The next-generation Mercedes-Benz SL will be engineered by the AMG division, according to sources in the UK.
A report from Autocar claims that development for the model has been handed over to AMG in order to give the long-standing SL range more sporting prowess. A source from Mercedes says the next-gen car will “be a vastly different proposition to today’s model”.
One key development for the new car will be the implementation of a brand new platform coined the MSA (modularen sportwagen architektur). This new platform is a development of the MRA setup that debuted beneath the skin of the W205-generation C-Class and will be produced to support varying tracks and wheelbases. Thanks to its extensive use of aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced plastic, the MSA platform will help the new SL range shed a significant amount of weight.
Additionally, it is thought that the new model will ditch the current car’s folding aluminum roof in favor of a soft-top similar to the S-Class Cabriolet. This will help save even more weight and give the car a fabric roof for the first time since 2001.
In terms of powertrains, the firm’s impending turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder will be added to the range. AMG’s twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 will continue to power the SL500 and SL63 variants while the SL65’s 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 is also set to be maintained.
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