It’s fitting that we traveled to Half Moon Bay, California, home to a massive seagull population, to test a new type of gull. The 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, one of the most exotic, outrageous new cars to debut in recent memory, harks back to the days when Sir Stirling Moss piloted its spirtual father, the ’50s 300SL Gullwing.
With the discontinuation of the Mercedes-McLaren SLR looming, AMG chairman Volker Mornhinweg felt it was time for Mercedes-AMG to show that it was fully capable of building a supercar for a new era from the ground up. Incidentally, it was a new model that tended to look in the rearview mirror from time to time.
The supercar: Redefined
The SLS AMG is not overtly flashy like a Bugatti Veyron, nor adorned with crisply creased body panels like a Lamborghini Reventon or the Ferrari F458 Italia. Instead, it appears as an evolutionary successor to the 1955 through 1957 Mercedes 300SL. With acres of front hood ahead of you and a short overhang behind, it is laid out as the quintessential sports car. Designed digitally before even the first stamping, engineers had the ability to tweak engine placement, ergonomics, aerodynamics, suspension and driving dynamics and even crash performance before there was even a clay model. In fact, when the mules finally did come around, it looked as though Daimler found some old Viper body parts from the ill-fated venture with Chrysler to keep our prying eyes out.
Forty-odd test mules were dispatched to all the corners of the world for hot, cold, wet, and dry testing. Our own spy photography maven, Brenda Priddy, saw and shot the prototype test cars in many different stages of development, but those were a bird of an entirely different color compared to the early production models we sampled in Seagullville.
Businesslike
In its final form, it is clear that the SLS is a purpose-built sports car that shares a similar, but updated appearance with its predecessor yet boasts beneath its shimmery, swoopy body a similarly awe-inspiring array of technological advancements.
With a slightly longer wheelbase, in this case, the better to set the engine rearward for optimal balance, the SLS boasts of a 47 to 53-percent front to rear weight bias. Gone are the opera windows of the original. So too, the design strakes over the front and rear wheels. But what remains, while not exact, offers a representation of key design elements from the original. It’s kind of like paying homage from whence you came to see where you are going.
Side gills help to release trapped air from under the long expanse of aluminum hood. In fact, the bulk of the car – bulk being a relative term – is, with a few exceptions, made up of aluminum. The entire aluminum-built space frame weighs in the neighborhood of 530 lbs. Only the parts making up the engine cradle and A-pillars are of heat-formed steel. The trunk lid, which hides GPS, telematics, cellular telephone and radio antennae, is made of plastic composite. And the roof member, which houses the explosive-charged hinges, (in case of rollover to ease occupant exit) is cast aluminum.
Overall, the SLS uses highly innovative means of weight reduction including the use of an aluminum torque tube in which rotates a carbon-fiber driveshaft to drive the rear wheels.
High tech familiarity
Gaining access to the cockpit of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG presents you with retractable door handles that when operated, cause the gullwing doors to swing up on a cantilevered-type hinge that actually does much of the work for you. Lift your right leg over the enormous doorsill and place it in the foot well. Lower your butt down to the seat, and once firmly in place, swing your left leg into the well, following through with a quick swivel into place. You are almost home. Finally, extend the reach of your left arm up to grab the grip handle and in one quick motion, swing it down and home to lock it securely. Now you are ready to roll.
It was worth the effort.
Looking around, you will find yourself firmly ensconced in a pair of well-done contoured sport seats with infinite adjustments including moveable side bolsters and lumbar support. Getting acquainted with the controls in the SLS is a quick read. If you are familiar with other Mercedes-Benz vehicles, like the SL63 AMG for example, you’ll feel right at home.
Featuring a decidedly aviation-themed cockpit, the SLS is guided by the nearly ubiquitous flat-bottomed steering wheel with all the redundant controls we have come to expect on an AMG-equipped ride. Aluminum paddle shift levers sprout up from behind and offer lightning fast gear changes from the rear-mounted gearbox. Directly behind the wheel lies the tachometer and speedometer with a multi-informational display that can show temperatures, odometer, audio info and directions as fed through the navigation system. Air conditioner registers take on a retro appearance with their target cross pieces. Although the latest type of in-dash monitor is part of the standard equipment in the SLS, the console directly below it looks as though it came from a classic roadster that was characterized from the “style moderne” era.
Mechanically speaking
A gear selector that Mercedes describes as an “aircraft throttle-inspired lever” adorns the console, while buttons controlling every combination in the alphabet from ABS to TCS to ESC rest close to the driver. At the top of the panel is a four position AMG Drive Unit selector dial that operates the Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S), SportPlus (S+) and Manual (M) modes. It allows the driver to customize throttle, damping, shift speed and other variables to adapt the car to the driver.
