Mercedes-Benz R 231

Mercedes -Benz SL 350, open (since 2012)

The Mercedes -Benz R 231 is a roadster of the German car manufacturer Mercedes -Benz. It represents the sixth generation of the SL-Class and triggers the eleven years produced predecessor the R 230 from. The vehicle was presented to the world public for the first time on December 15, 2011. It celebrated its official world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in January 2012 and concluded on 31 March 2012 the European market. The base price was to launch at 93 534 Euro for the SL 350

• 2.1 Standard equipment
• 2.2 Special Features
• 2.3 Packages and special model 2.3.1 The AMG Sports package
• 2.3.2 Special Model Edition 1

• 3.1 Front Bass system
• 3.2 Magic Sky Control

• 4.1 engines
• 4.2 Transmission
• 4.3 Steering
• 4.4 Suspension
• 4.5 brakes
• 4.6 body

Design

Exterior

In contrast to the previous model changes the SL-Class, the replacement of R 230 brings through the R 231 no such radical changes to how it was, for example, the appearance of the R 230 in 2001. The classic proportions of a roadster, which make up a long hood and a short rear end, were also obtained in the seventh generation. At the front is the radiator grille that no longer visually integrated into the bonnet but is formed separately, now upright. The grille and the brand logo of Mercedes -Benz with only one center brace is integrated. Compared to its predecessor, the headlights were placed on the outside, but kept doing their tilted in slant position. In the outer regions of the bumper, there is now also the R 231, the daytime running lights in the form of LED daytime running light strips. The lateral line rises towards the rear of only minimal. The side air intake on the fender was compared to the previous model slightly enlarged. The tail was less altered. The LED rear lights were slightly enlarged and the upper end now protrudes further in to the page. In contrast to its predecessors, the rear-view mirrors with integrated turn signals are as in the CLS on the door edges.

Rear view

Interior

Inside, the roadster gets a beledertes three- spoke steering wheel with aluminum double- strut. Also new is the instrument cluster, which although still two clearly drawn, analog dials, each with another small round instrument, has now but there is a 11.4 cm multifunction display between just these. On the instrument panel a great decorative element is now mounted, which is intended to increase the value. The central display of the navigation system with a diagonal of 17.8 cm, that is between two air vents in the cross design made ​​of aluminum, which shows bonds for the SLS AMG is now integrated into the instrument panel top. Below the screen there is a way to smooth armrest control unit, which consists of two separate compartments; above starting with the operation of the radio and the navigation system and including the air regulator. The knobs are made of aluminum. The operation of the radio and navigation system is on the one hand, located in front of the center armrest rotary and push button. Next to this is the now considerably smaller automatic transmission selector lever.

Features and Packages

Standard equipment

The SL-Class has standard ASR, ABS, BAS, ESP, the 7-speed automatic transmission 7G -Tronic Plus with a gearshift point indicator and the start -stop automatic ECO start-stop, crash-responsive Neck-Pro head restraints and six airbags - two-stage airbags for driver and front passenger, two side airbags in the seats, which protect the torso during a side impact, and two headbags in the doors that cover the lateral head impact area, on impact lifting by 85 mm active bonnet, the fatigue detection system Attention Assist, a Hill start assist, an electric parking brake and the Comand radio. From model SL 500 is the reproducing 3D multimedia system Comand that contains the voice control Linguatronic, standard. This also includes an Internet access. A direct steering with safety steering column is height and reach- adjustable and the dual-zone automatic climate control are also standard. In addition, this model is equipped with an adaptive and acting flashing brake light and the brake system called Mercedes-Benz Adaptive Brake. Also include the Headlamp Assist, Bi -Xenon headlamps with the Intelligent Light System, LED rear lights, daytime running lights and cruise control with variable speed limiter with brake intervention to Speedtronic series. In addition, include a heated rear window, heat insulating green glass, heated mirrors, rain sensor, eight speakers with front bass system, a suspension with adaptive damping system, the occupant protection system PRE-SAFE and the so-called Torque Vectoring Brake, a braking system which carries out one-sided braking intervention at the inside rear to prevent understeer, the standard specification.

