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Spy shots: Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Gullwing up close

 
52 70,416 views Jul 13, 2009

2011 mercedes benz sls preview rendering 001

Mercedes Benz has confirmed the SLS AMG Gullwing will pack a 6.2L V8 with 571hp (420kW) and 479lb-ft (650Nm) of torque

Mercedes Benz has confirmed the SLS AMG Gullwing will pack a 6.2L V8 with 571hp (420kW) and 479lb-ft (650Nm) of torque

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The successor to the Mercedes Benz SL Gullwing (and replacement for the SLR) has been spotted in prototype form in and around Germany’s Nurburgring test circuit for several months now, but what only a select few knew is that the car is being developed completely in-house by Mercedes’ official tuner, AMG. Thus, the brand new model will be called the SLS AMG when it hits showrooms in the first half of next year.

In the lead up to its final unveiling, planned for later this year, Mercedes has released a ton of info on the car, including several images of actual prototypes and technical drawings. As the successor to the legendary SL Gullwing from the 1950s, the new SLS AMG will also feature gullwing doors but picks up a new aluminum spaceframe to provide an almost perfect front-to-rear weight distribution of 48-to-52%.

Powering the SLS will be a revised version of AMG’s now-familiar 6.2L V8 mated to an all-new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission mounted on the rear axle. Peak output will stand at 571hp (420kW) and 479lb-ft (650Nm) of torque. Changes to the engine include a new magnesium intake with eight separate velocity stacks, two electronically controlled throttle plates, a high-flow exhaust and a new dry-sump lubrication system.

The engine will be located up front but will be mounted behind the front axle for better weight distribution. The SLS’s final kerb weight will be around 1,620kg, and with the V8 engine it should be able to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed in excess of 315km/h.

As for the new dual-clutch gearbox, the unit was developed by AMG and boasts fast gear changes with no loss of tractive force. The driver has a choice of four different driving modes, ranging from comfortable to extremely sporty, as well as a ‘RACESTART’ function. The suspension set-up is equally advanced, with double wishbones and hub carriers made of lightweight forged aluminum. Stopping power comes from carbon-ceramic discs, and these are mounted within 19in light-alloy wheels.

The car’s dimensions have also been revealed, measuring in at 4.65m in length, 1.95m across and just 1.25m in height. The wheelbase stretches just 2.7m. Previous renderings give us a clue as to what the new car could look like, showing a vented bonnet and a new headlight design not seen on any previous Mercedes models.

Designers have gone with a distinctively retro look for the interior of the new SLS AMG

Designers have gone with a distinctively retro look for the interior of the new SLS AMG

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Furthermore, new shots of the interior show a familiar Mercedes steering wheel and a unique dash fitted with silver accented controls similar to that used in the current SLR supercar. Another interesting feature is the retro styled air-vents, which look similar to the units used by Mercedes Benz during the 1970s. The COMAND system knob located on the center console is also identical to the units used by other Mercedes models.

Premium materials abound on every surface, with materials such as nappa leather, solid metal and (optional) carbon-fiber facings emphasizing the ‘custom-built’ nature of the car. Seating will be strictly limited to two.

The price of the SLS is expected to be roughly $300,000 with production numbers likely to fall between 3,000 and 5,000 units per year. This should see it compete nicely with cars like the Lamborghini Gallardo and Ferrari F430.
2011 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG 'Gullwing' preview
2011 Mercedes Benz SLS official spy photos
2011 Mercedes Benz SLS ‘Gullwing’ revealing spy shots
2011 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG 'Gullwing' interior shots

HI-RES GALLERY: 2011 mercedes benz sls preview rendering 001

HI-RES GALLERY: 2011 mercedes sls official spy 009

HI-RES GALLERY: 2011 mercedes benz sls revealing spy shots april 006

HI-RES GALLERY: 2011 mercedes benz sls interior 009




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Comments (52)

  1. By HECTOR Posted: 5/1/2008 5:55am PDT

    Sorry, I just don't know...

    The return of the Gullwing appeals to me - and I am usually VERY septical about those new cars copying past glories.

    But the headlights and the hood are pure Porsche to me and the shape, though a LOT more pleasing than the new SL class, is kind of vanilla (though maybe that's a good thing.

