The next generation Mercedes SL will feature a softtop instead hardtotp which will reduce the kerbweight by around 100 kg.
We wrote already that Mercedes is workind to a dedicated platform for sports cars named MSA (Modular Sports Architecture), which will be used for the next generation Mercedes SL and SLC.
Auto Motor und Sport announced that the new Mercedes SL will be in 2019 the first car built on the new platform.
The new platform is based on the lightweight principle, is very flexible and allows the modifications of the length, width and wheelbase.
In world premiere, Auto Motor und Sport mention that the next SL will quit the hardtop solution in favour of a softtop like is the case of S-Class Cabrio. This solution will helpt to reduce the kerbweight to a minimum of 1,685 kg while the current SL (R231) generation weighs depending of engine between 1,730 and 1,845 kg.
A new generation of six inline petrol engines will be found under the hood. The base version named SL 400 will be powered by a 3 liter bi-turbo six inline engine with 435 HP, while the SL 500 will get the current 4.7 liter bi-turbo V8 engine with increased power. Both versions will be combined with the new 9 speed automatic gearbox 9G-Tronic.
The AMG range will consist from the SL 63 AMG with 4.0 liter bi-turbo V8 engine form the AMG GT and the SL 65 AMG with 6.0 liter V12.
