Mercedes unveils the new SL400

A day after blitzing the field with its impressive V6 turbo in a really quite thrilling Bahrain GP comes the news that Mercedes is replacing the SL350's engine with... a V6 turbo. Meet the new SL400.

The new-number SL gets a new engine in the shape of a biturbo, 3.0-litre V6, here producing 333bhp and 354lb ft of torque - 27bhp and 81lb ft more than the SL350 it replaces.

It's got direct injection utilizing spray-guided combustion, Piezo injectors that enable up to five injections per power stroke (steady at the back), and multi-spark ignition. This system, while allowing for up to four sparks per millisecond, also allows us to use the world plasma; it creates a plasma with a larger spatial expansion, we're told.

Which is all very interesting, but we're sure you want to know how this new found engine translates into Things You Can Argue About With Friends: 0-62mph in the new SL400 takes 5.2 seconds, while top speed sits at 155mph.

Outside of the engine stuff, there's a new ‘Frontbass' audio system that turns the SL400 into a ‘concert hall', while the Magic Vision Control wash-wipe system takes water from the wiper blade to the windscreen. Snazzy.

No confirmation on UK prices, but it'll go on sale in Germany with a tag of €97,282.50 (inclusive of Germany's 19 per cent VAT). That's around £80,500.

While SL400 undoubtedly sounds cooler than SL350, we're sure the Merc you're really waiting for is the upcoming, 911-rivalling AMG GT. We've got more on that car at the link below...

Merc's 911 rival is coming this year: full story