Mercedes-Benz SL 500 by Graf Weckerle – Athletic elegance meets maritime attitude

The overall Graf Weckerle design concept of the 2012 SL 500 carries a maritime inspiration through both the exterior and interior of the car, many precious design details recite the sophisticated atmosphere found in marinas all over the world, giving the car an incomparable sporty and athletic yet noble appearance.

The exterior design: Forged wheels and design paintwork

In order to bring the maritime design idea to life in a present and elegant way, the Graf Weckerle design team decided to create a special version of the Collection Sport forged performance wheels. Technically the Graf Weckerle wheels feature a true lightweight multi-piece forged construction. Being machined out of a special rotation-forged titanium / aluminum alloy which is very lightweight and solid at the same time, this construction leads to a significant reduction of the unsprung masses which allows improved performance and handling.

Since all Graf Weckerle wheels are custom-machined and custom-finished to the customer´s desired specification, the creation of such special design editions like the white maritime wheels installed onto the SL is an easy task for the experienced Graf Weckerle team. A special white coating of the wheel disc is joined by polished aluminum wheel rims and chrome-plated wheel fasteners which ideally match the polished wheel center cap. The center cap has been further accented by engraving the Graf Weckerle brand logo which has been finished in white enamel.

This SL 500 has been equipped with wheels in dimension 9.0 x 20” on the front axle and 10.5 x 20” on the rear axle, the tires are 255/30 R 20 and 295/25 R 20 respectively. For the rear axle there also is a 305/25 R 20 tire option with a 11 x 20 wheel size. Wider wheels can be custom manufactured by Graf Weckerle, but installation then also requires minor bodywork. In order to finish the exterior design scheme with a final maritime touch, the SL was refined with a hand-painted Graf Weckerle Coachline with an integrated Graf Weckerle brand logo which emphasizes the car´s dynamic body. Of course, the color of the Coachline only could be Graf Weckerle navy blue.

The interior design: Elegant Leather and precious 750 gold

The interior design continues the maritime theme with the special leather color Graf Weckerle navy blue which covers almost the complete interior. The blue leather is further accented by contrasting white stitching and piping. As another noble detail, white leather ribbons have been incorporated into the upper door area.

The unchallenged highlight of the interior are the precious Graf Weckerle brand emblems which are masterfully integrated into the original seat design. They are made of pure 750 white gold. And by being 100% cast and finished by hand in a genuine jewelry technique they are taking the interior design to true haute couture level. To blend into the design scheme even better, the emblems were finished with white enamel which is carefully applied by hand. The gorgeous interior design is finished by the embroidered Graf Weckerle logos in the headrests and by the high-quality floor mats which also carry the Graf Weckerle branding.

The Graf Weckerle Manufacture is able to realize any design idea of the customers from special leather colors to completely redesigned interiors with countless personal details.

Technical Upgrades: Suspension and Performance

The Graf Weckerle Manufacture offers many approved and tested solutions for performance and suspension upgrades for various Mercedes-Benz models including the new SL type 231. This 2012 SL 500 has been equipped with progressive lowering coil springs which improve both looks and handling. An equal suspension upgrade is available for vehicles with ABC-suspension, where customers may chose the luxury option of adjusting the vehicle suspension via the steering wheel.

An engine performance kit for the SL 350 and SL 500 which will include an optimized and remapped ECU in combination with a stainless steel sports exhaust system currently is being developed by the Graf Weckerle engineers, it will be available soon, the SL 63 and SL 65 AMG engines will follow.

 

The Graf Weckerle stuff has always been unique. I have to say, I don't hate it. Can't say I'd personally choose this, but I can appreciate the effort and design that went into it. All in all, not bad!

 

I personally love the white and blue combo. Back in the days my dad had a W123 benz white exterior and dark blue interior..

Brings back good memories.

PS
A set of black wheels on this..and i would call it a day

 

Great idea.