Stuttgart/Affalterbach
– The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, which is about to celebrate
its world premiere on 15 September 2009 at the International Motor Show
(IAA) in Frankfurt/Main, embodies a blend of consummate automotive
fascination and high tech.
The super sports car delivers
a compelling mix of purist styling, consistent lightweight design and
superior driving dynamics. At the same time, the SLS fully lives up to
all the expectations of hallmark Mercedes everyday practicality and
optimum safety. In essence, the new 'Gullwing' offers the ideal
synthesis of the strengths of Mercedes-Benz and AMG. The new super
sports car from Mercedes-Benz and AMG makes for an alluring proposition
with its unrivalled technology package: aluminium spaceframe body with
gullwing doors, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine developing 420 kW/
571 hp peak output, 650 Nm of torque and dry sump lubrication,
seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in a transaxle configuration,
sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones and a kerb weight of
1620 kilograms based on the DIN standard – this superlative
combination guarantees driving dynamics of the highest order. The ideal
front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent and the vehicle's
low centre of gravity are testimony to the uncompromising sports car
concept. The 'Gullwing' accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds,
before going on to a top speed of 317 km/h (electronically limited).
The fuel consumption of 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres (combined) puts
it at the front of the competitive field (all figures provisional).
"Mercedes-Benz is presenting an exhilarating super sports car in the
guise of the new SLS AMG, which is bound to set the pulses of all car
enthusiasts racing that extra bit faster.
The brands Mercedes-Benz and
AMG have joined forces to create the SLS AMG – which is set
to become one of the most alluring sports cars of all time", says Dr.
Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and
Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. "Our customers will experience with the SLS
AMG the expertise of Mercedes-AMG, built up over 40 years of motor
racing. The unrivalled technology package delivers outstanding driving
dynamics coupled with moderate fuel consumption figures –
part and parcel of the modern-day AMG," says Volker Mornhinweg,
Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. "The styling of the new Mercedes-Benz
SLS AMG is not only very special because of the exclusive gullwing
doors. Our aspiration is to utilise this interpretation to create the
classic of tomorrow and roll out the most alluring sports car of the 21st century.
Our aim is also to create a new design icon, which shapes the
incomparable legend of our brand, alongside Mercedes models like the
CLS or the SL. At the same time, the new SLS paves the way for the
design philosophy of forthcoming Mercedes-Benz sports cars", says
Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz Cars.
Design: purist, distinctive and passionate
The
distinctive styling of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG enthrals with its
passionate sportiness and reinterprets the breathtaking lines of the
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL – one of the outstanding design icons of
the Mercedes-Benz brand. With its purist design the new SLS AMG
reflects the philosophy of contemporary sports car engineering: the
bonnet which measures just under two metres, the low greenhouse
positioned well to the rear and the short rear-end with an extendable
aerofoil are just as powerful a reminder of the superlative dynamism as
the long wheelbase, the wide track and the large wheels. The short
overhangs feed through into the proportions, just as does the design of
the super sports car with its low-slung front-mid engine set well back
and dual-clutch transmission in transaxle configuration. An undoubted
styling highlight comes courtesy of the gullwing doors which lend the
SLS AMG its incomparable charisma – making a unique statement
in this vehicle segment. The gullwing doors are not alone in rekindling
memories of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL; the hallmark wide radiator grille
with the large Mercedes star and the wing-shaped cross fins are a
throwback to the front-end of the sports car legend. The
three-dimensional, sculptured front-end with its low-set, swept-back
front apron set well into the sides lends the 'Gullwing' its powerful
stance on the road. Six large cooling air intakes and the vertically
arranged headlamps set well to the outside with their alluring inner
ambience provide a dominant aura: the central bi-xenon low-beam
headlamp with its metallic wing section is framed at the top by two LED
indicators and the LED daytime driving lights at the bottom.