Special equipment

As an option, the Active Body Control suspension, multifunction steering wheel in Leder-/Holz-Ausführung, the neck-level heating, a panoramic roof are (since December 2012 as standard ), which is available on request with Magic Sky Control, an electric wind deflector, a sixfold DVD changer and TV tuner offered. In addition, the surround sound system Harman Kardon Logic 7 with 14 speakers and an output of 600 watts and surround sound system Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG with twelve speakers, two tweeters and a total output of 900 watts, an active Park Assist and the keyless entry system Keyless - Go, which includes a hands-free and contact-free opening of the trunk and the first time in a vehicle and the same process of closing, be ordered. In addition, there are a variety of assistance systems such as Distronic Plus, Lane Keeping an active and active Blind Spot Assist and various leather upholstery, aluminum and wood trim.

Packages and special model

AMG Sports package

On request, the AMG sports package is offered, which includes a front and rear aprons and side skirts AMG design and high-sheen 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in 5- spoke design. On the technical side, vehicles differ with this package through a 10 mm lowered sports suspension, which is also deselected and a larger brake system with perforated brake discs. Inside this package differs in design and changed seats ( recallable ) piping in white Designo leather. Furthermore, the AMG sports package includes black floor mats of AMG and a perforated multifunction sports steering wheel with shift paddles.

Rear view

Special Edition 1 model

At market launch, is the special model Edition 1, which includes the AMG Sports package and is also equipped with a panoramic glass roof, offered. In the interior, dashboard, steering wheel and seats with red ( classic red ) or white (low white) designo leather are related. In addition, this package includes surround sound system Harman Kardon Logic 7, Aluminium trim, ambient lighting, and the neck-level heating.

Innovations

Front bass system

The R 231 is a new loudspeaker architecture originated. The cavities of the aluminum structure on the longitudinal member can be used as a resonance chamber for amplifiers and sound body, should lead to an improved sound. Due to the changed arrangement are in place of the midrange speakers in the door now more storage options.

Magic Sky Control

After the SLK (R 172), it will be said of Mercedes -Benz Magic Sky Control in the R 231. It is a switchable glass roof, which has its origin in the Maybach. The difference between normal glass roofs is that the Magic Sky Control keeps the heat and the sun's rays from the interior; besides, you can darken it, or variable but also brighten. In the on mode, the temperature on interior parts such as armrests by up to 10 degrees Celsius compared with conventional green glass. The roof works by the physics of a plate condenser: When a voltage is applied to the glass structure to align particles in the glass structure made so that light can pass through the glass. If the voltage remains switched off, however, the particles remain randomly oriented. Thus, the light is partially blocked, and the glass remains dark. Accordingly, the interior heats less and the air conditioning system is reduced when the roof is dark.

Specifications

Motors

With the launch end of March 2012 there are two engines to choose from, including a 3.5 -liter V6 gasoline engine with direct injection (SL 350), which has a power output of 225 kW (306 hp ) and a 4.7-liter V8 gasoline engine, which is equipped with two turbochargers and direct injection and so on an output of 320 kW ( 435 hp) (SL 500). In May, the engine range with the SL 63 AMG, the 395 kW makes (537 hp) from a 5.5-liter V8 gasoline engine with direct injection and twin turbochargers has been enhanced. In addition, in September appeared the SL 65 AMG, a 6.0-liter V12 petrol engine with twin turbochargers and an output of 463 kW ( 630 hp). As of June 2014, the 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine with direct injection and twin turbochargers replaced the SL 400 the previous entry-level engine in the SL 350 same time, the SL 63 AMG is raised in power to 430 kW ( 585 hp).

