PRESS RELEASE
Mercedes-Benz Introduces 40th Anniversary SL Roadsters
25 March 1997
Mercedes-Benz Introduces 40th Anniversary SL Roadsters Two 1998 Models and Future Concept Car Also ShownMONTVALE, N.J., March 25 -- Mercedes-Benz will commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the first 300SL Roadster by offering special limited- edition 1997 SL320 and SL500 models. Production of these exclusive models will be limited to 250 of the 40th Anniversary SL320 and 500 of the 40th Anniversary SL 500, for a total of 750 cars -- about 10 percent of annual SL sales in the United States. Both cars will be available in May. The 40th Anniversary Edition SL Roadsters will make their public debut at the New York International Auto Show, March 29 - April 6 at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan. Mercedes-Benz will also display its futuristic F200 concept car and two 1998 models, the CLK coupe and E320 wagon, which go on sale in the fall. The current Mercedes-Benz SL class carries on a tradition of high performance, high style, and luxury that spans four decades. The original 300SL roadster succeeded the famous 300SL "Gullwing" coupe in 1957 and set the precedent that the company's performance flagship should be a roadster. Like the Gullwing, the roadster was a limited-production automobile -- just 1,858 built over a seven-year period. Today, annual SL production typically reaches about 20,000 cars for worldwide sale. Each of the 40th Anniversary SL Roadsters is distinguished by special paint and interior trim not available on other SL models. Except for the instantly recognizable Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star logos front and rear, exterior badging is deleted. Both 40th Anniversary SL Roadsters feature what may be the highest-quality, softest leather upholstery in the world, called "Exquisite." In addition, the SL500 features six-spoke Evo II alloy wheels with wide, low-profile 245/45ZR-17 tires. As on all Mercedes SL models, a removable aluminum hardtop that transforms the car into a sleek coupe is standard. The 40th Anniversary SL320 is Quartz Blue metallic with a navy blue soft top. The gray leather "Exquisite" interior features royal maple wood trim, a leather/wood trimmed steering wheel and unique "40th Anniversary Roadster Edition" floormats. The 40th Anniversary Edition SL500 comes in Crimson Metallic with a black soft top. The parchment leather "Exquisite" interior features chestnut interior trim, leather/wood trimmed steering wheel and 40th Anniversary Roadster Edition floormats. Both models will be equipped with a compact disc changer and heated seats, popular options with SL buyers. Driving pleasure in the SL320 is assured by a 3.2-liter 228-horsepower inline six-cylinder engine, while the SL500 comes with a 315-horsepower 5.0-liter V8. Both engines are teamed with an electronic five-speed automatic transmission that responds to both driving conditions and individual driving styles. A body structure that's among the strongest of any open car gives the Mercedes-Benz SL a balance of world-class handling and exceptional ride comfort not usually found in a sports car. A standard safety feature on every Mercedes SL is an automatic roll bar which deploys and locks in place in a third of a second if sensors detect an impending rollover. Normally part of the rear-compartment surround structure, the padded, leather-covered bar can also be raised and lowered by a switch on the console. Door-mounted side airbags, also used on Mercedes E-, S- and SLK models, are part of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), which includes full frontal airbags and emergency tensioning retractors that tighten the seat belts in a collision. (The Mercedes SL and SLK are the only convertibles with side airbags.) Also on display at the New York Auto Show, the Mercedes-Benz F200 design concept showcases technology and styling that may be incorporated into future Mercedes production models. Key among them are a revolutionary control system to drive and steer the car and an inflatable airbag "curtain" for increased side-impact protection. Instead of a steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedals, the Mercedes-Benz F200 uses "side sticks" or joysticks. The controls can be operated from either front seat, allowing a fatigued driver to turn control over to the passenger without stopping the car. The 1998 Mercedes CLK is a new performance/luxury coupe sized between the smaller C-Class and larger E-Class sedans. While the CLK front design was influenced by E-Class, its headlights are noticeably more elliptical. Expected to be priced at about $40,000, the CLK will be one of several Mercedes models to use a new light-alloy 3.2-liter V6 engine. The 1998 Mercedes E320 wagon combines extra room and versatility with the sleek styling of the award-winning E-Class sedan. An innovative cargo floor and folding seat arrangement allow the car to carry a narrow object up to 10- feet long, such as a grandfather clock. The E320 wagon will use the new 3.2- liter V6 engine, and a new all-wheel-drive system with four-wheel traction control will be optional. The CLK and E320 wagon will be available in the fall. SOURCE Mercedes-Benz Photo available on AP PhotoExpress Network today, see PRN1 and PRN2; via NewsCom, 305-448-8411 or http://www.newscom.com; or via PressLink Online, 703-758-1740
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