Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
Segment: Roadster & Convertible
Production years: 1999, 2000, 2001
In 1998, at the Turin Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the updated SL range: the R129 series. One year later, one of the best versions, the SL55 AMG was unveiled.
The times when a bigger engine meant a faster car were almost gone in 1999. The European customers didn't look only for higher output. They required a better handling and a smoother ride. For these aspects, the SL55 AMG was considered by many as a better car than the more powerful SL73 AMG. While the lesser version featured a V8, the latter was fitted with a V12 unit, and the car was 160 kg (351.7 lbs) heavier.
From the outside, the SL55 AMG featured a narrow front grille with horizontal slats. The new, rectangular, headlights were fitted with integrated turn-signals on their outer side. On the front fenders, behind the wheels, the AMG installed a specific air-vent to release the air from the front wheel-wells.
Inside, the car featured a luxurious interior with leather upholstery and wood grain on the dashboard, center stack, and console. The five-dial instrument cluster offered information about six car parameters and an elegant analog clock. A small LCD was installed on the bottom of the centrally mounted speedometer.
Power came from a 5.4-liter V8 engine with three valves per cylinder. It was mated to a standard 5-speed automatic gearbox.
ENGINE SPECS - 5.4L V8 5AT (354 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 5439 cm3 |
Power: | 260 KW @ 5500 RPM 354 HP @ 5500 RPM 349 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 391 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM 530 Nm @ 3000 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): | 5.9 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: | 51.2 in (1300 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 61.1/60.8 in (1,552/1,544 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 99 in (2515 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4166 lbs (1890 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4872 lbs (2210 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 12.7 mpg US (18.5 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 24.5 mpg US (9.6 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 18.4 mpg US (12.8 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 304 g/km |