Mounted in a middle-front location, the Mercedes-Benz/AMG-built 6.2-liter V8 known internally as M159, is a pure piece of art. Modified heavily from the basic M156 used in other AMG models, the M159 is unique – for now – to the SLS.
AMG’s mantra of “one man, one engine,” lives within the engine room of the SLS, as each Affalterbach, Germany-based engine builder signs the manufacturer’s plate on top of the manifold cladding. The presence of this cladding is rather unfortunate, especially when you consider the eight beautiful velocity stack intake trumpets residing underneath.
Beyond the beauty is the power. Producing 563 normally aspirated horses and 479 lb-ft. of torque, it will be one of the most powerful normally-aspirated production cars when it becomes available next year. Its dry sump oiling system allows it to sit lower in the unibody than previous models and enables that “think where you want it to go” driving ability really shine through.
The gearbox is a rear-differential-mounted AMG Speedshift DCT-7 seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with shift by wire connectivity and rev-matching in every mode except the Controlled Efficiency mode of the AMG Drive Unit. Double wishbone suspension at all four corners keeps things very flat through turns along our route through Silicon Valley near Santa Cruz. Coming in to a turn a little hot is handled like kids play by way of the 15.8-inch compound brake rotors in front and the 14.2-inch discs that are larger in diameter than your neighbor’s humble family sedan. With six pots on the front calipers and four on the rear, the 3,573-pound SLS manages to stop in no time.
Driving the course at Laguna Seca Raceway in the Carmel Valley shows how much refinement has gone into the SLS. Squint at the car, while approaching it and you can still see some hints of Mercedes SLR AMG in it. But more than that is the balance. This car just wants to make you a better driver, and with the right amount of gravitas, you will be. Driving in Controlled Efficiency mode found a track-bred specimen, eager to please with flat cornering, blistering acceleration, and controlled braking when needed. Well balanced, the car allowed you to feed throttle and steering correctly through the turns until it was time again to really thrash the loud pedal. The symphony from underhood sounded like a 700-horsepower NASCAR racer at full roar. It is really one of the most intoxicating sounds we have come across yet, this year.
Driving back on public streets saw zero to 60 mph times of 3.7 seconds. Though we never had the opportunity to achieve a top speed of 197 mph, the SLS is right in the heart of supercar country. Although it won’t earn you bragging rights at your local hang out, we did manage to achieve an average rating of 17.8 miles per gallon in road driving, which is one mpg shy of the factory’s estimate.
And all those numbers combined did impress the crowds gathered at Alice’s Restaurant on Skyline Boulevard in Woodside.Though not the one immortalized in Arlo Guthrie’s song of the same name, it nonetheless was inspired by such, and is a weekend hangout for motorcyclists and gearheads alike, who want to take a break after winding through the twisties on Skyline. Great gourmet burgers, too.
And there’s always someone interested in talking about the SLS.
Leftlane’s bottom line
The Mercedes SLS AMG coupe is a refined supercar that is at home at that restaurant that requires reservations six-months in advance, as it is at track day on the Nurburgring. At around $200,000, it could quickly find itself being called an instant classic in ways its SLR predecessor could never have dreamed.
Mercedes SLS AMG base price TBD.
Words and photos by Mark Elias.
11/19, 12:33 PM
posted by:
Road_AMS
Just the test mules? Still looks like a reskinned Viper with Gulwing doors. For $200k…no thanks.
11/19, 12:38 PM
posted by:
ajm11
I would take this car over that new Lexus LFA anyday.
11/19, 12:55 PM
posted by:
drchiem
* ajm11* Did you read about the Technology in the LFA from MotorTrend Magazine. After you read it then you might change your mind. Wait and see the offical release, I am sure Lexus will adjust the price just like how they reduce the Prius price to competed with the Honda Insight. I am sure they got the price and performance from the GT-R in their mind. I am sure the LFA will be the car that everyone to talk about just like the GTR and RS8.
11/19, 12:58 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
So your last review was on a Dakota, now you do the SLS… Is that the broadest spectrum of Daimler developed vehcles ever?
11/19, 12:58 PM
posted by:
Ashes to Ashes_Dust to Dust
Such a poor interpretation of the original that it is shameful—as is its price. No Sale!
11/19, 1:11 PM
posted by:
Four_Rings
200k doesn’t seem too farfetched for vehicle of this caliber.
11/19, 1:13 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I’ll take an ACR Viper and the rest in Ford shares thank you very much.
11/19, 1:31 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
Although the LFA is better, I don’t think this is half bad considering it’s been re-engeneered from a viper from the ground up!
