Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
Segment: Roadster & Convertible
Production years: 1999, 2000, 2001
The horsepower battle between Mercedes-Benz and its main rival, BMW, led to the creation of this unique roadster fitted with the monster engine: the SL 73 AMG.
BMW didn't have anything in its stable to compete against the SL, so Mercedes-Benz made an intelligent move and transformed that advantage into an even bigger one. Even though it knew that the V12 powerplant was very heavy and the SL fitted with it didn't handle the curves as well as the V8-powered ones, it still did it. And the result was one of the most expensive vehicles in the carmaker's stable.
In those days, Mercedes-Benz didn't want to scream its performance vehicles throughout its all body panels. So despite being the most potent version of the SL Class, it was subtle. At the front, the bumper was similar to other AMG-versions of the carmaker, and the grille was still chromed, albeit it was available as an option in black. On the front fenders, there were two small V12 badges, which were also available on the SL 600 version. And yet, the monoblock AMG wheels and the SL 73 badge at the back of the roadster were the only noticeable differences between this monster and the rest of the range.
The interior was garnished with all the bells and whistles the carmaker had in its basket. The ESP was standard, and the AMG lettering on the speedometer and the button for the adaptive suspension were also included. It was, actually, a suspension with two settings: sport (hard) and comfort (soft). Since the carmaker knew that its clients asked for high-power vehicles, but without giving up the comfort, it installed bolstered bucket seats. Still, they were far from being sports seats.
Under the hood was a manually-assembled 7.3-liter V12 powerplant. Later on, the engine found its way into the Pagani Zonda hypercar. Its 518 hp (525 PS) and the massive 553 lb-ft (730 Nm) torque were sent to the rear axle via a limited-slip differential via a five-speed automatic. Only 85 units were produced.
ENGINE SPECS - 7.3L V12 5AT (525 HP0 | |
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Cylinders: | V12 |
Displacement: | 7291 cm3 |
Power: | 386 KW @ 5500 RPM 525 HP @ 5500 RPM 518 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 553 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 750 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 155.3 mph (250 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 4.8 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed automatic with AMG Speedshift |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 245/40 ZR18 (Front) - 275/35 ZR18 (Rear) |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 177.1 in (4498 mm) |
Width: | 71.3 in (1811 mm) |
Height: | 51 in (1295 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 61.1/60.7 in (1,552/1,542 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 99 in (2515 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4519 lbs (2050 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5114 lbs (2320 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 9.6 mpg US (24.5 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 20.6 mpg US (11.4 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 14.8 mpg US (15.9 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 378 g/km |