    But the biggest thing I have against this car... does MB really need a new model? I mean, they must have about 50 of them out there. Why one more?
     
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  2. By cirquo Posted: 5/1/2008 9:23am PDT

    MB thinks they need competition for the new Alfa 8C's, the Ferrari Dinos and Maserati's.
     
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  3. By Alan Posted: 5/1/2008 9:28am PDT

    if this car is overpriced and overweight like the SLR it'll be a flop. Follow Audi and build a more light weight sports car like R8.
     
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  4. By DaveDav Posted: 5/1/2008 10:46am PDT

    anyone else think it maybe a supercharged AMG63 engine?
     
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  5. By Stephen Posted: 5/1/2008 10:47am PDT

    A 670 bhp 6.2 V8?! I thought Mercedes said they were done with the horsepower wars?
     
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  6. By admin Posted: 5/1/2008 11:26am PDT

    Stephen - that was probably just to trick BMW and Audi. :)
     
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  7. By chris Posted: 5/1/2008 11:37am PDT

    they said they were done with the HP wars,... as soon as the current big guns run their life cycle.

    personally I believe this is why they're choosing to do a gullwing throwback at this exact moment in history. they have a decent architecture, and they may never have an engine quite as large and powerful as this. this is the last hoorah for cars like this.

    after all, mercedes is making nothing but hydrogen cars as of 2015 right?
     
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  8. By Ad Posted: 5/1/2008 1:33pm PDT

    i lke but i prefer the Audi R8 or the Audi RS6
     
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  9. By Ad Posted: 5/1/2008 1:35pm PDT

    I'm spanish and in my town, now is 20.30 pm

    it's grate
     
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  10. By Matt Posted: 5/1/2008 2:08pm PDT

    That car in the video is a camo'd Dodge VIper.. It has identical taillights and front fender vents
     
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  11. By Matt Posted: 5/1/2008 2:09pm PDT

    HaHA just read the article........
     
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  12. By chris Posted: 5/1/2008 2:58pm PDT

    yeah matt; this car has been going through road testing for a while now,.. at least a year. always under viper skin. a lot of people started thinking the next gen viper would share the platform with the SL but then people realized that would be just plain rediculous.

    I must admit, the idea of a merc viper is really interesting though.
     
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  13. By max abrams Posted: 5/8/2008 4:53pm PDT

    dodge viper
     
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  14. By Moises Posted: 6/26/2008 3:39pm PDT

    The car that is in the video is not a Merc SlC but the Dodge VIper
     
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  15. By Dandan Posted: 7/30/2008 11:48am PDT

    deffinately sounds supercharged...
     
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  16. By Gus Posted: 7/31/2008 3:03pm PDT

    That door is interesting, but wouldn't you wind up hitting your head a lot?
     
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  17. By NaBUru38 Posted: 8/2/2008 7:43pm PDT

    Alan's point is fair. Here's a list of some sporty Mercedes' weights:

    o- SLK 55 AMG: 1575kg
    o- CLK 63 AMG Coupé: 1755kg
    o- CLK 63 AMG Cabrio: 1875kg
    o- SL 63 AMG: 1970kg
    o- SL 65 AMG: 2120kg
    o- CL 63 AMG: 2085kg
    o- CL 65 AMG: 2240kg
    o- SLR McLaren: 1825kg

    Too much fat in every case. Mercedes, use lightweight materiales, please?
     
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  18. By Carlos Posted: 8/7/2008 9:15am PDT

    Very nice retro design
     
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  19. By vaughan Posted: 8/8/2008 12:34am PDT

    is it just me or has merc gone and built a dodge viper? check the rear and sides...... clever merc!
     
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  20. By Dandan Posted: 8/8/2008 2:49pm PDT

    what about the black edition CLK's? and the Black Edition SLK's? they're more high end light diggery sports cars for nutters.

    Got to remember MB is probably trying to sell the Gullwing to rich people who probably have an S Class or a CL and want a play thing. They're keeping to their core competences which are luxury comfortable cars...even when they're sports cars.
     
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  21. By Gus Posted: 8/19/2008 8:08pm PDT

    How would the convertible and gullwing doors work?
     
