It’s been a few months since we have seen Mercedes-Benz’ upcoming SLS AMG Gullwing but our spy photographers managed to catchup with the forthcoming supercar earlier on Wednesday. Some new details can be seen peering from beneath the car’s camouflage, reveal that our artist’s illustration is spot on.
The car is being developed entirely by the AMG division, without the help of ex-ally McLaren, or racing partner H.W.A., which was rumored to be involved at one point. It is expected to have a starting priced well under $200,000, which makes it far less expensive than the soon-to-be-discontinued SLR, but still out of reach from all but the wealthiest percentile of customers.
Power will come from a 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V8, delivering 563 hp at 6800 rpm and 479 pound-feet of torque at 4750 rpm. Look for a zero to 60 mph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph.
A seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox will offer both manual and automatic shift modes. The gearbox will be rear-mounted for optimal weight distribution and will feature four settings — from “comfortable to extremely sporty”. Braking will be handled by six-piston calipers gripping 15.4-inch rotors in the front and 14.2-inch discs at the rear. Optional 15.8-inch carbon-ceramic rotors will be offered as well. A carbon fiber driveshaft will be standard issue for the SLS.
The SLS will be 183 inches long, 76.8 inches wide and 49.2 inches high, with a wheelbase measuring in at 105.5 inches. Front-to-rear weight distribution is estimated at 48 percent to 52 percent, according to Mercedes. The SLS will utilize an all-aluminum chassis and body — a first for Mercedes-Benz and AMG — resulting in a curb weight of 3,571 pounds, or about 30 pounds lighter than the outgoing SLR. The car will ride on 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) tires.
As indicated by recent spy photos, the SLS will feature numerous details from the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing from the 1950s. Mercedes says the supercar stays true to the original’s basic design language, with similar proportions and surface development. In fact, the SLS looks like it will be sporting a throwback look, thanks to vintage air vents that date back to Mercedes products of the 1960s. Unlike the F1-inspired styling of the SLR, there is a clear lineage to the rest of Mercedes’ lineup in the Gullwing’s front fascia, with crisp character lines that give the two-door a purposeful look.
High-tech features include LED headlights and a new version of the COMAND user interface.
The production Gullwing coupe is slated to debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, with deliveries slated to start in mid 2010. A soft-top convertible version — codenamed R197 — expected to bow sometime in 2011, and might use the SLC name. Mercedes has yet to announce an official production schedule for the Gullwing, but our sources say the AMG supercar is earmarked for a two year production run, with annual production pegged at no more than 6,000 units.
05/20, 12:40 PM
posted by:
Rafa LL
Those Michael Jackson proportions have me scared.
05/20, 1:13 PM
posted by:
redbullet750
WHO bloody cares? How many times has this POS been spotted? It’s not even news worthy anymore.
05/20, 1:18 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
The parking lots at Wal-Mart are going to be riddled with these things.
05/20, 2:32 PM
posted by:
shane train
So, the grille emblem will be fashioned out of the wheel/hubcap of a Smart Car?
Or is it even bigger than that?
05/20, 2:45 PM
posted by:
A4
Im more bored with this car than I was with the Camaro.
05/20, 3:33 PM
posted by:
Das Stig
The SLS (sadly a cheap designation) is beginning to get on my nerves at this point. Just let it debut for God’s sake. Now, a couple of criticisms that don’t make it seem like a supercar: The side mirrors don’t look very aerodynamic like the SLR’s. There is no big, modernly styled diffuser in the back like the SLR/Stirling Moss which would give you the impression it sucks it to the ground. The wheels need to be unique and bespoke to the Gullwing, not part of the AMG line-up. The exhaust outlets could’ve been similiar to the predecessor by being places somewhere to the side of the front vents.
I love the fact that the body shape itself retains that same retro Gullwing fashion, but once again, I believe they could’ve pulled a number of elements from the previous SLR to retain it’s supercar profile even if it’s an AMG effort. I guess I’ll have to wait for the finalized version coming up.
Oh Mclaren, where have you been……
05/20, 4:49 PM
posted by:
scratchy
Das Stig , it’s not AMG’s fault that people need to post everytime they see the car. you want a big diffuser ? maybe they are keeping it for the SLS Black Series along with a bigger wing and bi turbo
05/21, 2:57 AM
posted by:
Das Stig
Scratchy, I’m hoping you’re right on the Black Series prediction
But again, I don’t see why it would be necessary to bring an even better version of the SLS. They should make this the ultimate halo model with all of the engineering, technology, variable aerodynamics, and functionals combined through their blood, sweat, and tears. I guess what I’m saying is that: make this the equivalent of the 722 SLR, don’t hold back to wait for an even better version. Just bring out the best you have right now. I mean, some supercar makers nowadays always refrain from putting a full effort into developing a certain supercar, because they prefer to wait until they can tweak it and enhance it further more. Why not make it the best you can, and maybe try even much harder from there you know? Sure it may be clever to keep a certain car for a year or so, then bring out a ‘planned’ better version which had further tweaks applied to it for the sake of the marketing strategy and demand, but I just don’t see how it’s a good thing anymore.
I guess I dislike too many versions of supercars nowadays. I prefer only one top of line supercar with no compromise whatsoever.
05/21, 5:37 AM
posted by:
SomeGreek
Das Stig,
SLR failed for the same reasons you don’t like the new SLS. It was top of the line at everything and what was the price? Half milion dollars, for a car not as good as that. They aren’t doing the same mistake again. This time technology is just good enough, so that the price is fair.
I’m still a big fun of the SLR just for the looks of it, but the press hit it hard and this damaged the sales, mostly because poeple like you and me can’t afford an SLR and make up for the idiots who want their car to be admired by the journalists – and those who read them.
On the other hand i like this one too, but for different reasons, based on the fact that it isn’t a replacement for the SLR. It might be as fast but it’s definitely at lower class and has different purpose than the SLR. It’s not that modern or willing to become a technological statement like the McLaren…
05/21, 7:58 AM
posted by:
n2k
Its nice as a marque revival, however as a design its looking ‘good’ as opposed to being mind bendingly gorgeous (my initial emotion which could change at launch mind you
which is the effect a halo car is meant to have: or at the very least be controversial. This would have been sensational if it had come out about a year or two before the contemporary mini cooper landed. I’m not going to say modern retro is overdone (id still get a prowler just for the heck of it) as i think it boils down to individual design talent as to how one treats a design challenge. The very reception of this movement is proof of this. Maybe, artistically and conceptually they could’ve been more risque or even perhaps flatout radical. Still, i doubt i’ll dislike this interpretation: Im a sucker for limited slick.
05/21, 11:27 PM
posted by:
aggie531
it looks like a Nissan GT-R with a hideous fat@ss grille on it