Two very desirable cabrio cars and only one you can have in your garage.
The Mercedes-Benz SL nameplate is an icon and a brand new model has recently been unveiled. For almost 70 years, the distinctive sports car has delighted Mercedes customers of every generation around the world. With the rebirth of the roadster from Mercedes-AMG, the new SL more than ever remains the symbol of this timeless fascination.
The high-quality combination of analogue world and state-of-the-art digital equipment makes it clear that the new SL is the rebirth of an icon for the modern era”, says Philipp Schiemer, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
“With the new SL, we have created a repositioning of the iconic SL design. The expressively modelled exterior conveys a light and purist impression and brings sensual beauty and extravagant design into perfect harmony”, says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler Group.
“We at Mercedes-AMG consider it a great honour to have had the privilege to develop the new edition of this sports car icon. When we were tasked with the overall development of the new SL, we were able to start from scratch without building on an existing structure.
We are proud of the result, which once again demonstrates the high level of engineering expertise in Affalterbach. The new 2+2 concept combines agile driving dynamics with a high level of comfort and unrestricted suitability for everyday use”, says Jochen Hermann, Chief Technical Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
At market launch, the new SL starts with two output levels of the AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine. The engines are assembled purely by hand at the company’s site in Affalterbach according to the “One Man, One Engine” principle.
In the top model SL 63 4MATIC+ the engine develops 585hp and provides a maximum torque of 800 Nm over a wide rev range from 2500 to 4500 rpm. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h takes only 3.6 seconds, the top speed is 315 km/h.
In the SL 55 4MATIC+, the V8 unit develops an output of 476hp and a peak torque of 700 Nm. The sprint from standstill to 100 km/h takes 3.9 seconds, the top speed is 295 km/h.
The selling price has not yet been shared as yet and the possible price will start from 95,000 euros or so (about RM456,000 before taxes and delivery), making it slightly lower than its immediate rival, the 911 drop-top.
What about the other brand from Stuttgart?
Then you have the classic 911 cabrio. Launched in 2019, this Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet offered unfiltered driving pleasure. The fresh-air version of the eighth 911 generation arrived just four months after the world premiere of the 911 Coupé. Selling price in Germany is from 118,000 to 130,000 euros (which is about RM567,000 to RM625,000 before taxes and handling).
The Cabriolet is a model with particular importance for the sports car manufacturer: this is because the first Porsche sports car, the 356 “No. 1” Roadster from 1948, was an open-top car. Its convertible top was made of simple canvas. Full-featured Cabriolet versions have also enhanced the 911 family since 1982 – and have been equipped with electrically operated high-tech roofs since 1987.
The new Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet is equipped with the most technically advanced roof design that Porsche has to offer. The electrohydraulic system is now even lighter and closes the fabric hood in just twelve seconds, and can even do this while driving up to speeds of 50 km/h. The integrated wind deflector also extends electrically in two seconds and calms the air movement in the interior.
The new Cabriolet offers pure pleasure even when the top is closed: the squat roofline mirrors the unmistakable silhouette of the Coupé. At the same time, special magnesium panel bows prevent the soft top from ballooning when driving at high speed and also offer optimum protection for the vehicle occupants.
The heated glass rear window improves all-round visibility, while the automatic roll-over protection system increases safety. An additional layer made of heat- and noise-insulating material ensures comfort in all weather.
The turbocharged three-litre flat-six in the new 911 GTS delivers 480 PS. Maximum torque is 570 Nm, an increase of 20 Nm over its predecessor. Zero to 100 km/h takes just 3.3 seconds with the eight-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK): three tenths faster than its predecessor.
Which to buy tomorrow?
Well, both drop top cars are very sexy and very beautifully executed. Performance figures are also rather close, with the Porsche edging ahead a little. The selling prices will also be very close once they arrive in Malaysian showrooms.
So, it all boils down to the brand image and vehicle design that persuades your purchase decision.
