Featuring F1-derived turbocharged technology, the AMG SL Roadster is available in four-cylinder form and as a 2+2 for the first time this century. Introduced here with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine which has proven itself in other AMG models, such as the incredible A45 S. There are obvious differences between the entry level hatch and in the SL 43, which is fitted with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger. AMG have developed a new rigid aluminium platform (Modular Sports Architecture) which will underpin other models including the GT. A Formula 1 inspired E-Performance hybrid with an electric power unit at the rear axle will follow, the markets for which are yet to be confirmed.
Starting price is expected to be around €238,395 for the Mercedes-AMG 43 381hp version. There will be two 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engines to choose from with either 476hp or 585hp. Both will nip from 0 to 100 km/h in under four seconds. In order to get all that power down, fully variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive will come as standard.
Its predecessor’s folding hard-top has been replaced by a soft-top hood, which is 21kg lighter and takes 15 seconds to open & close electronically at speeds of up to 55km/h. The finely sculptured seats with integrated headrests, and heated ‘air scarf’ continue to feature in the open top Roadster. The boot capacity is only 213 litres with the roof folded down, with the only extra luggage space in the cabin itself.
The infotainment comes in the form of a centrally mounted 11.9-inch touchscreen, the angle of which can be altered to suit the lighting conditions (e.g. when avoiding stray sunlight when the roof is lowered). The system is similar to the latest S-Class, with crisp graphics and multi functionality.
