High output V-6 and V-8 debut
More spy images of the 2013 SL
2013 SL Testing Continues
2013 SL hack being flogged at the Nurgurgring. While camouflage reveals little of the next generation SL's shape, less weight and more efficiency are certainties.
Testing continues for the next generation SL which is expected to be released in mid-2012 as a 2013 model. Unattributed online speculation centers on the following new features:
- 7 speed automatic transmission and suspension components sourced from the new SLS AMG Gullwing.
- A new lightweight aluminum spaceframe.
- A wider track and some styling cues also lifted from the exciting new Gullwing.
Not much revealed in this rear 3/4 view. We presume a dramatic design statement for the 2013 SL. What does the bulky cladding hide?
It is certain, however, that we will see a leaner, lighter and more efficient new SL, quite likely incorporating the new powerplants described below. With SL sales sagging, the next chapter in this haloed icon’s life can’t arrive too soon. We’ll keep you posted.
Powerful New V-6 and V-8 Released
Mercedes-Benz continues its innovative engine program of raising output and reducing petrol consumption with the release of two powerful new engines. The result of a one billion Euro investment, the new V-6 and V-8 engines produce 302hp and 429hp respectively (converting European figures to SAE figures) while reducing consumption by 22% to 24%. Extraordinary.
Next generation V-6 and V-8s coming together at the expanded Bad Cannstatt plant. The two new engines offer massive power and efficiency increases.
The engines will be produced in the newly expanded ‘Bad Cannstatt’ engine plant situated a stone’s throw from the simple greenhouse in which Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach constructed the first single cylinder combustion engine in 1885. Plant efficiencies include:
- Both engines – one a 60 degree V and one a 90 degree V – will be machined on a single production line
- Facility heat recovery via advanced photovoltaic c system
- Solar paneling covering 5,000 square meters
- Massive reduction of petroleum based lubricants used during engine milling processes via a ‘minimum-quantity lubrication” technology
To illustrate how far engine technology has advanced we can compare the base non-AMG engine outputs from 2006. The 5 liter V-8 produced 302 hp while the 3.5 liter V-6 produced 268hp in 2006. The new V-6 produces the same output the earlier 5 liter V-8 and the new base V-8 produces a whopping 127hp (+42%!) additional power. Extraordinary.
In keeping with the eco-friendly tone of these new efficient and powerful engines, Mercedes also tells us about the “eco-paradise” that has been created on the outskirts of the expanded production plant. The 4,000 square meter “Neckar” meadow is now home to over 40 species of wild bees. We are indeed entering a new era of green awareness among automobile manufacturers.
Roy Spencer, editor MercedesHeritage.com
Photography from Daimler AG and Worldcarfans.com
2 Responses to “New Engines and the 2013 SL”
Roy,
Thanks for the spy photos of the new SL and for the info on the new V6 and V8 engines, but here are a few corrections to your article. First, you obviously reversed the power figures in the statement “the new V-6 and V-8 engines produce 435hp and 308hp respectively”. Second, when you compared the power figures of these two new engines with the old 3.5-liter V6 and 5-liter V8, your numbers are incorrect. The old V6 and V8 had, indeed, 268 hp and 302 hp in English-system horsepower, as used in the U.S. The two new engines’ power figures you stated have several problems. First the V6 has 306 hp, not 308 hp, and the V8 does have 435 hp, but those figures are in metric-system horsepower (as used in most of Europe). In English-system horsepower, the new V6 and V8 have 302 hp and 429 hp, respectively. This means that the new V6 does not have 4 hp more than the old V8, rather it has the same power as the old 5-liter V8, and the new turbo V8 has 127 hp (not 133 hp) more than the old V8.
Daniel
Thanks for the corrections Daniel. We have revised the article accordingly.
Roy Spencer
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