11/19, 1:52 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
I can’t wait until someone rebodies this to look like the next gen DeLorean! You know it’s gonna happen, just a matter of time!
11/19, 1:58 PM
posted by:
ajm11
drchiem – No I have not read the Motor Trend article yet about the LFA. That being said there would have to say there would still be little chance that I would take LFA over this. I have always loved the styling of the 300SL with gullwing doors. It is one of the only Mercedes Benz cars I like, and they have a great job honoring that design with the SLS.
11/19, 2:11 PM
posted by:
Z06ified
“* ajm11* Did you read about the Technology in the LFA from MotorTrend Magazine. After you read it then you might change your mind.”
I read it, and I really didn’t see anything new or groundbreaking with the LFA’s technology. About 95% of it has already been done before in other cars, so what’s the big deal?
11/19, 2:15 PM
posted by:
status
@idrinorbasaku re-ingeneered viper? i think not. 6.3L V8, gullwing doors, completely designed by AMG, AND for half the price of an SLR, sign me up.!
11/19, 2:46 PM
posted by:
drewbyh
Yes, the car is ~ $200K but the Lexus LFA is $375K. I’m not sure that the Lexus is going to be $175K better car.
11/19, 3:05 PM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
After parking next to a yellow Lamborghini convertible yesterday at Lowes, I’d go with one of those. Dang did that cause a stir in the parking lot. Memo-to-self. Be reincarnated into an overpaid sports athlete
11/19, 3:15 PM
posted by:
zeegone
Are you guys all crazy? This car is incredible, AMG couldn’t have done a better job! And who cares about the Viper anymore, it was dated the day it came out, old news.
Concerning the LFA- the only thing that sucks about is it’s price, it’s a highly advanced supercar that will no doubt put many cars it’s going against to shame but a price anywhere from 150-200k would be much more acceptable. If you have to think about money while shopping these cars you probably can’t afford it anyway. Once you reach the 200k mark for the price of a car they all go against each other- lambos, ferraris, porsches, Mclarens, Pagani’s you name it. The ZR1 and GTR are the acceptions because they can do all the things supers do at a mucher cheaper price.
11/19, 3:16 PM
posted by:
zeegone
Status- I agree, enough Viper talk, can’t we all just please let that snake die already?!! This car was covered in Viper camo to do just that- disquise it, end of story, no other similarities (thank god) what so ever!
11/19, 3:32 PM
posted by:
scratchy
this is my new favourite GT. i don’t think it will cost $200k in the US , direct currency conversion doesn’t apply and Mercedes said it will cost between the SL 63 and the SL 65 , just like it does in Europe.
@ zeegone , the GT-R is good , but it doesn’t compare to the current 200k+ supercars, Porsche has a new 911 turbo , Ferrari has the F458 , Lambo has the LP-560 and i’m sure the LF-A will be faster than the GT-R too.
11/19, 3:35 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
I’m going to get reemed for this – but why not just buy a used Crossfire for $15k?
11/19, 3:50 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
i’m with denverguy on the lambo thing…a gallardo spyder will still get more looks than this thing…except perhaps when you get in and out of it and the doors are up, but only then!
11/19, 3:52 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
zeegone, we get it… you don’t think much of the Viper. Most pussies don’t so I’m not surprised.
11/19, 3:52 PM
posted by:
PhuckFavre
Lemme see:
ZR1 $100,000
GT-R $70,000
Mustang GT or Camaro RS V6 to use as a daily driver $30K
Total $200,000
and I get to look at someone else’s Gullwing for free at car shows.
11/19, 4:05 PM
posted by:
krautninja
I’ve never really thought of the Bugatti as over flashy but…. ..hmmm well This looks…OK, not special by anymeans, i could forget about this easily but its not bad and better priced than the LF-A.. I give a single thumbs up
11/19, 4:12 PM
posted by:
zeegone
@ scratchy- in a straight line no the GTR will get left in the dust by most supers above 120 or so but it does a fine job of keeping up at the track with much more expensive cars. I would take the turbo over it of course but the GTR is pretty well equally matched.
johnnycanuck- I am almost offended by your cowardly name-calling. At least man up and back up your statement if you’re even able to do that. My views of the Viper are widely shared but it’s still just an opinion so lighten up lady, man, or whatever you are.
11/19, 4:19 PM
posted by:
zeegone
I also have little doubt the LF-A won’t easily dust off a GTR- it’s lighter with a better engine and an awesome transmission, if it doesn’t I will be supremely dissapointed with Lexus.
11/19, 4:19 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
zeegone, I couldn’t agree more, your views of the Viper are widely shared… by pussies.
