2013 Mercedes Benz SL-Class

Mercedes has been hot to trot lately with an onslaught of different models just spilling out of the German manufacturer. The SLS AMG is fresh off of its 2010 debut and the new 2011 CLS is on its way as well, but the most exciting reveal has yet to be made with the next generation SL-Class. This sports car has been around since 1954 with many generations to speak of. But after these five generations, plus a facelift in 2008, the Mercedes SL is ready to see the next span of its life unfold.

We’ve already seen some spy shots of the SL lapping the Ring courtesy of PistonSpy, but now we have a rendering of the vehicle that provides a clearer, uncamouflaged image of the sports car. At first glance we don’t see too many changes, but upon closer inspection small, but significant changes will allow this vehicle to stand out from the previous generations.

A new 5.5L V8 engine will be hidden underneath the hood of the 2013 Mercedes SL-Class and this will provide the driver with 387 ponies to push out onto the road. Other engines might be possible as well.

Expect Mercedes to begin sales for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class in the third quarter of 2012.

Exterior and Interior

Although the 2013 Mercedes SL-Class looks almost identical to its previous generation, this generation will get a wider and lower stance. Adding to the changes will be a weight reduction provided by the aluminum chassis that will allow for improved fuel economy and driving performance.

Engine Line-Up

The 2013 Mercedes SL-Class will be powered by a 5.5L V8 engine mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. This combination will provide the SL with 387hp. A 4.0L twin turbo engine is also a possibility while a hybrid powertrain is rumored to be thrown in only because its the popular thing to do.

Debut and Sales Date

The 2013 Mercedes SL-Class should be rolled out in the last quarter of 2012. We expect it to debut with a higher price tag than the current generation which spans from about $102K-$198K.

Competition

Ready to take on the Mercedes SL-Class will be the Porsche 998 911, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Jaguar XK, and Maserati GranCabrio.

The sixth generation of the Porsche 911 - the 998 - will be out in 2012 and just the anticipation of Porsche’s most loved model will be enough to skyrocket their sales. The 3.6L flat six engine provides close to what the Merc’s engine will get, but falls a little short at 365hp. Another model that falls even shorter in the power department is the Jaguar XK with only 300hp to speak of. Where prices are concerned, the Jaguar XK is a much cheaper buy and the Porsche can be cheaper or more expensive depending on the version.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage perks up the power a bit with a total output of 420hp coming out of the 4.7L V8 engine, but the competitor that gives the Mercedes the most competition in terms of power is the Maserati GranCabrio with its 433hp 4.7L V8. Both of these machines can also be cheaper or more expensive than the SL-Class depending on the options chosen.