Entry-level roadster will be first and only version of new Mercedes-AMG SL available here this year
The entry-level four-cylinder rear-wheel drive 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 43 has been revealed and confirmed as the only version of the all-new 2+2-seat roadster to arrive in Australia this year – in the fourth quarter.
Developed by AMG as a dedicated AMG model for the first time, the new-generation R232-series Mercedes-AMG SL was revealed in October 2021 in 4.0-litre biturbo V8-powered 55 (350kW/700Nm) and 63 (430kW/800Nm) 4MATIC+ guises.
But neither of them – nor the expected SL 63 S E Performance range-topper, which along with AMG’s new GT Coupe sister model should borrow its 620kW/1400Nm plug-in hybrid powertrain from the flagship GT 4-Door 63 S E Performance super-sedan – have yet been confirmed for Australia.
However, if you’re still with us, the big news here is the SL 43’s ‘world-first’ electrified turbocharger, which is derived directly from Formula 1 and applied to the record-breaking four-cylinder AMG engine also seen in the A 45, CLA 45 and GLA 45.
Billed as the world’s first application of an electric exhaust gas turbocharger in a production vehicle, it differs from the electrically-driven compressor that debuted in the Audi SQ7 because it remains a traditional exhaust gas-driven turbo with electrical assistance.
The e-turbo was developed with Garrett and is powered by a 48-volt electric motor bolted onto the compressor shaft. Designed to eliminate the effects of turbo lag, it spools up the turbine wheel before exhaust gases take over, allowing the turbo to deliver maximum boost if required across almost the entire rev range.
Working in tandem with a belt-driven 48-volt starter-generator that adds an extra 10kW of power as part of a mild-hybrid system, it delivers peak power of 280kW at 6750rpm and 480Nm of torque over 3250-5000rpm.
Those outputs are less than the 310kW/500Nm peaks of the same 2.0-litre conventionally-turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the A/CLS/GLA 45, but the same technology will be employed to help produce up to 520kW in the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C 63 four-cylinder.
Combined with an e-turbo and a 150kW electric motor as part of a plug-in hybrid system, AMG says its first four-cylinder C 63 – with a longitudinally mounted version of the record-breaking M139 engine – will produce at least 480kW.
Instead of the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission seen in the transverse-engined A/CLA/GLA 45s, the rear-drive SL 43 (and presumably the next C 63) employs an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G nine-speed automatic transmission with wet multi-disc start-off clutch.
Mercedes-AMG claims the downsized powertrain can still accelerate the new SL 43 to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds, making is slower than the SL 55 (3.9sec) and SL 63 (3.6sec), while its 275km/h top speed is also down (295 and 315km/h respectively), but it’s a lot more efficient at 8.9-9.4L/100km.
Aside from its advanced powertrain, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 43 is differentiated from V8-powered all-wheel drive versions of the new SL by less aggressive front and rear bumpers, round exhaust outlets and 19-inch wheels, although 20- and 21-inch alloys will be available in Europe.
Other SL 43 options – at least in Germany – will include rear-wheel steering and AMG’s Dynamic Plus package, which brings a 10mm-lower ride height, dynamic engine mounts, an electronic rear differential and yellow AMG brake callipers.
However, like all new R232 SLs, the entry variant will come standard with Mercedes’ latest twin-screen MBUX infotainment system including 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, AMG adaptive ride control, composite brake rotors with six-piston front callipers, active aerodynamics, an electric soft-top and aluminium chassis construction.
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Keyword: Mercedes-AMG SL 43 revealed with F1 tech