Influences from aircraft construction
Allusions to aircraft
construction come courtesy of the prominent Mercedes star, whose
tubular section is reminiscent of the air intake on a jet engine when
viewed from the side, as well as the long bonnet: as the eye is drawn
forward, so the observer becomes more aware of the curve. The design of
the four fins with their Silver Shadow finish that adorn the two air
outlet grilles on the end of the bonnet create the same visual
impression. These aircraft-style lines also visually accelerate the air
that flows past – and make the SLS AMG appear extremely
dynamic even while stationary. The fins on the bonnet are taken up on
the vehicle flanks: the connoisseur also discovers here a hallmark
styling feature of the 300 SL. The "6.3" lettering placed between the
fins provides a clear reference to the high-displacement naturally
aspirated V8 engine. The side air outlet feeds through into a
stylistically prominent feature line, which together with the convex
flanks and the exhilarating surface treatment, combines aesthetics with
power. The compact passenger compartment proves as alluring as it is
unmistakable. With its high beltline, low side windows and steeply
angled windscreen it comes across as a kind of visor. The forward
angled B-pillar with its stylish flowing sweep to the rear window
exudes pure dynamism.
Side view dominated by muscle and shoulder
Seen from the side, the
eye is drawn to the prominent vehicle shoulder of the SLS, which
stretches like a taut muscle from the front to the rear. Distinctive
19-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear) light-alloy wheels fill the wheel
arches, which stand out prominently from the sidewall. Three different
wheel variants all provide a glimpse of the large high-performance
composite brakes. Seen from above, a prominent, uninterrupted line runs
from the muscle to the rear. This styling feature is also picked up on
the bonnet where the eye follows a distinctive contour which flows over
the roof between the gullwing doors, right through to the third brake
light.
Rear view that emphasises width
The rear view of the SLS
also exudes dynamism and power: the gently sloping boot lid emphasises
a sense of width, an impression reinforced by the prominent vehicle
shoulder and the sleek tail lights: fitted with LED technology, the
horizontally structured lighting units provide a scintillating view.
Wing-shaped LED lighting elements ensure a distinctive, enthralling
night design. The Formula-1-style LED fog lamp/reversing light is set
down low in the centre. Similarly inspired by motor racing are the
black diffuser insert and the two chromed tailpipes of the sports
exhaust system. The strikingly tapered rear apron provides an unimpeded
view of the wide rear wheels, lending the 'Gullwing' its self-assured
stance on the road. The spoiler integrated in the boot lid is
automatically deployed from a speed of 120 km/h to ensure optimum
stability at high speeds.
New colours: "AMG ALU-BEAM silver" and two matt
finishes
The colour charts for the
SLS include nine exclusive paint finishes. The highlight comes in the
shape of the unique "AMG ALU-BEAM silver" paintwork: the new, unique
process makes the paint shine like liquid metal. The paint covers the
body panels like a metallic skin, emphasises the scintillating design
lines of the 'Gullwing' more strongly than any previous paint job and
makes them even livelier by means of targeted light reflections. This
effect is made possible thanks to tiny pigments measuring between 30
and 50 nanometres. The two matt finishes "designo
magno allanite grey" and "AMG magno sylvanite grey" are just as
eye-catching: with their matt silk surface they reinforce the sporty
character of the two-seater through specific contouring of the crease
lines.
Interior with allusions to aircraft construction
and motor sports practicality
You only need to open the
gullwing doors on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and ease into the sports
seats to experience a whole new level of interior. The Mercedes-Benz
designers took their inspiration from aircraft construction when
styling the interior – immediately bringing an aircraft
cockpit to mind. The characteristic styling feature is the dashboard,
whose powerful and dramatic wing shape makes for an impression of
width. Strikingly integrated into the dashboard are the galvanised air
vents with their adjustable, cruciform nozzles and Silver Shadow finish
– their shape reminiscent of a jet's engines. The instrument
cluster with its LED upshift indicator and two white backlit dial
instruments add another decidedly sporty touch with their metallic
Silver Shadow finish. The silver dials have red needles and a 360 km/h
speedometer scale. As a central feature of the cockpit, the COMAND APS
multimedia system with its 7-inch screen is integrated between the two
centre air vents. The elongated centre console in matt metal similarly
picks up on the design theme of the aircraft cockpit. It is home to the
AMG DRIVE UNIT, which is inclined towards the SLS driver and allows
them to choose their very own vehicle setup. The E-SELECT shift lever,
whose styling recalls the thrust control of a jet, controls the AMG
SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission. All the controls are made
out of solid metal, with a high-sheen Silver Shadow surface. The
concave inner panels of the gullwing doors, the high beltline and the
powerful side sill panels round off the cockpit-like impression, while
imparting a feeling of sports car-like ergonomics. Fine materials such
as nappa leather, solid metal and (optional) genuine carbon-fibre
facings underline the pronounced "custom-built" nature of the SLS
interior, and show enormous attention to detail. Five different designo
leather colours are available to meet individual preferences: black,
classic red, sand, porcelain and light brown.
