The next-generation Mercedes-Benz SL is being developed by AMG.
According to a recent report, the next Mercedes-Benz SL will share its underpinnings with the AMG GT sports car, as the German automaker wants to make the luxury roadster sportier than the current model. The switch in platform also allows AMG to take over lead engineering responsibilities from Mercedes, providing the company with greater economies of scale in development, production procurement, and engineering operations. In other words, it will be cheaper to produce and AMG will be able to further develop the AMG GT platform, including a hardcore Black Series model.
The new SL is expected to arrive in 2019, sporting a front-longitudinally mounted engine and transaxle mounted at the rear for weight distribution. That drivetrain layout will replace the more conventional E-Class-based setup currently used in the SL.
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Expect the roadster to also benefit from an aluminum body structure and the carbon fiber torque tube from the GT. The folding aluminum roof will also be replaced with a traditional soft-top to help make the car even lighter. The report also says the German automaker is considering bringing the SL coupe back to the fold so that the SL can better rival the Porsche 911.
[Source: Autocar]
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