Mercedes-Benz Unveils New SL, Now With a New Mandate

The SL from Mercedes-Benz is like a bridge connecting the brand's past and present. The origins of the model stretch back to 1954, and over the decades, iconic versions have followed in succession. Perhaps none was more notable than the variant offered for two decades, between 1971 and 1989.

Times change, however, and in recent years the model, while still extraordinary, has seen its segment become less popular in the marketplace. Something had to be done to bring it back to life and that's what we got to see at the presentation of the seventh-generation product.

First of all, good news for V8 engine lovers: the German roadster still offers it. To achieve this meant handing it over to the Mercedes-AMG group. We're already tying up our hats; the grand tourer becomes a pure sports car.

The model also gets a cloth top (a 46-lb weight reduction), two rear seats and all-wheel drive (standard) for the first time in its history.

In terms of design, the coupe's proportions have changed quite a bit. The SL still has a long hood, small trunk lid and short overhangs at the ends. Its bumper is in keeping with the current Mercedes-Benz styling language. At the rear, the lights are integrated into a more rounded presentation and a massive air diffuser is also present.

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