[hanmust]

[SIZE=4]New swing-wing model with purely electric high-tech drive system: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG with electric drive – the exciting future of the super sports car
[/SIZE]
PRESS RELEASE
Jul 16, 2009

Affalterbach – Mercedes-AMG is paving the way ahead: with the new SLS AMG with electric drive, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars is developing an exciting super sports car with zero-emission high-tech drive. This model sees Mercedes-Benz and AMG displaying their expertise in the development of alternative drive solutions for high-performance super sports cars, delivering further proof of their pioneering status in this market segment.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMGwith electric drive transforms the vision of powerful and locally emission-free super sports cars into reality thanks to an innovative drive system: powerful forwards thrust is provided by four electric motors with a combined peak output of 392 kW and a maximum torque of 880 Nm. The four electric motors are positioned near the wheels, substantially reducing the unsprung masses compared to wheel-hub motors. One transmission per axle transmits the power. This intelligent all-wheel-drive system allows dynamically optimised power transmission without any losses by means of Torque Vectoring – in other words the specifically targeted acceleration of individual wheels. In its first pilot phase, the SLS AMG with electric drive incorporates a liquid-cooled high-voltage lithium-ion battery of modular design with an energy content of 48 kWh and a capacity of 40 Ah. The 400-volt battery is charged by means of targeted recuperation during braking whilst the car is being driven.

Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in around 4 seconds
When it comes to dynamics, the electrically driven SLS AMGdelivers an unequivocal statement: the swing-wing model accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in around 4 seconds – putting it on the same high level as the SLS AMG with a 6.3-litre V8 engine developing 420 kW/571 hp.

"With the SLS AMG with electric drive, we wanted to redefine the super sports car. For us, it is not just about responsibility. We attach just as much importance to excitement and classic AMGperformance," says Volker Mornhinweg, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Optimum weight distribution and low centre of gravity
The purely electric drive system was factored into the equation as early as the concept phase when the new swing-wing model was being developed by Mercedes-Benz and AMG. It is ideally packaged for the integration of the high-performance, zero-emission technology: by way of example, the four electric motors and the two transmissions can be positioned near the wheels and very low down in the vehicle. The same applies to the modular high-current battery, whose modules are located in front of the firewall, in the centre tunnel and behind the seats. Advantages of this solution include the vehicle's low centre of gravity and the balanced weight distribution – ideal conditions for optimum handling, which the electrically powered SLS AMG shares with its petrol-driven sister model.

Key data at a glance:

Max Output : 392 kW (525hp)

Torque : 880 NM

0-100 kph : Approx 4s

Rated capacity : 40Ah (at 400 V)

Energy Content : 3 x 16 kWh = 48 kWh

The installation of the drive components required no changes whatsoever to the swing-wing model's aluminium spaceframe body. And there were just as few constraints when it came to maintaining the excellent level of passive safety and high degree of long-distance comfort that are hallmarks of Mercedes cars.

Strategic alliance for fast electrification of the car
The electrically powered SLS AMG sees Mercedes-Benz and AMGcontinuing to pursue their aim of minimising the amount of time it takes to bring about the electrification of the car. Their strategic involvement in Deutsche Accumotive GmbH & Co. KG, a joint venture between Daimler AG and Evonik Industries AG, will provide the battery technology required in future. Daimler has the leading role in this joint venture for the development and production of batteries and battery systems for automotive applications.

Source: Media.Daimler AG

[dinar]

Just got this through a friend. This is a dealer ordering guid by Mercedes.
gives details of the cool stuff that is on the car.

Mercedes Benz SLS AMG | Dealer Ordering Guide | Drivers Republic

[Abbas]

I like the car, has the old classic goldwing design.

[AltoHoncho]

Renaissance,
As beautiful as it could be... this is awesome, truly a rebirth. This is NOT AMG, its OMG.
Any info on the pricing?

[AyAn!]

Its looks classic! Especially in silver.A perfect tribute to the original Gullwing!

[hanmust]

Mercedes Benz has launched a special web site dedicated to its most awaited SLS AMG Gullwing, the second generation of Gullwing. Here is the link - A service from Mercedes-Benz for all SLS AMG fans » SLS AMG Newsroom

[hanmust]

A new teaser photo of SLS AMG along with Dr. Dieter Zetsche

[sidindica]

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: First Official Photos of Gullwing Supercar Leaked - Carscoop

Images of the production Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG "Gullwing" supercar have found their way onto the internet a week ahead of the planned debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The photos reveal that the SLR McLaren's successor features several vintage styling cues such as the gullwing doors and the prominent front grille with the extra large three-pointed star that hark back to the original 1950s 300SL Gullwing model.

