Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG - Look Like Hot

Mercedes-Benz's highly anticipated SLS AMG, which takes the iconic 300SL Gull wing to the next generation, is a true gentleman's exotic coupe.

The result of those 20 extra miniature horses crammed underneath the GT’s long hood is, Mercedes estimates, a 0-to-60-mph time reduced by 0.1 second, to 3.6 seconds—we’ve hit 60 in 3.5 seconds with an SLS coupe—and an electronically limited top speed of 197 mph, which is the same as your grandfather’s old SLS AMG. If shaving a tenth from the 0-to-60 sprint doesn’t do it for you, take comfort in knowing that the GT comes with “passionate acoustic feedback for the driver.” That’s more of the snap, crackle, and pop off-throttle we’ve grown to love. Audio enhancement is done naturally, Mercedes tells us; that means no synthetic exhaust notes piped through the stereo system like some other German brands that shall remain nameless.

• More Power, More Noise Details

• The newly powerful engine makes maximum horsepower at the same 6800 rpm as the outgoing version. That increase comes via the manipulation of timing, fuel injection, and spark to improve combustion. Despite the power gain, the improved 6.2-liter’s torque production remains at 479 lb-ft. All that backside-compressing power is fed through the same seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic as the previous model. However, the transmission receives new gearchange logic paired with updated engine mapping, which Mercedes promises results in quicker shift times. (Although our complaints regarding AMG’s DCT unit have been few and far between, its only-slightly-sluggish response time is the most frequently heard.

• Design

• Featuring a clearly retro-inspired shape outside, the SLS AMG nonetheless features a number of unique design elements. Nine exclusive paint shades are 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.

• 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 is 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

• Racing in its blood

• The attractive covering of the SLS AMG conceals a package of innovative technology: an aluminum spaceframe chassis, an AMG 6.3-liter V8 rear-set front engine with dry sump lubrication, an AMG SPEEDSHIFT dual-clutch transmission with a Race Start function, an AMG sports suspension with aluminum double wishbone axles – this unusual combination guarantees dynamics on the highest level of sports cars and turns every journey into an experience. A maximum output of 420 kW (571 hp) and a maximum torque of 650 Nm accelerate the 1620 kg of the gullwing vehicle from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. The electronically limited top speed is 317 km/h.

• The previous-gen Adaptive Suspension is swapped out in favor of AMG’s new Adaptive Performance Suspension, featuring stiffer and more aggressive spring and damper tuning for both of its two modes. The stiffness being conveyed through the even-stiffer-than-before suspension is met at the other end of the equation by standard matte black/polished face (three other colors will be made available), 19-inch, 10-spoke aluminum wheels at the front and 20-inchers in the rear. Housed in those spoke-tacular rollers are the same 15.4-inch vented discs in the front and 14.2-inchers at the rear as were in the pre-GT SLS; carbon-ceramic discs again will be an option.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG coupe

Base Price: $192,175

As-Tested Price: $215,025

Drivetrain: 6.2-liter V8; RWD, seven-speed dual-clutch sequential manual

Output: 563 hp @ 6,800 rpm, 479 lb-ft @ 4,750 rpm

Curb Weight: 3,573 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway/Combined): 14/20/16 mpg

AW Observed Fuel Economy: 14.5 mpg

Options: Carbon-fiber engine compartment covers ($5,400); carbon-fiber trim ($4,500); extended interior carbon-fiber package ($4,500); AMG dynamic suspension ($2,500); 19/20-inch AMG 10-spoke forged light alloy wheels ($2,400); AMG Le Mans red exterior paint ($2,300); sand/black Designo exclusive leather ($750); AMG leather/Alcantara steering wheel ($500)