11/19, 4:26 PM
posted by:
zeegone
Another good one johnny, you keep it up
11/19, 4:31 PM
posted by:
Krugeri
In red it looks more like a Viper to me. Maybe that’s because 80% of the Vipers I see around Chicago are red. I must say, though, the car looks better in white. I would love to see this beast in black.
11/19, 4:49 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
CAN’T WAIT TO SEE ONE OF THIS CAR ON “WRECK-EXOTICS” WEB.SITE
11/19, 4:52 PM
posted by:
Borat
Article “Ferrari readying high-performance 599 GTO?” makes this look so much like … Paris Hilton. Not a superstar (or any star), not gorgeous, just a rich chick with experience in private porno production.
11/19, 5:10 PM
posted by:
zeegone
hahhah, interesting analogy there Borat- I wouldn’t call her ugly but is all the other stuff you described THAT bad really?
11/19, 5:30 PM
posted by:
Borat
The porno I saw was really bad (as far as porno goes and people say that porno like pizza..), but the chick… I dunno. Flat ass, nice tits, nice long legs, feet size 11 (women), pretty face. Dumb as a doorknob. Sounds exciting?
11/19, 6:44 PM
posted by:
reedfast
i’ll buy two of these instead of an lf-a thankyou very much.
11/19, 7:13 PM
posted by:
928dreamer
I don’t see why people insist on comparing cars of completely different design purposes. The Viper is a raw car that is at home on the track particularly in ACR guise. However, this car will beat you to death and cook you if you drove it around town very long or took on a long road trip.
The GullMerc is a very sporty luxury GT that would happen to hold its own on a track, but that could comfortably drive you across the country. They can and should not be compared.
We get it, the Viper is a badass car. Just stop comparing it where it doesn’t belong.
11/19, 7:57 PM
posted by:
IIL Designs
Mhm one in black… With grey chrome rims, that is all i need.. A viper will sucks this cars tailpipe.. You can compare a zr1 to murc, or a viper to this, but in the end.. the name is all that matters, because people who can afford to buy these dont even look at vipers or zr1s.. So stop comparing supermodels to hookers
11/19, 8:54 PM
posted by:
85ZingoGTR
This car is f@#$ing beautiful. Im a huge fan of the old one.
11/19, 11:47 PM
posted by:
MurcieMe
“by way of the 15.8-inch compound brake rotors in front and the 14.2-inch discs that are larger in diameter than your neighbor’s humble family sedan.”
Wow, I’ve never measured the diameter of my neighbors family sedan, but I think you’re aiming a little low…
As for the SLS, I don’t think it’s a pretty car at all. I don’t think it’s a particularly striking nor remarkable design, and find it at worst a little slab-sided and boring. I won’t call it ugly though. Perhaps it’s handsome.
The interior on the other hand is marvellous!
11/20, 4:43 AM
posted by:
scratchy
@ IIL Designs , well said.
11/20, 6:07 AM
posted by:
nestle_s
It looks good! I like it!
11/20, 8:27 AM
posted by:
livelyjay
Wow, this thing is ugly. Sorry Merc, you missed the mark on this one.
11/20, 10:55 AM
posted by:
Szabla
Nice looking, but the headlights remind me of pretty much everything nissan has out now.
200k? Not so much. No drool factor like many exotics out there.
11/20, 1:42 PM
posted by:
hal9000sc
I can’t believe some the vitriol against the SLS. The only similarity it shares with the Viper is the proportions, which give it the form of a classic supercar — like the original 300SL. Even so, lets not forget that the only real knock against the Viper was the ride and the interior… which are Mercedes’ strengths. And just becaue the SLS doesn’t have a lot of sexy lines and sharp edges like the Lambos doesn’t mean you wouldn’t be as impressed as the writer is after getting behing the wheel.
I have yet to hear any complaints from any of the major auto publications after an SLS test drive… so maybe the rest of you naysayers should get your panties out of a bunch. It would be hard to spend $200k on one car and be less satisfied.
11/20, 1:43 PM
posted by:
hal9000sc
edit: It would be hard to spend $200k on one car and be more satisfied.
12/17, 9:29 PM
posted by:
AutoCritical
Why are the more ‘consumer’ Mercedes cars looking so ugly, and this looks so good!
There are some bits of awkwardness around the rear glass and C-pillar, but overall, what a desirable looking supercar with long bonnet and propeller blade front grille.
Seeing the other designer concept sketches of potential SLS’s makes me just wish they could have made them all, especially those that have more sheer surfaces and distinct creases which also would have looked dramatic in real life.
I wrote more with images at http://bit.ly/6eGfkZ
01/25, 11:55 PM
posted by:
blackstallion4209
i dont know why but this car has grown on me to the point that it is one op my top 3 cars on the road. this may be controversial to some but IMO its a pretty hot car