Remember the first generation SLK AMG, which came with a 3.2-liter supercharged V6 capable of 349 hp? Mercedes steered itself away from that type of powertrain for a while, but it seems force-induced V6 cars are back on the menu.
The same biturbo 3-liter that found itself into the US-spec C 400 4MATIC, E 400 and ML 400 is also coming to the SL-Class roadster.
How do we know? A quick check of the Environmental Protection Agency's website has revealed the existence of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL 400, described as having a turbo 3-liter engine and 7-speed automatic. It even has an EPA sticker of 27 mpg highway, 20 mpg city and 23 mpg combined.
Of course, the SL 400 is news only in America because German and British customers can already order it. Which is why we can tell you the power rating for this "entry level" roadster model will be 329 hp (333 PS) and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque, 100 hp and 162 lb-ft (220 Nm) of torque less than the SL 550.
Performance should numbers will also be a little less impressive, the SL 400 taking the 0 to 60 sprint in 5.2 seconds, 0.7 seconds slower than a V8 model. Still, with an expected retail price of around $90,000 and decent economy, the SL 400 will be a valuable alternative for 640i Convertible buyers.
The 27 mpg SL-Class has not yet become available in Mercedes-Benz USA showrooms, but it should pop up in the next month or so, so stay tuned to our Silver Arrows blog.
How do we know? A quick check of the Environmental Protection Agency's website has revealed the existence of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL 400, described as having a turbo 3-liter engine and 7-speed automatic. It even has an EPA sticker of 27 mpg highway, 20 mpg city and 23 mpg combined.
Of course, the SL 400 is news only in America because German and British customers can already order it. Which is why we can tell you the power rating for this "entry level" roadster model will be 329 hp (333 PS) and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque, 100 hp and 162 lb-ft (220 Nm) of torque less than the SL 550.
Performance should numbers will also be a little less impressive, the SL 400 taking the 0 to 60 sprint in 5.2 seconds, 0.7 seconds slower than a V8 model. Still, with an expected retail price of around $90,000 and decent economy, the SL 400 will be a valuable alternative for 640i Convertible buyers.
The 27 mpg SL-Class has not yet become available in Mercedes-Benz USA showrooms, but it should pop up in the next month or so, so stay tuned to our Silver Arrows blog.