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The distinctive styling of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG enthrals with its passionate sportiness and reinterprets the breathtaking lines of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL – one of the outstanding design icons of the Mercedes-Benz brand. With its purist design the SLS AMG reflects the philosophy of contemporary sports car engineering: the bonnet which measures just under two meters, the low greenhouse positioned well to the rear and the short rear-end with an extendable aerofoil are just as powerful a reminder of the superlative dynamism as the long wheelbase, the wide track and the large wheels. The short overhangs feed through into the proportions, just as does the design of the super sports car with its low-slung front-mid engine set well back and dual-clutch transmission in transaxle configuration. An undoubted styling highlight comes courtesy of the gullwing doors which lend the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG its incomparable charisma – making a unique statement in this vehicle segment.

The Mercedes-Benz designers took their cue from aircraft construction to create an ambience that immediately evokes associations with plane cockpits. The defining stylistic element is the dashboard, whose powerfully extended wing-like profile creates the impression of great width. The dashboard incorporates “silver shadow” electroplated air vents with an adjustable set of nozzles, whose shape vividly calls to mind jet engines. The instrument cluster with its shift-up LED display and two white illuminated circular instruments also appears very sporty in the metallic silver shadow look. The silver dials have red pointers and a 225 mph scale. The main feature between the dashboard’s two center air vents is the COMAND multi-media system with its 7-inch screen.

The elongated center console made of real matte metal also plays upon the plane cockpit theme. Among other things, the center console incorporates the AMG DRIVE UNIT, which is aligned towards the driver’s seat and enables SLS owners to customize their vehicle set-up. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission is operated by means of the E-SELECT lever, which is styled like a jet’s thrust regulator. All of the control elements are constructed of real metal, boasting a shiny silver shadow surface.

The cockpit impression is rounded off by the concave interior trim of the gullwing doors, the high waistline clearance and the muscular side skirts, all of which also convey the feeling of sports car ergonomics. The high craftsmanship of the SLS interior is demonstrated by the use of refined materials such as nappa leather, real metal, and, as an option, real carbon appliqués. All of these features also express a great attention to detail. To help customize the interior, the leather is available in five designo colors: black, classic red, sand, porcelain and light brown.

Powering the SLS is a revised version of AMG’s now-familiar 6.2-liter 32-valve V-8. In the SLS, the engine makes 563 hp at 6800 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque at 4750 rpm. Revisions to the engine for use in the SLS include a new magnesium intake with eight separate velocity stacks; two electronically controlled throttle plates feed the new intake. On the exhaust side, a new equal-length exhaust manifold reduces backpressure. Lubricating the engine is a new dry-sump system that allows the engine to sit low, thus reducing the center of gravity. But the engine doesn’t just sit low; it also sits behind the front axle line, an arrangement that is partially responsible for the SLS’s claimed 48 percent/52 percent front/rear weight distribution.

AMG has seen fit to design a new seven-speed transaxle gearbox for the SLS. Mounted at the rear axle and encompassing the differential, the new gearbox is a dual-clutch automated manual transmission that will shift gears by itself or at the driver’s command. This is unlike the MCT unit in the SL63 AMG, which is a variation of Merc’s seven-speed automatic that uses a planetary gearset and a clutch pack instead of a fluid torque converter. Connecting the engine to the rear-mounted transaxle is a torque tube housing a lightweight carbon-fiber composite driveshaft. One commonality with the SL63’s transmission is the SLS’s Race Start launch-control setting; it revs the engine and dumps the clutch for foolproof and optimal acceleration. How quick will the SLS be? Mercedes is projecting a 0-to-62-mph time of 3.8 seconds and says the top speed is governed at 196 mph.

When the time comes to stop, the SLS will be hauled down by standard cast-iron and aluminum compound disc brakes measuring 15.4 inches in the front and 14.2 inches in back. For those who need more fade resistance and crave reduced unsprung weight, carbon-ceramic rotors will be optional. The carbon-ceramic rotors are larger in front and measure 15.8 inches. The rear carbon-ceramic rotors have the same diameter as the cast-iron units but are thicker. Both brake systems will squeeze six-piston calipers in front and four-piston calipers at the rear. New Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires were developed specifically for the car, and are sized 265/35-19 up front and 295/30-20 in the rear.

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