* The engine designation is encrypted as follows: M = motor, OM = oil motor, series = 3 digits, E = manifold injection, KE = port injection, DE = direct injection, ML = compressor, L = intercooler, A = exhaust gas turbocharger, red. = Reduced (r ) Power / Displacement, CB = increase

Transmission

All models are equipped with a 7- speed automatic transmission. A start -stop system is standard. The AMG models distinguish between two types of transmission: the SL 63 AMG, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission is installed, in which was the conventional torque converter replaced by a wet, running in an oil bath clutch. Thanks to its low rotational inertia, the transmission responds instantaneously and dynamically without the losses typical of a transformer. The SL 65 AMG, the transmission is AMG Speed ​​Shift Plus 7G- Tronic use. This is provided by a large spread for a much lower speed level. It is designed for maximum switching comfort but also ensures it a sporty, agile gear changes. This increase, a new fuel-economy converter, reibleistungsreduzierte bearing and the transmission oil thermal management, the efficiency of power transmission again.

Steering

All models of the R 231 series are equipped with an electromechanical Direct-Steer system with speed -sensitive power steering, also called speed-sensitive steering, which is installed by default in higher-priced Mercedes models. The translation changes over the entire steering wheel angle. As the steering wheel rotation, translation is thus direct, making the steering wheel movements when parking or when driving through a roundabout will be reduced. The turning circle is approximately eleven meters.

Landing gear

Comes standard with the R 231 a chassis with an adaptive damping system for use. This adapts the damping force of each wheel to the road conditions and driving style. This adjustment is carried out within a continuously variable damping characteristic field. The basic setting of the damping system - sporty and firm or soft comfortable - can be set by the driver. On request, the active suspension system Active Body Control is available. This is a work based on a steel suspension and electro-hydraulically controlled active suspension system that roll and pitch movements to compensate. At high speeds, the landing gear is lowered. Furthermore, two height settings are available.

Brakes

The R 231 has front over four-piston fixed caliper brakes in aluminum monobloc and rear over single-piston sliding callipers combination of aluminum. The disc brakes are inner-vented and perforated in addition to the front axle. The SL 350 has front brake discs with a diameter of 342 mm and rear 320 mm. The SL 500 located to the front and rear 360 mm 320 mm large brake discs use. The SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG comes on the front axle, a high-performance composite braking system with 390 mm diameter composite discs with six-piston fixed callipers at the rear axle it is rather 360 mm integral discs with single-piston floating calipers. On request, the ceramic high-performance composite braking system from the SLS AMG is available for these two models.

Body

Mercedes -Benz sat in the development of R 231, the goal of significantly reducing weight. The SL is the first time a bodyshell almost entirely made ​​of aluminum are used. Due to the high light-alloy content decreases their weight compared to its predecessor by around 110 kg to about 254 kg now. Furthermore, the rigidity of the vehicle is increased by the use of aluminum. With the exception of the roof frame to the windscreen, which further consists of steel, and the rear cover which is made of a mixture of plastic and steel. Through these measures, the total weight of the finished vehicle could be reduced by up to 140 kg.

By optimizing the body design and the drag coefficient was reduced. He is the SL 350- value = 0.27, which he is the most aerodynamically efficient Roadster his time.

Overall, the R 231 grew in every dimension dimensions. In the overall length of the Roadster grew compared with the predecessor model by 5.5 cm to 4.62 m, the wheelbase has been increased by 1.5 cm to 2.59 m. Both the front and the rear overhang has been increased by approximately 1.3 cm. The width of the R 231 increased by 5.7 cm to around 1.88 m. Are the side mirrors included in these calculations, so the vehicle is broadened to 2.10 m ( 3 cm). The interior was thus also greater. Overall, the interior widened by 2.8 cm.

The fully electric vario-roof of the R 231 opens and closes in less than 20 seconds. With the roof closed the trunk volume is 381 liters, just opens it, are 241 liters available.