TODAY IS THE big SL-Day – today the Mercedes-Benz dealers all over Europe are starting to sell the new Mercedes-Benz SL-class. Dealers in the UK and USA must be patient until spring 2002.

All over the Continent Mercedes-Benz are celebrating their new class with VIP-parties this afternoon and tonight, of course you will find the new SL-class, but the Germans want to underline the heritage, this why you often you will find special displays of the original SL, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.

Professor Jürgen Hubbert, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler Chrysler AG, explains:
“Sporty” and “light” – SL for short – was how almost 50 years ago we introduced a car that was to become a legend: The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. It was in 1954 the “gullwing-door” model entered the series production, with the firs SL-Roadster following in 1957.
Since then, the SL name has touched the hearts of automobile enthusiasts all over the world. And phenomenon is set to continue. With the new SL we are today launching yet another dream to dynamics, its equipment exudes exclusivity and its technology once again more that deserves its “forward-looking” tag.

These days we are preparing the First Drive article of the new Mercedes-Benz. Test driver Peter Aaboe has tested the car and is now writing his article.


FACTS
SL-class launch today
· SL500
· V8 normal aspirating
· 306bhp
· 460Nm
· Launch October 2001

SL-class´ coming up
SL55AMG
· V8 – SuperCharger
· 476bhp
· 700Nm
· Launch February 2002

SL600 Biturbo
· V8 Twin turbo
· 475bhp
· 890Nm
· Launch 2003


Images
1. Do you want to buy my SL-class, asks Dr. Hans-Joachim Schöpf, Member of the Board of Management of the Mercedes-Benz and smart Business Division.
2. Mercedes-Benz SL with V8 engine and 320bhp.
3. SL-class, xenon headlamps.
4. SL-class, passenger compartment, interior, dashboard, centre console.
5. Beautiful wheels at the AMG-edition.
6. Leather interior in the coming AMG-version, launch February 2002.
7. AMG-door-handle.