Wide-opening gullwing doors for easy entry
Despite the low sitting
position of just 369 millimetres in typical sports car fashion, the
wide-opening gullwing doors make it easy to get in and out of the
vehicle. At the design stage great attention was paid to the widest
possible opening angle – it is a full 70 degrees. Equally
importantly, the distance between the open doors and the road surface
is a generous 1.50 metres, while the entry aperture between the open
doors and the upper edge of the door sills measures no less than
1.08 metres. The entrance height, i.e. the distance between
the road surface and the upper edge of the door sills is a very low 45
centimetres. As another important criterion for dignified access and
egress, two gas-pressure struts positioned next to the door hinges
require only very little pressure when opening and closing the doors
– even at very low ambient temperatures. The gullwing doors
require less opening space than conventional coupé doors,
and can be fully opened in a normal garage. The door is opened from
inside by a handle finished in Silver Shadow. The grip section of the
armrest moulded into the interior door panel ensures problem-free door
closing. The operating buttons for the power windows, central locking
system and exterior mirror adjustment are also located in the interior
door panels for easy access. The feeling of comfortable spaciousness is
in large measure due to the generous shoulder-room of 1483 millimetres
and elbow room of no less than 1606 millimetres. In conjunction with
the generous maximum headroom of 990 millimetres and effective legroom
for the driver of 1058 millimetres, the result is a low but extremely
relaxed seating position. At the same time the intentionally steep
angle of the windscreen ensures good all-round visibility for the
passengers.
Sports seats with magnesium backrests
The sports seat backrests
are made from magnesium, a high-tech material that combines light
weight with high strength. This leads to significant advantages where
weight distribution and a low centre of gravity are concerned. The
sports seats feature so-called two-zone seat cushions. Prominent side
bolsters with a harder foam filling provide optimal lateral support,
while the inner areas of the seat cushion and backrest are softer for a
high level of comfort on long journeys. In conjunction with the Memory
package (optional), the fore-and-aft position, seat height, backrest
angle, squab angle and steering column are electrically adjustable;
three individual settings can also be stored. Four-way lumbar supports
reliably protect the lower spine, while adjustable side bolsters in the
backrests effectively improve lateral support on fast bends.
Three-stage seat heating and seat occupancy/child seat recognition in
the passenger seat are also standard equipment. The sports seats with
integrated head restraints and sporty transverse fluting are
upholstered in designo leather – and
two-tone seats are also available in classic red, sand and porcelain.
If light brown is chosen as an interior colour, the sports seats are
upholstered in natural leather with particularly high-quality woven
leather on the centre seat panels. Depending on the colour combination,
fluorescent or black piping provides another sporty touch. The
Performance leather steering wheel in a three-spoke design has a
365-millimetre rim with a flattened lower section, shift paddles and a
metal insert, underlining the authentic custom-built look and ensuring
the best possible vehicle control.
A host of stowage space for hallmark Mercedes
day-to-day suitability
The interior of the SLS
AMG also impresses with the practical stowage space that makes for the
day-to-day suitability typical of a Mercedes. The 3.7-litre glove
compartment with a spectacles section is integrated into the dashboard
on the passenger side. To the right of the E-SELECT shift lever there
is a small stowage tray with a 12 V socket, or an ashtray with cigar
lighter. The armrest behind the centre console not only serves to
operate the COMAND Controller: at the touch of a button, the armrest
can be moved in two stages to reveal a stowage compartment underneath.
This has two cupholders and the telephone cradle (optional), and a
holder for the ignition key in the rear section. Other items can be
stowed on the rear wall between the seats and in the parcel net in the
passenger footwell. Two fixed clothes hooks are attached to the seat
backrests, while those in the roof liner fold down and are
silicon-insulated. The button to unlock the boot lid is located
underneath the light switch. Alternatively the boot can be opened using
the ignition key. The luggage compartment can hold up to 176 litres. A
made-to-measure luggage set is available as an option, which enables
the boot space to be used to full advantage.
