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News of  August 01, 2001

Mercedes-Benz to Debut All-New SL Coupe-Roadster; New SL Features Retractable Hardtop and First-Ever Electronic Brakes

SL Coupe-Roadster

Photo: DaimlerChrysler

MONTVALE, N.J. - A new-generation Mercedes-Benz SL coupe/roadster -- the first in over 12 years - will debut in Europe this fall and arrive in the U.S. next spring.  Perhaps the best-known Mercedes model ever, the new SL convertible will mark the fifth generation of the highly successful series, which began in 1954 with the legendary "gullwing" 300SL. The 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is a technological tour de force, with ABC active suspension and ESP stability control to the world's first electronic brake system.  The new SL also features breathtaking styling, capped by a retractable hardtop that combines the open-air fun of a convertible with the quiet comfort of a coupe.

Faster, Smarter Braking with World's First Electronic Brake System

The company that invented ABS anti-lock brakes, traction control and ESP stability control will launch the world's first production car equipped with an electronic brake system, which provides faster, more sure-footed brake response, especially in emergencies.

The brake pedal on the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 works with a computer that tells four fast-acting valves exactly how hard to apply the brakes on each wheel.  A backup hydraulic master cylinder comes into play only if there's a serious problem or electrical failure.

With split-second accuracy, the system can change brake pressure on each wheel over uneven surfaces and can even increase brake pressure on just the outside wheels when braking in turns, taking advantage of the higher loading during cornering.  Even ABS anti-lock and ESP stability control work more efficiently since they are more deeply integrated with the brakes, instead of functioning as parallel systems.

A special electrically-driven hydraulic pump and a high-pressure reservoir (or accumulator) provide "always-on" full brake pressure at each wheel.  The computer-operated modulator valves control how much pressure actually operates the brakes at each wheel.  In the new system, the bulky vacuum brake booster is now obsolete.

If the driver switches his foot quickly from accelerator to brake pedal, the electronic brake system recognizes the early signs of an emergency situation and reacts automatically.  With the help of the high-pressure reservoir, the system raises the pressure in the brake connectors and instantaneously moves the pads onto the brake discs, which can then spring into action with full force as soon as the brake pedal is pressed.  At highway speeds, this pre-loading of the braking system reduces stopping distance by about three percent.

In addition, the system automatically senses when the road is wet and imperceptibly applies the brakes just enough to keep the discs dry, so that brake operation remains fast and consistent in the rain.

From Coupe to Roadster in 16 Seconds

As the power roof retracts, the rear window glass also rotates so that its curvature nestles inside the stowed roof panel, providing a surprisingly large cargo area of 6.8 cubic feet.  With the top up, the trunk holds 9.7 cubic feet -- over 1.8 more than its predecessor.

A hydraulic pump and 11 computer-controlled hydraulic cylinders power the system, and top operation is controlled by a distinctive switch on the center console.  When the top is stowed, pressing a red button located inside the trunk raises the folded roof about 20 degrees, making cargo access easier.

Leaner, Cleaner, Stronger and Sleeker

A five-liter V8 engine -- one of the most potent in its class -- produces 302 horsepower, accelerating the new SL500 from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6 seconds.  Advanced twin-spark-plug, three-valve-per-cylinder technology also means the new SL500 is a ULEV, or Ultra Low Emission Vehicle.

Sparkling performance is due in part to the SL sports car's sophisticated, lightweight body.  The hood, doors, trunk lid and roof are all aluminum, and the front hood alone is 33 pounds lighter than a comparable steel hood.

At the same time, over 30 percent of the body structure is made of high-strength steel, so that the new SL body is 20 percent stiffer than the previous model, even with the top down. The aerodynamic shape of the SL body contributes its impressive performance and fuel efficiency as well as to a quiet cockpit. The drag coefficient is 0.29 -- greater than nine percent lower than the previous model.

(July 31, 2001)

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