The SLS AMG's rear-end design is less snazzy and not as curvalicious, or sexy for that matter, as the initial teaser sketches suggested. However, our first impression from these photos is that overall, Mercedes-Benz's new supecar with its Dodge Viper like proportions (we had to mention that...) looks far more distinct and special than its tuned-SL-Class-lookalike predecessor.

From what we know up to now, the SLS AMG gets a front-mid mounted 6.2-liter V8 engine developing 571 hp at 6,700 rpm and 650Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque at 4,750 rpm. Power is transferred to the rear-wheels through a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that is located at the rear in the transaxle position.

Featuring a lightweight aluminum body that is supported by an 'uber' stiff aluminum spaceframe that help it achieve a kerb weight of around 1,620 kilograms or 3,671 lbs, the two seater hits 100 km/h or 62mph from standstill in 3.8 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 315 km/h or 196 mph. According to Mercedes, provisional fuel consumption for the SLS AMG is around 13.0lt per 100 kilometers or 18.09 mpg US.

More details and a full, high-res image gallery are expected to be released in the next few days.

[beejay]

Sid, How do you manage to do this scooping? Great work.
Thanks again.

[AyAn!]

Could be the most emotional and best Mercs to reckon with in recent times!
I love it..
While the SLR looked a bit ungainly from the side,this one looks spot on!
Pefect tribute to the legendary Gullwing.

[hanmust]

Some more leaked photos the new genration Gullwing

[FlyingSpur]

I have a feeling, somehow... This is a very Dubai / Abu Dhabi roller.

[AyAn!]

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG “Gullwing” unveiled
Mercedes-Benz’s highly-anticipated SLS AMG, which takes the iconic 300SL Gullwing to the next generation, is set to debut next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Fortunately, Mercedes-Benz has spilled the goods on its 571-horsepower supercar ahead of the official launch.
Featuring a clearly retro-inspired shape outside, the SLS AMG nonetheless features a number of unique design elements. Nine exclusive paint shades will be available, including two matte finishes. LED head and tail lamps will help make sure the SLS AMG is visible at all times.
Inside, the AMG SLS is clearly airplane-inspired in its cockpit design. Nappa leather, real metal trim and optional real carbon fiber help set the interior apart from traditional offerings and Mercedes-Benz says that five interior shades will be on offer to allow for personalization.
The gullwing doors, a direct link to the 300SL, swing up 70 degrees to allow for access to the interior.
The performance highlights start under the long, shapely hood: 6.3-liters of AMG-massaged V8 will pump out 571 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 480 lb-ft. of torque at 4,750 rpm transmitted to the transaxle-mounted seven-speed SpeedShift dual-clutch transmission. With this powertrain, the SLS AMG will accelerate to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds before topping out at about 197 mph.
The motor, codenamed M159, is fully restructured when compared to the current M156 currently used in virtually every AMG product. An entirely new intake manifold system, restructured valve gear and camshaft and a dethrottled exhaust system are responsible for the 9 percent performance boost. A dry sump lubrication system also makes an appearance.
Mercedes-Benz claims that the engine will also be capable of averaging about 18 mpg.
Those performance figures wouldn’t be possible without the lightweight aluminum space frame, itself an homage of sorts to the tubular construction of the original 300SL. Weighing under 3,600 lbs. – an impressively svelte number for a big supercar – the SLS also features a low center of gravity to improve handling.
The sophisticated suspension features a 47/53 weight distribution and dual A-arms with track rods at all four wheels – a setup developed on the Formula 1 track. Ceramic composite brakes will make the standard list – and 9.5 x 19 inch front and 11 x 20 inch rear wheels wrapped in SLS AMG-specific tires help put the power to the ground.
Mercedes-Benz says the SLS AMG will retail from €177,310 (including VAT) in Europe when it goes on sale in spring of 2010, although the automaker has not released pricing or an on-sale date for North America.

[S350L-E240]

This car - Mercedes-Benz India better ensure they get it here if they do make a RHD version of it,

I'm left with no words, the new E / SLS / and at geneva the new CLS oh Dr.Z thank you for getting the brand to the cars it should always have made and made the way they are made!!

If only I could say the same about MB-India!

[Rotorhead]

Originally Posted by vid6639

Is it just me or do the headlights look completely out of place? They should be round and should be more of a reflection of the 300SL.

agree with you , they should have stuck to the original gullwing head lamps . But that aside this has to be one of the best looking Merc of recent times after the SLR. This defenitely is a refreshing design eventhough taken from the older model.