GFerg

Got it from another forum. Translated to English.










Facelifted SL55 AMG now comes with 517-horsepower and a factory claimed 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds.

At first glance, you might be dissapointed with the visual changes. It may take more than one glance to finally spot the updates that distinguish the new SL55 AMG from the old one.

Mercedes focused more on interior updates. The cockpit features more chrome, carbon and there's paddle shifts on the steering wheel now - made out of aluminum. A new race-timer for track use is featured inbetween the tachometers. The materials feel high quality, but some of the new design elements don't look too good. The new digital clock, COMAND screen and the blue colored lights behind the instruments don't seem to fit together so well visually.

Not the new N/A 6.3 V8 is under the hood, but the "old" 3-valve supercharged V8 - now with better breathing abilities and higher RPM's. Power rises to 517-hp from 500-hp. Torque is bumped up to 720 Nm (531 lb/ft) from 700 Nm. Performance is improved because of these changes. Instead of 4.7 seconds, MB now claims a 4.5 second 0-100 km/h time. Top speed is still limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

Even more impressive than the power is the sportier drive. The steering feel is 7% more direct than before and works splendidly. The newly improved high-performance brakes work better than before. ABC is tuned for more agile handling and reduces body roll considerably by up to 60%.

Those want it extreme can order the SL55 AMG with a Performance Package. This includes a stiffer suspension, bigger brakes, 19" rims, a rear differential blocker with 30% blocking effciency and an extra engine oil cooler - as well as a different front body kit with improved air flowing abilities. With these extras, it is said the SL55 AMG can easily break the 300 km/h (188 mph) barrier.

The more expensive SL65 AMG now makes less sense, especially since the new SL55 AMG is so close in terms of initial performance. The lighter weight of the V8 compared to the V12 means better handling for the SL55 AMG. We also found the supercharged V8 to be a tad more responsive than the biturbo V12

Unlike the SL500, the SL55 AMG uses only 5-speeds, but that's no problem since the torque reserves - which are best available between 2,600 - 4,000 RPM work well with the 5-speed automatic. Incredibly satisfying is the experience when the transmission is set to M-Mode. Here the transmission will keep the selected gear all the way until the redline - and not shift up automatically unless the driver manually changes the gears.

At first we thought of the SL55 AMG as a fit man in a jogging suit, but underneath all that beauty lies a super sports car. The engine is a dream for one. The amount of torque it sends to the rear wheels is too much - even the 285 sized Pirelli tires have a hard time coping.

In order for the electronics not to ruin the driving fun, you can turn off the ESP. Light steering input can cause the SL to want to break out, which can be corrected by light input in the opposite direction. Never before has driving been so easy. Our road test took place in Mallorca, Spain, where the streets are especially dusty and slippery. A light touch of the accelerator can have a big impact...

But even on this deadly pavement, the SL55 AMG remains a reliable partner. Steering and brakes all feel capable and offer enough feedback. The optimized ABC suspension works perfectly well for a good overall impression of the car. So, those who have € 133,980 to spend will get a car that is heaps of fun, an SL55 AMG. It can be a coupe and a convertible at the same time, a roadster in other words. The RWD layout and the powerful engine combined make for some fun drifts...

Overclocker

A great car just got better. And that's one awesome pic!

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

That's right up there on a short list of cars I'd LOVE to own. <drool>

TXSTYLE

iTrader: (1)

This car is nearly flawless!

TheRupp

...minus the quality. Hopefully that gest better

I don't see the facelift..?

Edit: Nevermind, they're interior changes, yet they didn't give us any interior pics. Gotcha.

Gojirra99

Yup, rated among the top 3 least reliable convertible by consumers report . . . but most people who can afford to buy this as a second or third car probably willing to put up with that.
There are external changes but they are subtle ones that most people won't notice, the front facia, lights, grill, bumper & the taillights etc. are all different.
Here they are for you to compare them. Here's the SL55 before facelift :

Gojirra99

This is the new SL55 after facelift :

LexFather

I'd hit both old or new SL with no rubber

whoster

ooooh i love them kompressor 55 engines...




the SL is just...sex.

and then some more sex.

TheRupp

Holy $#&* that's hot! I'd hit it over and over and over again!

And thanks Andrew now I can see the difference