2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 First Drive: Lighter and More Engaging, but Not Prettier

This is the biggest step we've taken from one generation to the other," says Mercedes-Benz chief engineer Juergen Weissinger, regarding the new and underfed sixth-gen Mercedes SL. With the exception of its windshield frame, which is made from high-strength steel, most of the body shell is aluminum, a Benz first. The panel behind the 17-gallon gas tank is made of even lighter magnesium. Weighing 3950 pounds, according to Mercedes, the new SL is about 270 pounds lighter than its predecessor. "It is like you've chucked out a heavyweight fighter with his luggage," notes Mercedes' aluminum-construction expert, Thomas Rudlaff. Keep Reading: 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 – First Drive Review from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

puts the internet to work for you. via task 647533