Mercedes-AMG SL gains 2.0

The Mercedes-AMG SL has gained a new entry-level variant featuring turbocharger technology that, the firm says, is directly derived from Formula 1 . The rear-wheel-drive SL 43 is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, producing 375bhp and 354lb ft of torque. The model also benefits from a 12bhp boost from a 48V belt-driven starter-generator. As standard, the SL 43 is equipped with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger, which, Mercedes says, is a world first for a series-production vehicle. The technology, which is the same as that used on Mercedes-AMG F1 cars, adds a 4cm-thick electric motor to the turbocharger shaft. It drives the turbocharger directly, which, Mercedes claims, “significantly improves immediate response from idle speed and across the entire engine speed range.” Mercedes says it provides the SL 43 with a more dynamic driving experience, optimising acceleration and accelerator in...