· MB SL 600 with V12 power will be launched in Detroit
· V12 bi-turbo powerplant
· 500 hp and 800 Nm
· Superlative performance and exclusive luxury appointments
· The SL legend started 50 years ago in the Panamericana rally

WE ONLY HAVE to wait another month for the fastest Mercedes-Benz SL. At the 2003 Detroit show MB will launch the new SL 600 with the 500 hp and 800 Nm V12 bi-turbo engine.

A look under the bonnet reveals a technological tour de force in the shape of the newly developed Mercedes 12-cyl. engine. Equipped with two turbochargers, an air/water intercooler, three-valves per cylinder, twin-spark AC ignition and other high-tech innovations, the new unit is one of the most advanced car engines in the world.

And one of the most powerful in its class, too: the V12 engine has an output of 500 hp and maximum torque of 800 Nm, which is available from just 1800 rpm and remains on tap at a constant level all the way up to 3600 rpm.

With figures like these, it is clear that the SL 600 has ample resources to cope with every driving situation. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.7 seconds and polishes off the 60 to 120-km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

The external cues, which identify the SL 600, comprise a radiator grille with discreet chrome elements, silver-painted brake callipers, V12 emblems on the side air intakes and bi-xenon headlamps. The light-alloy wheels, which are fitted as standard, are distinguished by their exclusive rim design. At the front, the sports car is equipped with 255/40 R 18 tyres, while the rear wheels have 285/35 R 18 tyres.

THE THEME OF refinement and enjoyment is also picked up by the exceptionally high level of standard equipment in the new top-of-the-range SL-Class Roadster. Based on the features found in the already luxurious SL 500, it includes interior appointments such as ruffled leather, embossed V12 emblems on the head restraints, soft-texture floor mats with chrome-coloured lettering as well as an elegant wood/leather steering wheel and a wood/leather automatic transmission selector lever.

The COMAND system, a CD changer and a sound system are also standard equipment in the new twelve-cylinder sports car from Mercedes-Benz.
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FACTS
· New MB SL 600
· V12-engine
· Bi-turbo
· 500 hp and 800 Nm
· 0-100 km/h: 4.7 sec.
· Maximum speed: 250 km/h (governed)