Lars997:
Ive seen some cars days ago with only small Camo. It looks quit nice, especially the rear looks wide and wild. Anyhow - the whole side line is pretty much unchanged to the current car (which is already in place for the last 10 years!)
They have to be careful not to hurt SLS sales.
Wasn't the new SL supposed to get much lighter ? Any info ?
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RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 997 Carrera GTS Cabriolet PDK, BMW X5M, BMW M3 Cab DKG, Mini Cooper S Countryman All4
RC:
Wasn't the new SL supposed to get much lighter ? Any info ?
Info from GermanCarforum
Underneath the sheetmetal, Mercedes tells us that the 2013 SL is constructed almost entirely (89%) from aluminum, with the exception of high-strength steel integrated in the A-pillars and the (even lighter than aluminum) magnesium in the rear panel.
The new construction has allowed the Germans to shave some 140kg (308 pounds) over the current model. According to Mercedes, "the effect is rather as if a heavyweight-class passenger had got out of the car and taken his heavy flight luggage, too".
"Form follows function"
Someone forgot to tell MB's designers that the period of ugly retro-ish designs has come to a close (viz. the 991).
IMO, the front end is truckish looking, the taillamp shape and graphics overdone (that curvature), and the seats are unattractive.
In their defense, their designs do have road presence. But no elegance to be found anywhere here...
I think the LED daylight running lights have become rather cartoonish on several of the Mercedes models. The new CLS is particularly odd in this regard. Hope the new SL doesn't adopt this as well. I agree that the 2003 first generation of this series of SL was the best looking for its simplicity.
"Don't worry about avoiding temptation, as you grow older it will avoid you" Churchill
KMM:IMO, the front end is truckish looking,.....
Unfortunately many recent models from various manufacturers have this squared off fronts, to varying degrees. On some cars they look like add-ons.
This is because of the pedestrian safety rules that anything solid (engine etc.) must have a certain distance from the edge of the car, which doesn't allow designing very sloping bonnets and leads to these boxy fronts.
Another reason I guess to choose rear or mid engined cars
Nevertheless, if pedestrians are saved in practice by this rules, they might be worth it.
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"Form follows function"
koko:
RC:
They have to be careful not to hurt SLS sales.
It would definitely effect the sales of the SLS roadster but not the coupe.
Not even that IMO. The SLS is an upper model that carries more prestige. These cars are mostly about perception, attention and visibility.
Similarly a SLK AMG wouldn't hurt a starting price SL 350.
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"Form follows function"
Some good quality pictures and more information here:
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/260477/
Lots of technology and plenty of gimmicks too.
"Form follows function"
Hmm... the Germans seem to be back to the early 90s butcher shop design mode : make one wurst and cut it to customers desired length . Their marketing heels all took heed , it seems , of relentless internet fanboy bashing of the stylistically differentiated model line of the Bangle era . Witness ...
Current BMW 7,5 and new 3 sedans
Current Audi A4,A6,A8 sedans
Now, MBZ SLS, SLK and new SL 2 seaters
And what's with the continuation of the 90s era interior styling , esp the center stack where the HVAC/radio control stations look like DIN pop out units you could interchange with a C class ?
I think the SL design, especially the large front lights, doesn't show up too well in photos. I would like to see this car live before I make a final judgement.
RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 997 Carrera GTS Cabriolet PDK, BMW X5M, BMW M3 Cab DKG, Mini Cooper S Countryman All4
While "looks" are subjective, to my eyes, MB has done a nice job making the SL look more current (similar to the CLS etc.), while maintaining a very similar look to the previous model - is MB following Porsche with their 911 styling strategy? As RC has said, I will hold final judgement until seeing one in person.
With its reported 125-140kg (or 275-308lbs) weight loss, even the standard V8 model should do 0-62mph in close to 4.0 seconds flat, which would equal the outgoing SL63's figures. Fairly impressive improvement.
Handling should also be vastly improved given its weight loss.
Now back to Porsche news......
Dec 18, 2011 5:09:02 PM
It looks really nice in this picture
more here: http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/innovation/future/gallery/year-2013/vehicleclass-SL/page-FutureModels
Dec 19, 2011 5:22:16 AM
palenimbus:
It looks really nice in this picture
more here: http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/innovation/future/gallery/year-2013/vehicleclass-SL/page-FutureModels
The hood is too flat and slabby, the cabin's too small and out of proportion with the rest and the boot is too long.
Sorry but I can't see anything nice in it.