Mercedes-AMG teases new SL roadster

MERCEDES-AMG’S line-up is about to get a shot in the arm as one of its most iconic nameplates, the SL, undergoes its final testing ahead of its global debut later in the year.

Virtually no details of the new performance SL have been revealed yet other than the fact multiple versions will be available – all under the AMG mantra – and that some, if not all of them will feature the 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system.

Given the SL’s historic status as one of the brand’s flagships – think back to the SL65 Black – it would be safe to assume the new model will feature the ballistic twin-turbocharged V8 petrol mill as found in various other top-spec AMGs, however the exact tune is almost impossible to guess.

With multiple variants confirmed, it is also likely the new SL range will debut the new force-fed four-cylinder hybrid powertrain rumoured to be going into the next C63 as Euro emissions standards and regulations continue to strangle the future of bigger engines.

Transmission-wise, the AMG-spec nine-speed automatic would be the obvious choice given it features in just about every other AMG currently in production.

According to the brand, the advanced test vehicles are currently undergoing the final tuning and evaluation of the 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system and folding fabric roof in Sweden before they head to the Nurburgring for the final sign off of the dynamics.

“Even though a large proportion of the development work on the roadster, configured as a 2+2-seater, took place in digital form, a certain amount of analogue development driving is still essential,” a spokesperson said.

“On the most challenging racing circuit in the world, the specialists from Mercedes-AMG will be ensuring that this latest interpretation of the SL draws even more than ever on its sporting roots.”

Going on that last comment, we would not be too surprised if a Black Series version of the SL eventually emerged given the model name and its derivatives have form here – the very first AMG Black Series was an SLK55 while the SL65 Black out-muscled the legendary Mercedes-McLaren SLR.

The local arm of Mercedes would not be drawn into revealing any market specific details of the new SL, including timing, however we do know it will make its global debut by Christmas.