The Mercedes SL used to be the pinnacle of the
company’s lineup but the model has lost some of its luster thanks to curious
styling decisions and newer vehicles such as the AMG GT Roadster. Sales have
steadily declined over the past few years and the company is hoping to reverse
that trend by introducing an all-new model in 2021.
We’ve haven’t heard much about the car in the past
few months but Automobile says Mercedes is currently debating whether or not
the all-new model should simply transition into an AMG exclusive vehicle. This
would be a big change but the publication says it could make sense as the car
is being developed alongside the next-generation AMG GT which is due in 2022.
Given its AMG origins, it comes as little surprise
the next-generation SL will be sportier than its predecessor and adopt an
aluminum-intensive design as well as rear-wheel steering and active stabilizer
bars. We can also expect an optional air suspension and a 4MATIC all-wheel
drive system.
Despite the newfound sportiness, the car is expected
to have a longer wheelbase and two rear seats. The report also suggests the
model won’t be a full-on sports car as that role is already taken by the AMG
GT.
Engine options remain unconfirmed but an insider
told the magazine to expect a handful of hybridized powertrains including a
3.0-liter straight six with 435 Hp and a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with
outputs of 522 Hp and 612 Hp. There are also rumors of a
plug-in hybrid variant which will feature the latter engine as well as an
electric motor that develops 204 Hp. This would reportedly give the
model a combined output in excess of 800 Hp and 1000 Nm of
torque.
