09 Apr MERCEDES-AMG SL43 ROADSTER

Seven Formula One championships in nine years are beginning to pay dividends for Mercedes customers with the Mercedes-AMG SL43 roadster. The entry-level droptop is getting a new engine for 2022 with F1-inspired technology in the form of an electric turbocharger powered by a 48-volt electrical system. Turbochargers are notorious for lag — the time between pressing the throttle and the turbo making max boost pressure — in contrast to the better throttle response of naturally-aspirated engines. This innovative system uses an electric motor to spool the turbo, giving SL43’s four-cylinder the power of a larger engine without the weight and low efficiency. The system is good for 381 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, giving the SL43 a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 170 MPH. The only downside is that Mercedes hasn’t announced whether the car will be coming to the North American market.

curated by ozzie small