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Manufacturer Brochure - 1998 Mercedes Benz SL Roadsters
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| MERCEDES-BENZ REPOSITIONS PREMIUM SL COUPE/ROADSTER LINE SL500 Price Reduced By $10,000; Significant Safety Advances Added |
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| Updated |
Jun 3, 2004 17:13:13 |
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 380 ( -53 -13.94% ) |
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Description:
MONTVALE, N.J. - The Mercedes-Benz SL has long been one of the world's most exciting and desirable sports cars, and this year, a market position realignment should really stir up the segment for premium two-seaters. For 1998, there are two SL models, the V8-powered SL500 and V12-powered SL600.
The 1998 SL500 has been priced at $79,900 - a $10,000 (11 percent) reduction compared to 1997. The limited-production SL600, priced at $125,000, continues as one of the most exclusive high-performance, ultra-luxury roadsters available - yet it's a true supercar that's tractable enough to be driven and enjoyed every day. The six-cylinder SL320 model has been discontinued.
The Mercedes SL500, powered by a muscular 315-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 with 347 lbs.-ft. of torque, is capable of vaulting from 0-60 miles per hour in about six seconds. The SL600 is one of the few V12-powered automobiles available, and its 389-horsepower, 6.0-liter V12 pounds out a gargantuan 420 lbs.-ft. of torque. The SL600 can reach 60 mph from rest in under six seconds.
The SL500 and SL600 feature the acclaimed Mercedes electronic five-speed automatic transmission that not only adapts to an individual's driving style, but also to changes in road grade (delaying upshifts on ascents for power and downshifting on descents for engine braking). The transmission computer adjusts shifting logic for leisurely driving with smooth upshifts for the best fuel efficiency. A driver who requires frequent highway merging, on the other hand, will find the transmission holds each gear longer for quicker acceleration. A "Winter" mode helps enhance traction by starting in second gear and shifting at lower engine speeds.
Sport Package Takes Either SL To The Next Performance Level
A limited-availability Sport Package option, available for both SL models, comes with aerodynamic enhancements and larger wheels and tires. The standard steering and suspension calibrations are left intact, but handling is sharpened with a "plus-two" wheel/tire conversion and Z-rated tires in a staggered setup (larger in rear than front).
"Plus two" means an upgrade from 16-inch diameter wheels and tires to 18 inches, while the outside circumference remains essentially the same, due to lower profile tires. The body modifications were designed and are installed by renowned Mercedes-Benz tuner AMG, and include a deeper front apron with mesh air dam and integral foglights, sculpted side skirts and a deeper rear apron.
All Sport Package components meet rigid Mercedes quality standards and are covered by the car's comprehensive warranty. Priced at $4,970, the entire Sport Package costs less than just adding comparable aftermarket wheels and tires, and the option can even be included in a lease.
Exciting, But Safe And Secure, Too
The Mercedes-Benz SL models are certainly among today's most exciting cars to drive, and they are equipped for maximum safety on the road, too. For 1998, the SL incorporates even more Mercedes safety advances. The newly standard BabySmart™ automatic child seat recognition system, first introduced on the SLK roadster, uses transponder technology to deactivate the front passenger-side airbag in the presence of a BabySmart-compatible infant, toddler or child booster seat (available from Mercedes-Benz dealers).
Brake Assist, also new, is the only system in the auto industry that can reduce stopping distances in emergency braking situations. Brake Assist can detect an emergency or "panic" stop by the speed the brake pedal is applied and then, with lightning speed, apply full braking force faster than a driver could.
When Mercedes-Benz designed the SL, it sought to impart the same level of safety to an open car as for its other passenger models. The body structure was designed to Mercedes safety standards for front, side and rear impacts. An open car can leave its occupants vulnerable in a rollover, but Mercedes met that challenge with the world's first automatic roll bar. Normally part of the rear-compartment surround structure, the padded, leather-covered bar pops up, locking in place in a third of a second if sensors detect an impending rollover. The bar can also be raised and lowered by a switch on the console.
With magnesium seat frames, the Mercedes-Benz SL is one of the few cars with seatbacks so strong that the adjustable top anchors for the shoulder belts are integrated directly into the seats for greater occupant protection, especially in rollovers. The Mercedes SL was the first car with door-mounted side airbags, which were made standard for 1996 models. They're part of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), which includes dual front airbags and emergency tensioning retractors that tighten the seat belts in a collision.
