Why does Benz have a SL 55, SL 600, SL 65? | FerrariChat

Why does Benz have a SL 55, SL 600, SL 65?

Discussion in 'Other Off Topic Forum' started by DropGems, Feb 20, 2004.

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  1. DropGems

    DropGems Formula Junior

    Nov 4, 2003
    407
    Atlantic City, NJ
    They're all so similar why do they have 3 cars that are so much alike? They're all heavy, look the same and have tons of power. I know the sl 55 is supposed to be the sporty version as opposed to the sl 600's more luxury version but why the upcoming SL 65? Anyone else curious about this?
     
  2. DrStranglove

    DrStranglove FChat Assassin
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Oct 31, 2003
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    DrS
    Simply put, it is a way to make more money.


    DrS
     
  3. writerguy

    writerguy F1 Veteran

    Sep 30, 2003
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    NewRotic
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    Otto
    ditto dr s
     
  4. noony

    noony F1 Veteran

    Nov 25, 2003
    5,903
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    Johnathan
    Don't forget the SL350.

    I say, why not.
     
  5. Schnelles Fraulein

    Apr 1, 2003
    193
    Long Island, NY
    Full Name:
    Schnelles Fraulein
    and the SL 500 of course..
     
  6. Noelrp

    Noelrp Formula Junior

    Aug 30, 2001
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    Noel
    It's for the same reason BMW makes 525, 530, 540, & M5....more power
     
  7. Enzo

    Enzo F1 Rookie

    Feb 14, 2002
    4,088
    MinneSOta
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    Pat Pasqualini
    SL 55 is the AMG version of the SL500
    SL 500 is the 8 cyl
    SL 600 is the 12 cyl
    SL 65 is the AMG 12 cyl
     
  8. Senna1994

    Senna1994 F1 World Champ
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    Nov 11, 2003
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    Anthony T
    To appeal to a different type of Customer. Although I think the SL65 is a bit overboard.
     
  9. Mitch Alsup

    Mitch Alsup F1 Veteran

    Nov 4, 2003
    9,252
    They have several engines, and design the front engine bay to be big enough for the biggest one, but small enough that the smallest engine does not seam out of place. THis gives them freedom to drop in whatever engine the customer is demanding and chargine accordingly.

    Then on top of this basic mix, they own a subsidiary that does bore, stroke, and hot rod jobs on their standard engine architectures; charging accordingly.

    The real issue is why other manufactures don't do likewise?

    Imagine a 360 Maranello ($150 super GT), or a 612 Modena! ($250 superCar)
     
  10. Prugna 328

    Prugna 328 Formula 3

    Sep 10, 2003
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    Gregory
    Kind of sounds like whats been going on with car companies for a long time. How about 69 Roadrunner 383/335HP, 69 Roadrunner 440 Six Pak/390HP or a 69 Roadrunner 426 HEMI/425 HP. Same car, diff. set ups. Or Camaros. I don't know my Chevys that well but I know they have come with 6Cyls., 302, 307, 327, 350, 396, 402, and 427s.
     
  11. judge4re

    judge4re F1 World Champ

    Apr 26, 2003
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    Dr. Dumb Ass
    I think this one's going to back fire on them soon. Eventually, people are going to say, "you want how much for an SL?" They're going to make too many of them and they'll depreciate quick.
     
  12. hps

    hps Formula Junior

    Nov 3, 2003
    338
    Canada
    Because they are Mercedes, and because they can ?
     
  13. bostonmini

    bostonmini Formula 3

    Nov 8, 2003
    1,890
    well, if they are already making a 65AMG engine, and it drops RIGHT IN as Mitch said, why not do it, even if it gets one more customer? speaking of which, that car is supposed to around 180K I heard...a lot for an SL! Might outgun an SLR, thats the question, where is that cars place, especially if they make the convertible? Moreover, why do they switch to new engines (4 valve-3 valve-4 valve, NA-supercharged-turbo-NA?)
     
  14. Seth

    Seth Formula 3

    Feb 8, 2004
    1,551
    Texas
    mercedes is coming out with the AMG 65 series engines because the basic, mercedes V-12's were out powering and performing the AMG's... and AMG is to be the fastest of the fleet, so with the V-12 AMG its should be better than the SL600 performance wise.... also the SL600 is more of a cruser, and less sporty...

    so far the only other AMG V-12's out there are in the Zondas, and they are very, very nice....
     

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