Then, after a second vote, the finalists are going to be declared at November’s Los Angeles Auto Show. The third-generation Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is the first production car of the corporate philosophy of adVANce, first presented at the concept van at the 2016 Hanover Motor Show. At the car's introduction during late 2001 (in Europe) and early 2002 badged as a 2003 model (in North America), the only version of the car available was the SL500 with 302 horsepower on tap from its 5.0-liter, 32-valve, DOHC V8. However the SL500 is hardly the ultimate R230. The state of the SL art now resides in what is known as "R230" inside Mercedes. Steering feel has improved on both versions though it's now electrically assisted, and the performance gulf has grown more sharp, with non-AMG versions setting a relaxed but controlled pace, and tuned versions almost eradicating body roll and really, any passivity.
The all-new R129 generation of SLs, introduced during 1989 to Europe and in early 1990 to North America, was clearly more contemporary and handsome than the outgoing car, but they were just as clearly an evolution of the species. The chassis slides over uneven roads with far more grace than before, this is a very comfortable car, with none of the harshness and forced sportiness that characterizes many other Audi models. At 382 hp, the SL550 boasted 80 ponies more than before, dropping the "entry-level" SL's 0-to-60 time to just 5.3 seconds. Although the style of this generation SL was wearing well, after six years it was time for an update, so for 2009 it received one. There's a CLS 550 with a downsized 4.6-liter twin-turbo V-8 with 402 horsepower and a paddle-shifted seven-speed automatic, good for 0-60 mph times of about 5.0 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph; it also comes with all-wheel drive as the CLS 550 4MATIC. The performance version, the CLS 63 AMG, fits a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission under the polarizing body, for 518 horsepower, a 0-60 mph time of as low as 4.3 seconds, and a top speed as high as 186 mph.
Although the V12 offers more torque than the supercharged V8 (590 pound-feet versus 516), Mercedes claims 4.5-second 0-60 times for both cars, leading one to question why the company bothered to build them both. Using a folding hardtop like the SLK's, the new SL is the first one since the original Gullwing not offered with a canvas roof of some sort. This brand enjoys the reputation of being one of the safest cars in the world and it has been regarded as such since the first one was introduced. A Mercedes Benz is one of those luxury cars that begs to be driven and often requires a warranty of some sort. The model you choose may depend on the size of your deliveries or the location in which you work, but reliability should be your number one priority. It was very much like having two original 300SL engines under one hood.
Inside, the first-generation CLS instrument panel was much like that elsewhere in the Mercedes lineup. Just like last year, only three candidates were named in this category. For the 2004 model year, Mercedes unleashed the new SL600, also generating 493 horsepower but from a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V12. Within months of its introduction, Mercedes released the SL55 AMG, which put a supercharger on the SL500's motor to boost power to an astounding 493 horsepower. In recent years, the company has also made a move to the water, as Mercedes-Benz Style has released an exquisite luxury yacht. The roofline's aggressive tapering drew the biggest contrast with the E-Class, diminishing back seat space in the name of style. Mercedes claims there are no less than 1,700 possible combinations of powertrain and body style. It also packed every technology Mercedes could conceive, including airbags to protect the head and thorax in side impacts, Active Body Control (ABC) to keep body roll in check around turns, Sensotronic electronic braking control and Distronic radar-controlled cruise control.
