Mercedes-Benz : SL-Class SL500 CONVERTIBLE

At the push of a button. the new vario roof transformsthe roadster into a watertight coupe and back into a convertible in 16 seconds. A POP UP ROLL BAR RAISES IN. 03 SECONDS IF NEEDED OR IT CAN BE LEFT UP FOR A SPORTY LOOKNew electronic brake control. which Mercedes claims was the first in the world. retains hydraulic components but has no mechanical link to the brake pedal. Operation is electronically controlled. varying brake pressure to each of the four wheels based on vehicle dynamics and other conditions that it monitors constantly. Variable brake proportioning can apply added pressure to the outside wheels in order to enhance safety when braking in turns. The system can sense wet conditions and react to emergency situations. Active Body Control (ABC). which was previously available only on the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class and S-Class. is an active suspension system that virtually eliminates body roll. An Electronic Stability Program is also standardOn the safety front. a new type of head and thorax side-impact airbag is installed in each door. Occupying the upper end of the sports-car scale. the SL-Class goes against such competitors An evolution of the previous-generation SL-Class roadster. the new SL500 has changed substantially in appearance. but it also exhibits some styling touches that are reminiscent of SLs from the distant past. For example. the automaker says that clear-glass xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights are considered a “more dynamic variation on the familiar ‘twin-headlamp’ theme. ” A new “intelligent” tilting mechanism ensures that the roof retracts into the upper section of the trunk. Slippery in shape. the SL500 has a slim 0. 29 coefficient of drag. Substantial aluminum content is used to keep the body weight light. InteriorLeather. fine wood and aluminum greet the two occupants of an SL500 coupe and roadster. Matte chrome surrounds the four separate chronometer-styled instruments on the dashboard. Inside the SL55 AMG. aluminum trim has a sand-cast effect and special sport seats are installed. Distronic “intelligent” cruise control is optional. Cargo capacity is 8. 3 cubic feet with the top down and 11. 2 cubic feet when the top is up. Under the HoodA 302-hp. 5. 0-liter V-8 engine goes into the SL500. - Mercedes-Benz claims the SL500 Roadster can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in leisurely 6. 1 seconds SafetyIn addition to dual-stage front airbags. each door is equipped with new head and thorax side-impact airbags. Automatic rollover bars pop. up within 0. 3 second when the system senses an impending rolloverHighly stable on the road. the SL500 clings securely to the pavement. with excellent steering-wheel feel and appropriate effort. All told. it’s more boulevard cruiser than hard-core sports car. delivering outstanding ride comfort. The controls range from cryptic to ambiguous. and the finely calibrated gauges aren’t as easy to read as some. R