2013 Mercedes SL Won't Get Diesel or Hybrid Versions

The new SLK convertible might be available with diesel engines for those who are concerned about their fuel bill when the cruise the beach front, but Mercedes has put so much work into making the 2013 SL Roadster as sporty as possible that they are not willing to dilute its image.

Thus, the SL will not be offered with any sort of diesel or even hybrid powertrain, according to a MBpassion report. So it looks like the SL will really be worthy of its ‘sport light’ name, since its also based on an all-aluminum chassis, which is not only much lighter than the steel predecessor, but also some 20 percent stiffer.

Right now, the only two engines available for the car that will start arriving at dealerships in March are the 3.5-liter V6 in the SL 350, and the twin-turbocharged 4.7-liter V8 in the SL 500. The 435 hp (429 hp in US spec) this produces makes it 12% more powerful than the old R230 version of the 500.

There’s the AMG version to consider, which will be powered by a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 with well over 500 horsepower.