All Mercedes passenger vehicles feature an occupant detection sensor built into the passenger seat. If the sensor does not detect the presence of 26 pounds or more, it will not deploy the front passenger-side airbag and the door-mounted side airbag. The intent is to reduce repair costs in a serious collision when there's no one riding in the passenger seat.
Standard ASR traction control helps ensure stable traction on slippery road surfaces, whether caused by rain, snow or even gravel or sand. This sophisticated system detects if one rear wheel is spinning faster than the other and applies the brake to that wheel to restore traction. Should braking action not be enough, ASR will reduce engine power by backing off the electronic throttle, more quickly than the driver can react to do so.
The extraordinary Electronic Stability Program (ESP) can actually help prevent skids and slides. This breakthrough safety system helps drivers maintain directional stability - especially on slippery or gravel-covered roads - by preventing oversteer (rear-end "fishtailing") or understeer (front-end "plowing"). ESP can sense impending loss of control - at the front or rear end - and momentarily apply the brake on one wheel to restore stability, something that even a skilled driver cannot do. The system is standard equipment on the SL600 and optional on the SL500 for $990 - a $300 reduction for 1998.
The standard SL security system is among the most advanced available. When the ignition key is inserted, a transponder built into it exchanges a code with an electromagnetic coil that surrounds the ignition lock. The signals are verified by the anti-theft control unit, and attempting to use an unauthorized duplicate key will disable the engine, preventing the car from being driven.
For 1998, the standard remote locking system has been enhanced to include a remote trunk release and a panic button. Because the system uses a combination of radio frequency and infrared signals, it can offer a "summer" mode that will lower (or close) the windows remotely.
Two Seats, Three Roofs and Loaded With Luxury
In addition to being one of the world's most exciting sports cars to drive, the Mercedes-Benz SL is probably the most luxurious two-seater on the market. First, every SL comes standard with two roofs. The high-quality canvas soft top lowers by touching one button. The SL convertible top is retracted completely out of sight into a compartment in front of the trunk, preserving the sleek lines of the car. There's no need to fiddle with any latches, and no boot to install after the top is lowered.
In addition, there's a standard, easy-to-install aluminum hardtop that not only makes the SL a friendly winter-time companion, but completely changes its look and feel to that of a coupe.
A unique option for both the SL500 and SL600 is the Panorama glass hardtop, which replaces the aluminum hardtop when ordered and also transforms the look of the SL into a coupe. Made from heat-reflecting tinted glass, the Panorama roof allows the SL driver and passenger to enjoy an open-air view of the sky all year long, regardless of the weather. A standard rear sunshade enhances interior comfort.
Among the many luxury features standard on both SL models are leather upholstery (two-tone with additional trim for SL600), Bose®sound system with Acoustimass® bass module and an electronic memory system which "remembers" the programmed positions of the 10-way seats, tilt-telescopic steering wheel, shoulder-belt height and exterior mirrors for three different drivers.
The automatic climate-control system incorporates an electrostatic air filter that removes pollen and dust from incoming air. A standard rain sensor activates and controls the speed of the windshield wipers.
To the lengthy list of standard luxury, the SL600 adds the ADS adaptive damping system (which automatically adjusts shock absorber firmness to suit driving conditions), Xenon headlamps, a six-disc CD changer, heated front seats and an integrated portable cellular telephone, features that are optional for the SL500.
With their safety credentials and extensive roster of standard equipment, the Mercedes-Benz SL coupe/roadsters are not only among the world's most desirable two-seat cars, but they represent exceptional value within their market segments.
A 44-Year Legacy
The Mercedes-Benz SL celebrates a legacy of driving pleasure, trend-setting style and automobile romance that began in 1954 with the race car-inspired 300SL "Gullwing" coupe. The 300SL Roadster followed in 1957, and the SL has remained among the world's most distinctive and desirable two-seaters. The Mercedes SL coupe/roadsters have evolved through four model generations. With each generation, Mercedes has raised the bar on technology, performance and safety, but has always adhered to the timeless appeal of beautiful design. Perhaps that is why, when most people think about Mercedes-Benz, it is the SL they think of first.
All 1998 Mercedes-Benz models come with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty, which includes tires, batteries and adjustments for the full coverage period. In addition, the 24-hour Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program covers all Mercedes cars, regardless of model year. This peace of mind can include a free jump-start, mounting of the spare tire or a few gallons of fuel, even for a decades old Mercedes. |
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