subject: Mercedes SLS Parts Revisited [print this page] Author: John Triggerman Author: John Triggerman
In the 1950's, the war was over and the American economy was on the upswing. The future looked so promising and customers were in the lookout for something new and exciting, so a race car can best match the enthusiasm of the generated interests. Mercedes responded with the Mercedes Benz 300 SL in early 1954, and it became an icon of design and innovation. Its doors were hinged at the roof and when opened, looked like the outstretched wings of a seagull. Given the name 'Gullwing' for its authentic upward-opening doors, the Mercede SLS was the first ever car to be equipped with the fuel injection technology. This doubled the engine's power from 115 hp to 240 hp and helped the Gullwing achieve a top speed of 260 km/h, making it the fastest production car of the period.
Following the success of the Gullwing on many racing circuits, Mercedes Benz decided to create a luxury sports car class based on it. Minus the Gullwing doors, the body style remained as a 2-door coupe convertible with a hard roof that can be retracted into the lower body frame. Body styling emphasized aerodynamics, given the nature of the Gullwing as a race car. This also attracted more buyers as the body styling at the time dislayed aggresiveness, and a curvilinear form. Owing it to its origins of technical wonder, Mercedes SLS parts prides of precision steering, and independent suspension, allowing a better drive control and ease of use. The class was named SL which stood for Sport Light.
In 1957, the Mercedes 300 SL roadster rolled out of the assembly lines. A similar looking line 190 SL was also started. The 190 SL had a 105 hp engine and enjoyed a bigger production than the 300 SL, selling a total of 25,881 units. Both W198 models were discontinued in 1963, replaced by the "pagoda-roof" W112 models. Cars of this line sported advanced Mercedes SL parts like a fuel-injected, six-cylinder engine and lightweight aluminum fittings. All models were rear-wheel drive and equipped with independent rear suspension. Many early models came with both a retractable hard top and a soft top, but there were also versions such as the "California Coupe" that only had hardtop configurations. Members of this line included the 230 SL, 250 SL, and 280 SL.
During the period between 1972 and 1989, several SL models in the R107 (Reihe series) were introduced to replace the aging W112 line. These models were a cross between the SL line and the Mercedes W114 model, carrying a small chassis with the SL's large engine. R107 was later replaced by R129, starting with R129 300 SL in 1989. A new variety of this class, the 600 SL, was most elegant and heaviest SLS ever built in history. It featured options such as a CD changer, all-leather interior, V12 engine, and other standard Mercedes SL parts. While the SL series underwent slight design modifications in 1994 and 1999, it was becoming apparent that the decades-long SL series is losing ground to its more aggressive competitors.
Mercedes SLS completely overhauled the SL line in 2001, it showcased the brand new SL which prides itself of a brand spanking new body style and elerconically controlled folding steel roof. This was followed by the 2004 Mercedes Benz SL and 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG. In the year 2005, the entire SL lineup was again given a tweak and refreshed. Mercedes SL parts for these models included automatic climate control, power steering and locks, active body control suspension, anti-theft system, and cruise control. Safety features, which Mercedes has been known for, were standard in all models.About the Author:
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