Overview of the comprehensive standard equipment
for the SLS (selection):
COMAND APS
Cord floor mats with AMG logo
Interior appointments in designo
leather
Anti-theft warning system
Electric parking brake
Headlamp Assist
KEYLESS-GO start function
PARKTRONIC
Rain sensor
Reversing camera
Heated sports seats
Sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with
rubber studs
Cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC
THERMOTRONIC
Optional extras include the following:
6-disc DVD changer
Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround
sound system
Anti-theft alarm system with tow-away
protection and interior monitoring
Interior appointments in designo
single-tone Exclusive leather
Interior appointments in designo
two-tone Exclusive leather
Interior appointments in designo
Exclusive light brown natural leather/woven leather
Paintwork "AMG ALU-BEAM silver"
Paintwork "AMG magno sylvanite grey"
Paintwork "designo magno
allanite grey"
Media interface
Memory package with electric seat and steering
wheel adjustment
Performance sports steering wheel in Alcantara®/leather
The AMG Performance Studio also enables even the
most discerning individual customer requirements for the SLS AMG to be
met:
Carbon-fibre exterior mirrors
Carbon-fibre engine compartment cover
Carbon-fibre trim (front stowage tray and rear
stowage compartment incl. lid, AMG DRIVE UNIT surround, surrounds for
the centre console, shiftgate and rear, trim strips for centre console
and door armrests
Interior Carbon Package (carbon-fibre trim,
trim on seat backrest and side, door sill panels)
Performance suspension with a stiffer setup
for optimised lateral dynamics
10-spoke forged wheels
Sports bucket seats
Aluminium spaceframe for lightweight design and
outstanding strength
The SLS is also breaking
the mould when it comes to the body concept: for the first time,
Mercedes-Benz and AMG are presenting a car with an aluminium chassis
and body. Compared with the traditional steel design, this results in a
significant weight saving, clearly illustrated in the DIN kerb weight
of 1620 kilograms. The newly developed bodyshell comprises an aluminium
spaceframe. This exclusive design combines intelligent lightweight
design with outstanding strength – thus delivering
superlative driving dynamics. Lightweight aluminium sections connect
the force nodes to a sturdy structure. The large, low-set
cross-sections of these aluminium sections ensure high resistance
torque, thus providing the required direct transfer of drive, braking
and suspension forces. The structure prevents unwanted flexibility; the
vehicle responds rigidly, almost without twisting and directly. 45
percent of the intelligent, weight-optimised aluminium spaceframe is
made out of aluminium sections, 31 percent out of aluminium sheet, 20
percent out of aluminium cast and 4 percent out of steel. Maximum
occupant safety requires the use of ultra-high-strength, heat-formed
steel in the A-pillars. The bodyshell weighs 241 kilograms –
an absolute benchmark in the super sports car segment when compared
with the peak output of 420 kW/571 hp.
Low centre of gravity and transverse reinforcing
struts for superb dynamism
The entire vehicle concept
has been designed to achieve a centre of gravity that is as low as
possible. This applies both to the low connection of the powertrain and
axles as well as to the arrangement of the stiffness-relevant bodyshell
structure, which has been kept as low as possible. Examples include the
rigid flexural and torque connections between the front and rear
section and the safety passenger cell, which have been realised
consistently using force paths that are as low as possible. This
results not only in a low centre of gravity but also a harmonious and,
thus, efficient force path in the vehicle structure. Another prominent
feature of the lightweight construction design is the transverse
reinforcing struts at the front and rear axle that are integrated into
the bodyshell structure. The sections connect the side members
precisely where the highest forces act upon the bodyshell under dynamic
cornering. The advantages of this sophisticated solution include
unrivalled transverse rigidity and the absence of heavy secondary
stiffening or supports.
Passive safety of the very highest calibre
Naturally, the aluminium
spaceframe meets all the requirements in terms of passive safety and
the hallmark Mercedes-Benz body quality that applies to any car
sporting the Mercedes star. The best possible passive safety for the
occupants is ensured by the standard-fit three-point seat belts, belt
tensioners, belt force limiters and eight airbags: two adaptive airbags
and a kneebag each are available for the driver and passenger. Two
sidebags integrated into the seats and two separate windowbags that
deploy from the door waistline are also available.
