New Mercedes-AMG SL previewed

The new 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL roadster will be based on an all-new, AMG-developed composite aluminium space-frame chassis that will also form the basis of the next-generation Mercedes-AMG GT.

Expected to be launched in Europe later this year, the eighth-generation SL will be a Mercedes-AMG-only model for the first time when it reaches Australia in 2022.

As before, the next SL will continue with a 2+2-seat layout, however, the folding hard-top roof of the previous two generations will replaced by a fabric configuration as part of a clean-sheet redesign.

According to Mercedes-Benz, the new SL will be considerably lighter than before, thanks to the use of aluminium, steel, magnesium, carbon-fibre and other fibre composites.

The car’s all-new Modular Sports Architecture (MSA) – officially pictured here for the first time, sans exterior sheetmetal, along with unofficial spy shots – is said to weigh only 270kg.

The German car-maker claims it will offer 18 per cent more torsional stiffness than before, while transverse rigidity and longitudinal rigidity are 50 per cent and 40 per cent greater than the current AMG GT Roadster.

Furthermore, a lower centre of gravity is also assured thanks to lower pick-up points for suspension subframes and axles, while the engine is also mounted low and close to the cabin.

Jochen Hermann, Mercedes-AMG’s chief technical officer, said the engineering team started with a blank sheet of paper.

“The development team in our bodyshell design area was faced with an extremely appealing, but also challenging task: when we were commissioned to undertake the overall development of the new SL, we started from scratch, so to speak, without building on any existing structure,” he said.

“We can be justifiably proud of the result, which proves, once again, the high level of development competence in Affalterbach.

“On the one hand we have managed to reconcile the high package demands, while on the other we have been able to achieve excellent rigidity values in all areas in conjunction with a favourable weight, so providing the basis for agile driving dynamics and exceptional comfort.”

Engine choices are expected to include 48-volt mild-hybrid 3.0-litre inline six-cylinders for the Mercedes-Benz SL 450 and the more powerful Mercedes-AMG SL 53.

AMG’s twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 is expected to be offered in various states of tune for the SL 500 and the SL 63 and SL 63 S AMGs. A new V12-powered Mercedes-AMG SL 65 is unlikely.

It’s unclear whether transmissions will be nine-speed automatic or dual-clutch, but AMG versions likely to come with quicker-shifting Speedshift electronics and 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive.

However, the big news could be a supercar-style rear transaxle like the AMG GT’s.

Other chassis highlights of the lighter, stiffer and quicker 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL include magnesium instrument panel bracing, high-strength steel windscreen pillars, aluminium underbody thrust panels, a front module cover bridge made from carbon-fibre and glass, plus retractable rollover hoops.

Expect Mercedes-AMG to reveal more details of the eighth-generation SL roadster in the coming weeks.