likely ride on a longer wheelbase than the GT. The report also suggests the SL roadster will ditch its power-retractable hard top for a soft top;a hardtop coupe is allegedly on the table as well.
It's unclear if this platform will fall under Benz's new modular sports car architecture. A few years ago, Mercedes revealed plans detailing a streamlined platform family including MSA, which was previously reported to underpin the next-generation SL and SLC (previously called the SLK).
Either way, Mercedes faces a tough challenge to keep the SL relevant, let alone to retain its status as the automaker's flagship roadster.
Source:Autocar
As MotorTrend’s road test editor and fleet manager, Erick Ayapana spends a bulk of his day pestering automakers for vehicles to test and shaming staffers for curbing wheels. Erick is a SoCal native who spends his free time doing SoCal things and pondering the world’s unsolved mysteries, including the proper way to launch a Subaru WRX with a manual transmission.
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