Fine-tuned AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine developing 420
kW/571 hp
A powerful eight-cylinder
engine manufactured by Mercedes-AMG forms the heart of the new SLS. The
fine-tuned 6.3-litre V8 engine develops 420 kW/571 hp at
6800 rpm, turning the SLS AMG into one of the most powerful
sports cars in its segment. A power-to-weight ratio of 2.84 kg/hp comes
courtesy of the low vehicle weight. The naturally aspirated engine
delivers maximum torque of 650 Nm at 4750 rpm. The 'Gullwing'
accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, before going on to a top
speed electronically limited to 317 km/h (all figures are provisional).
Bearing the internal designation M 159, the V8 high-revving engine with
its displacement of 6208 cubic centimetres has been thoroughly
reengineered compared with the M 156 entry-level engine and boasts all
the hallmarks of powerful racing engines. The principal measures in
increasing output include the all-new intake system, the reworked valve
train and camshafts, the use of flow-optimised tubular steel headers
and the de-throttling of the exhaust system. This results in much
better cylinder charging, which feeds through into an increase in
output of almost nine percent. The eight-cylinder engine responds
swiftly to movements of the accelerator pedal, demonstrating much more
pronounced high-revving flexibility across the entire rev range. The
switch to dry sump lubrication also translates into a much lower
position of the engine in the vehicle. And lowering the vehicle's
centre of gravity has also paved the way for high lateral acceleration
and exhilarating driving dynamics.
Perfect synthesis of lightweight design and
strength
The use of high-strength
components compensates for the increased engine load associated with
the higher output. Forged pistons, a reinforced crankshaft bearing,
optimised crankcase structure, along with improved lubrication thanks
to an ondemand high-performance oil pump ensure optimum durability.
Despite these higher loads, the engine weight for the M 159 has been
further reduced. The forged pistons as oscillating masses play a
particularly valuable role in this respect, resulting in a kerb weight
of 205 kilograms and, in turn, a power-to-weight ratio of 0.36 kg/hp
– an unrivalled figure compared with the competition.
Sophisticated catalytic converter technology enables current and future
exhaust emission standards such as EU 5, LEV 2 and ULEV to be met.
A match for demanding fuel consumption targets
Despite its
uncompromisingly sporty character, the demanding fuel consumption
targets have been met. The SLS AMG consumes 13.2 litres per 100
kilometres (combined, provisional figure), earning it a place at the
top of the competitor rankings. Efficiency-enhancing measures include
the familiar AMG-exclusive, friction-optimised twin-wire-arc-sprayed
coating on the cylinder walls as well as the on-demand, map-optimised
oil supply and intelligent generator management: during the engine's
overrun phases and braking, kinetic energy is used to charge the
battery, rather than being wasted by simply generating heat. This
recuperation assists the driver not only during braking action but also
helps convert the braking energy into electrical energy. Conversely,
the generator is switched to no-load operation during acceleration,
thus reducing the load on the engine.
Dual-clutch transmission with transaxle
configuration and torque tube
The AMG 6.3-litre V8
engine delivers its abundant power via an ultra-light carbon-fibre
driveshaft at the rear axle – similar to the set-up used on
the DTM C-Class racing touring car. The dual-clutch transmission is
mounted at the rear (transaxle principle) and is connected to the
engine housing via a torque tube. A carbon-fibre shaft rotates at
engine speed in the torque tube. The advantages of this sophisticated
solution are associated with the rigid link between the engine and
trans-mission and, in turn, the optimum support for the forces and
torque generated. A new AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission
takes care of power transfer. The dual-clutch transmission boasts fast
gear changes with no loss of tractive force – in as little as
100 milliseconds. The driver has a choice of four different driving
modes: "C" (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus) or
"M" (Manual) along with a RACE START function. In the Sport, Sport plus
and Manual modes the automatic double-declutching function is active;
all the modes can be selected conveniently via the rotary control in
the AMG DRIVE UNIT. Optimum traction comes courtesy of the mechanical
differential lock, which is integrated in the compact transmission
casing.
