2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Details revealed

After months of spy shots, teasers, finally the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG went to the public. Debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG boasts lightweight engineering and superior handling dynamics. The vehicle will arrive in German showrooms early next year. European pricing will start at around €177,310.

Inspired by the legendary 300SL Gullwing, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG features an aluminum spaceframe body with unique gullwing doors. The wide radiator grille with the large Mercedes-Benz star and the wing-like fin also remind people of the legendary sports car.

Power comes from an AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine located front-mid, producing 571 horsepower and up to 650 Nm of torque. The engine is mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. As a result, the vehicle can accelerate to 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 317km/h. Moreover, it can also be able to stop as fast as it accelerates. The Motorsport-style carbon-ceramic brakes are offered as standard.

Despite its massive engine and prodigious power output, the fuel consumption is at a reasonable level for such a supercar: 13.2 l/100km.

The rear-mounted gearbox and the engine mounted aft of the front wheels produces a rear-biased weight distribution of 47/53 front to rear. And its low center of gravity "emphasize the outstanding sports car concept". To keep the weight low, the SLS AMG uses a aluminium chassis which weighs just 241kg. In total, the kerb weight is 1620kg, which plays a key part in keeping fuel economy up.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will come in a choice of Alanite Grey, Alubeam Silver, Syvanite Grey, and a shade of red. Combined with the SLS’s all-alloy double-wishbone front and rear suspension, and sizable 265/35R19 rubber on the front and 295/30R20 tyres on the rear, the SLS should boast a high level of agility.

Spy shots： Mercedes Benz SLS AMG ‘Gullwing’ up close

The successor to the Mercedes Benz SL Gullwing (and replacement for the SLR) has been spotted in prototype form in and around Germany’s Nurburgring test circuit for several months now, but what only a select few knew is that the car is being developed completely in-house by Mercedes’ official tuner, AMG. Thus, the brand new model will be called the SLS AMG when it hits showrooms in the first half of next year.
In the lead up to its final unveiling, planned for later this year, Mercedes has released a ton of info on the car, including several images of actual prototypes and technical drawings. As the successor to the legendary SL Gullwing from the 1950s, the new SLS AMG will also feature gullwing doors but picks up a new aluminum spaceframe to provide an almost perfect front-to-rear weight distribution of 48-to-52%.

Powering the SLS will be a revised version of AMG’s now-familiar 6.2L V8 mated to an all-new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission mounted on the rear axle. Peak output will stand at 571hp (420kW) and 479lb-ft (650Nm) of torque. Changes to the engine include a new magnesium intake with eight separate velocity stacks, two electronically controlled throttle plates, a high-flow exhaust and a new dry-sump lubrication system.

The engine will be located up front but will be mounted behind the front axle for better weight distribution. The SLS’s final kerb weight will be around 1,620kg, and with the V8 engine it should be able to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed in excess of 315km/h.

As for the new dual-clutch gearbox, the unit was developed by AMG and boasts fast gear changes with no loss of tractive force. The driver has a choice of four different driving modes, ranging from comfortable to extremely sporty, as well as a ‘RACESTART’ function. The suspension set-up is equally advanced, with double wishbones and hub carriers made of lightweight forged aluminum. Stopping power comes from carbon-ceramic discs, and these are mounted within 19in light-alloy wheels.

The car’s dimensions have also been revealed, measuring in at 4.65m in length, 1.95m across and just 1.25m in height. The wheelbase stretches just 2.7m. Previous renderings give us a clue as to what the new car could look like, showing a vented bonnet and a new headlight design not seen on any previous Mercedes models.

Furthermore, new shots of the interior show a familiar Mercedes steering wheel and a unique dash fitted with silver accented controls similar to that used in the current SLR supercar. Another interesting feature is the retro styled air-vents, which look similar to the units used by Mercedes Benz during the 1970s. The COMAND system knob located on the center console is also identical to the units used by other Mercedes models.

Premium materials abound on every surface, with materials such as nappa leather, solid metal and (optional) carbon-fiber facings emphasizing the ‘custom-built’ nature of the car. Seating will be strictly limited to two.

The price of the SLS is expected to be roughly $300,000 with production numbers likely to fall between 3,000 and 5,000 units per year. This should see it compete nicely with cars like the Lamborghini Gallardo and Ferrari F430.