Europe: The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

The super sports car boasts a purist design, the systematic incorporation of lightweight engineering and superior handling dynamics.

At the same time, the SLS delivers the high everyday utility and exemplary safety that typifies Mercedes-Benz, making the new gullwing the ideal synthesis of the strengths of Mercedes-Benz and AMG.

The new super sports car from Mercedes-Benz and AMG dazzles with its unparalleled technology package which includes: an aluminium space frame body with gullwing doors; an AMG 6.3-litre, front-mid V8 engine with a top power of 571 hp, 650 Nm of torque, and dry sump lubrication; seven-speed dual-clutch in a transaxle configuration; a sports chassis with aluminium double-wishbone suspension; and a kerb weight of 1,620 kilograms.

It's a combination that guarantees supreme handling dynamics. The car's ideal weight distribution between the front and rear axles (47 to 53 per cent respectively) and its low centre of gravity emphasize the concept's pronounced sports car nature.

The gullwing accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 317 km/h (electronically limited). The fuel consumption of 11 liters/100 km (combined) is best-in-class [I](all figures are provisional)[/I].

[B]Influences from aircraft design[/B]

Echoes of aircraft design are stirred by the exposed Mercedes-Benz star, whose cone in profile resembles the air intake of a jet engine, and the long bonnet. The further the viewer's eye wanders to the front, the greater the curvature of the bonnet.

The same visual effect is produced by the design of the four "silver shadow" fins gracing the two air vent grilles on the end of the bonnet. These lines, which are typical for aircraft, also optically accelerate the air flowing past, giving the SLS AMG an extremely dynamic appearance even when standing still.

The fins on the bonnet are also visible on the vehicle's flanks. Aficionados will recognize this as another typical styling element of the [B]300 SL[/B]. The "6.3" badge integrated between the fins provides a direct reference to the large displacement, naturally aspirated V8 engine.

[B]Aluminium space frame for light weight and highest strength[/B]

The SLS is also taking a new approach in its body concept. For the first time ever, Mercedes-Benz and AMG are presenting an automobile, where both chassis and body are made of aluminium. This leads to significant weight savings compared to the traditional steel construction, as shown by the car's kerb weight of just 1,620 kilograms.

The vehicle's all-new body consists of an aluminium space frame, which combines intelligent, lightweight design with the highest strength and thus further boosts the SLS' excellent handling properties. Light aluminium profiles combine the force nodes to create a stable structure.

[B]Advanced AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine with an output of 571 hp[/B]

The heart of the new SLS is a high-powered eight-cylinder engine manufactured by Mercedes-AMG. The advanced 6.3-litre V-8 engine, which has an output of 571 hp at 6,800 rpm, makes the gullwing vehicle one of the most powerful sports cars in its segment.

In conjunction with the low vehicle weight, this results in a weight-power ratio of 2.84 kg/hp. The naturally aspirated engine provides its maximum torque of 650 Nm at 4,750 rpm.

The high-torque V8 engine, which is called the M159 within the company, has a displacement of 6,208 cc. It has been completely restructured compared to the basic M156 engine, and it displays the typical characteristics of high-performance racing engines.

[B]Dual-clutch transmission in the transaxle configuration with the Torque Tube[/B]

The AMG 6.3-litre V-8 engine transmits its tremendous power to the rear axle via an especially lightweight drive shaft made of carbon - similar to the DTM C-Class touring car. The dual-clutch transmission is located on the rear axle (in line with the transaxle principle) and is tightly connected with the engine housing by means of a Torque Tube.

The new AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT seven-speed sports transmission is responsible for the power transmission. This dual-clutch transmission is characterized by quick shifting without any interruption of traction - minimum speeds of 100 milliseconds are possible. The driver has a choice of four different driving programmes: C (Controlled Efficiency), S (Sport), S+ (Sport plus) and M (Manual), as well as a RACE START function.

During the Sport, Sport plus and Manual driving programmes, the automatic double-declutching function is active; all of these modes can be comfortably managed via the torque regulator in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. Optimal traction is guaranteed by the mechanical differential lock, which is integrated into the compact transmission housing.

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Credits: JRC