Sophisticated suspension layout with
double-wishbone axles
The chosen solution with a
front-mid engine plus transaxle configuration ensures an ideal
front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent. Mounting the engine
behind the front axle has created the ideal conditions for consummate
driving dynamics with precise steering, first-class agility, low
inertia with spontaneous directional changes and outstanding traction.
The commitment of Mercedes-Benz and AMG to building an alluring super
sports car that combines consummate racetrack performance with hallmark
Mercedes long-distance comfort has given rise to an ingenious
suspension layout. All four wheels are located on double wishbones with
a track rod, a technology that has proven itself in motor racing, right
through to Formula 1. With a double-wishbone axle, the wheel location
and suspension function remain separate; the spring/damper struts are
supported on the lower wishbone. The double-wishbone concept with its
high camber and track rigidity positively locates the wheel with
minimal elastic movements, providing the driver with an optimum sense
of road contact when driving at the limits. Wishbones, steering
knuckles and hub carriers at the front and rear are made entirely from
forged aluminium – substantially reducing the unsprung
masses; this configuration also notably improves the suspension
response. The long wheelbase of 2680 millimetres not only results in
outstanding straight-line stability but also low wheel load shifts,
significantly reducing the vehicle's tendency to dive and squat. The
broad track width – front 1682, rear 1653 millimetres
– ensures lower shifts in the wheel loads from the inner to
the outer wheel when cornering, enabling the tyres to retain more grip.
The large caster angle of 11.5 degrees significantly increases negative
wheel camber when cornering and also improves tyre grip –
this also ensures outstanding stability when braking heavily while
cornering.
Direct steering, differential lock and 3-stage ESP®
The rack-and-pinion
steering gear provides a consistently direct steering feel with a
constant mechanical ratio of 13.6:1, in tune with the high expectations
placed on a super sports car. The power steering provides
speed-sensitive assistance and improves the feedback for the driver as
the road speed increases: an indispensable factor for high-speed
straight-line driving. Mounting the steering gear in front of the
engine on the integral subframe enables the engine to be set down very
low. The 'Gullwing' comes with 3-stage ESP®
as standard, providing the driver with access to the three "ESP ON",
"ESP SPORT" and "ESP OFF" modes at the push of a button. The result is
even more driving pleasure without compromising active safety at all.
In "ESP OFF" mode too, operating the brake pedal restores all the
normal ESP® functions. The system's
traction logic of the acceleration skid control system (ASR) is active
in all three ESP® modes. If one of the
drive wheels starts to spin, specific brake pressure is applied to
improve traction notably – especially in conjunction with the
standard-fit mechanical multi-disc limited-slip differential. This
means that the engine power is transferred to the road even more
effectively when driving in a particularly dynamic style.
The AMG high-performance
braking system with composite brake discs at the front ensures
extremely short stopping distances even under enormous loads. The newly
developed, optional ceramic composite brakes with larger brake discs
guarantee even better brake performance. The ceramic brake discs will
perform reliably at even higher operating temperatures thanks to their
greater hardness, all combined with an impressive weight reduction of
around 40 percent. Reducing the unsprung masses has further optimised
the handling of the 'Gullwing' – which pays dividends
particularly when tackling fast bends on motorways. Lightweight
construction was also key when it came to the wheels: weight-optimised
AMG light-alloy wheels – 9.5 x 19 inch (front) and 11.0 x 20
inch (rear) – based on the innovative flow-forming principle
reduce the unsprung masses while increasing driving dynamics and
suspension comfort. In addition to the standard-fit AMG 7-spoke
light-alloy wheels, 5-twin-spoke wheels and 10-spoke forged wheels are
available as an option. 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear)
tyres developed exclusively for the SLS AMG ensure optimum performance.
A tyre pressure monitoring system is fitted as standard to permanently
monitor tyre pressure in all four wheels; individual tyres are shown on
the display.
The reinterpretation of
the legendary 'Gullwing' is scheduled to be launched in spring 2010.
The sales price is EUR 177,310 (incl. 19% VAT).
