The brief for the R230, begun in 1996, was to be lighter, faster, roomier and more appealing than ever. It succeeded, even though at launch the SL500 was still a hefty 400kg heavier than a Porsche 996. The design team under boss Peter Pfeiffer achieved styling that didn't just look sleek, it really was, with a drag coefficient of just 0.29.
Pioneering features included the first roadcar application of Merc's Sensotronic Braking System (SBS): removing any physical connection between pedal and pads was a big step, but it saved weight and enabled the ECU to link with suspension sensors to allocate braking to each wheel. It also led to a costly recall when issues arose. Active Body Control (ABC) combined conventional spring/dampers with a hydraulic servo to manage roll, with switchable modes. The folding 'Vario' roof used 11 hydraulic cylinders to operate in 16 secs; a Panorama glass roof was a desirable extra. The seats could be heated, cooled and massaging, but there was no longer a rear bench, just lockable boxes.
Autocar applauded the superb automatic 'box, devoid of paddles or buttons, and the sharp, accurate steering, saying: 'The technology just refuses to allow the car to roll in corners.'
This story is from the June 2024 edition of Classic & Sports Car.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2024 edition of Classic & Sports Car.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
RAY HILLIER
Double-chevron oddity proves a break from the norm for this Crewe specialist
SHORT BACK & GLIDES
Eccentric enthusiast Captain RG McLeod's series of Manx-tailed Bentley Specials reached its zenith with this unique S2 Continental.
People's choice
The diminutive but multi-million-selling Fiat 850 packed a remarkable diversity of form and function into its compact footprint
PLASTIC BREAKS FROM THE NORM
Glassfibre revolutionised niche car-body production, but just occasionally strayed into the mainstream.
A SENSIBLE SUPERCAR
The cleverly conceived four-seater Elite secured Lotus a place at the big players' table, but has it been unfairly maligned since then?
"I had a habit of grabbing second place from the jaws of victory"
From dreams of yachting glory to the Le Mans podium, via a stint at the top of the motorsport tree, Howden Ganley had quite the career
Still going strong
Herbert Engineering staked its reputation on the five-year warranty that came with its cars. A century on, this Two Litre hasn't made a claim
One for the kids
General Motors was aiming squarely at the youth market with the launch of the Pontiac GTO 60 years ago, and its runaway success popularised the muscle-car movement
A NEW BREED OF HERO
Launched at the turn of the millennium, the GT3 badge has already earned a place alongside RS, CS and turbo in Porsche lore.
Brits with SIX appeal
The straight-six engine is synonymous with a decades-long legacy of great British sports cars. Six variations on the sextet theme convene for comparison
