While the 300 SL of the 1950s was unquestioningly a sports car and the seed of the now 60-year-old SL line, some would argue that in later years the SL roadster drifted away from its sport car roots. Over time, the SL roadster became more luxurious and feature laden and along with that heavier and perhaps less “sporty.” However, the all-new 2013 roadster heralds a return to the ancestral sporting roots of the SL.
At the heart of this reborn SL is a new aluminum body, which is not only 300-lbs lighter than its predecessor, but also 20% torsionally more rigid. This combination of weight reduction and increased stiffness translates into a vehicle that is far more nimble and quick than any SL roadster in recent memory.
Become a Member & Get Ad-Free Access To This Article (& About 6,000+ More)
Access to the full article is limited to paid subscribers only. Our membership removes most ads, lets you enjoy unlimited access to all our premium content, and offers you awesome discounts on partner products. Enjoy our premium content.