More about the SLS-AMG can
be found at: www.mercedes-benz.com/sls-amg
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Engine
Number of cylinders/arrangement
8/V, 4 valves per cylinder
Displacement
cc
6208
Bore x stroke
mm
102.2 x 94.6
Rated output
kW/hp
420/571 at 6800 rpm
Rated torque
Nm
650 at 4750 rpm
Compression ratio
11.3 : 1
Mixture preparation
Microprocessor-controlled petrol injection,
HFM
Power transmission
Drive system
Standard drive system
Transmission
AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports
transmission
Ratios
Final drive
1st gear
2nd gear
3rd gear
4th gear
5th gear
6th gear
7th gear
Reverse
3.67
3.40
2.19
1.63
1.29
1.03
0.84
0.72
-2.79
Chassis and suspension
Front
Aluminium double-wishbone suspension,
anti-dive, coil springs, gas-pressure shock absorbers, stabiliser
Rear
Aluminium double-wishbone suspension,
anti-squat and anti-dive, coil springs, gas-pressure shock absorbers,
stabiliser
Braking system
Composite disc brakes, internally
ventilated and perforated at the front, internally ventilated and
perforated disc brakes at the rear, electric parking brake at the rear,
ABS, Brake Assist, 3-stage ESP®
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The super sports car delivers
a compelling mix of purist styling, consistent lightweight design and
superior driving dynamics. At the same time, the SLS fully lives up to
all the expectations of hallmark Mercedes everyday practicality and
optimum safety. In essence, the new 'Gullwing' offers the ideal
synthesis of the strengths of Mercedes-Benz and AMG. The new super
sports car from Mercedes-Benz and AMG makes for an alluring proposition
with its unrivalled technology package: aluminium spaceframe body with
gullwing doors, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine developing 420 kW/
571 hp peak output, 650 Nm of torque and dry sump lubrication,
seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in a transaxle configuration,
sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones and a kerb weight of
1620 kilograms based on the DIN standard – this superlative
combination guarantees driving dynamics of the highest order. The ideal
front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent and the vehicle's
low centre of gravity are testimony to the uncompromising sports car
concept. The 'Gullwing' accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds,
before going on to a top speed of 317 km/h (electronically limited).
The fuel consumption of 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres (combined) puts
it at the front of the competitive field (all figures provisional).
"Mercedes-Benz is presenting an exhilarating super sports car in the
guise of the new SLS AMG, which is bound to set the pulses of all car
enthusiasts racing that extra bit faster. 
The brands Mercedes-Benz and
AMG have joined forces to create the SLS AMG – which is set
to become one of the most alluring sports cars of all time", says Dr.
Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and
Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. "Our customers will experience with the SLS
AMG the expertise of Mercedes-AMG, built up over 40 years of motor
racing. The unrivalled technology package delivers outstanding driving
dynamics coupled with moderate fuel consumption figures –
part and parcel of the modern-day AMG," says Volker Mornhinweg,
Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. "The styling of the new Mercedes-Benz
SLS AMG is not only very special because of the exclusive gullwing
doors. Our aspiration is to utilise this interpretation to create the
classic of tomorrow and roll out the most alluring sports car of the 21st century.
Our aim is also to create a new design icon, which shapes the
incomparable legend of our brand, alongside Mercedes models like the
CLS or the SL. At the same time, the new SLS paves the way for the
design philosophy of forthcoming Mercedes-Benz sports cars", says
Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz Cars. 
Allusions to aircraft
construction come courtesy of the prominent Mercedes star, whose
tubular section is reminiscent of the air intake on a jet engine when
viewed from the side, as well as the long bonnet: as the eye is drawn
forward, so the observer becomes more aware of the curve. The design of
the four fins with their Silver Shadow finish that adorn the two air
outlet grilles on the end of the bonnet create the same visual
impression. These aircraft-style lines also visually accelerate the air
that flows past – and make the SLS AMG appear extremely
dynamic even while stationary. The fins on the bonnet are taken up on
the vehicle flanks: the connoisseur also discovers here a hallmark
styling feature of the 300 SL. The "6.3" lettering placed between the
fins provides a clear reference to the high-displacement naturally
aspirated V8 engine. The side air outlet feeds through into a
stylistically prominent feature line, which together with the convex
flanks and the exhilarating surface treatment, combines aesthetics with
power. The compact passenger compartment proves as alluring as it is
unmistakable. With its high beltline, low side windows and steeply
angled windscreen it comes across as a kind of visor. The forward
angled B-pillar with its stylish flowing sweep to the rear window
exudes pure dynamism.