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  22. By www.mywheelsonwalls.com Posted: 8/19/2008 8:22pm PDT

    Gus- Same way as they did on the old one. A very short door with a very tall sill.

    http://www.silverstarrestorations.com/300SL.htm
     
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  23. By Gus Posted: 8/19/2008 9:18pm PDT

    That is a cool link, but I still don't understand how that would work in a modern car?
     
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  24. By www.mywheelsonwalls.com Posted: 8/20/2008 1:51am PDT

    Gus- Maybe this will help. Although a different problem its still the same solution, that being you will need a stiff structure since there is no roof. In other words they use a much deeper sill to add strength and in this case to hide the doors. http://www.diseno-art.com/encyclopedia/vehicles/road/cars/bmw_z1.html

    I would assume that the new Gullwing will have a monocoque/tub style chassis in stead of tubes/metal frame. So all they will do is use larger sills and cenventional hinged doors instead of gullwinged doors. The reason being they will already have large sills due to the fact that cutting into the roof for the gull wing doors creates a need to add strength else where. Ever wonder why the sills on the Ford GT are as big as they are?
     
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  25. By Gus Posted: 8/20/2008 10:04am PDT

    That makes sense now.
    So the cabrio won't have special doors.
    I always thought the doors on the Z1 were cool, but tough on safety...
     
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  26. By CK Posted: 9/9/2008 1:24pm PDT

    To me this car still looks like a Viper with gullwing doors. Maybe they have taken the chassis form the Viper to adapt and modify it for a new car. The dimensions seem to fit this idea. At least they would have a chassis that can handle the power.
     
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  27. By Marco Posted: 9/10/2008 7:57am PDT

    580bhp only = =
     
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  28. By Oil Slick Rick Posted: 9/10/2008 8:54am PDT

    580 is alot but in recent times you can get that in an estate car 'only' is something you could use when talking about a 6.2.V8 hand built by one of the best builders of engines.

    I personally think they should bring use the SLR's 55AMG engine or supercharge this 63AMG for more power and lots of torque.

    I do realise I'm rambling now but; the new renderings have an MB grill on them, what happened to this being AMG only?
     
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  29. By mlevere1992 Posted: 9/10/2008 9:17am PDT

    Is it me or does the front end look a little like the Mazda RX8?
     
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  30. By james Posted: 9/10/2008 3:56pm PDT

    that rendering is fantastic! i wasn't a big fan of the previous renderings as they reminded me too much of porches but this is something to really get excited about! i'm impressed
     
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  31. By DiecastHobbyUSA.com Posted: 9/10/2008 10:00pm PDT

    I like the way the doors open up!
     
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  32. By Wizards Lore Posted: 9/11/2008 6:19pm PDT

    is it just me or does this look quite good ?
    im really glad that the overal style is of cruiser as opposed to brute in your face sports car...
    the kind of car that James Bond would drive to the Casino...but woudl leave in an Aston Martin...it just seems to ooze class !
    1950's Grace Kelly class !
     
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  33. ma_gus avatar Gus Chyba Posted: 11/17/2008 8:23am PST

    Somebody really knows their old Benz's, to spot that the air vents are right out of the 70's.
    I remember them from my parent's 450SL...

    Man, I'm getting old!
     
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  34. ma_rami avatar rami Posted: 11/22/2008 2:57am PST

    did someone realize that i looks like a pontiac had a love child with an opel and was tagged mercedes benz AWFULL GERMANS WHERE'S UR MAGIC????!!!
     
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  35. ma_mburleigh8 avatar mburleigh8 Posted: 12/9/2008 6:12pm PST

    I don't like what i see,it looks like a Dodge viper
    unless it has about 500 pounds of camo
    I guess we will see, i hope its cool.
     
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  36. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 12/10/2008 8:41pm PST

    Give the AMG V8 Di and twin turbo for this car
     
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  37. ma_azlan avatar azlan Posted: 12/11/2008 4:14am PST

    it looked like a viper... but man it sounds awesome, i hope it doesnt turn out like the pictures thats grose. im a bit anxious thinking if this car will do the old gullwing credit, the old car was amazing it was the best car in the world at the time and that is huuuge! to live up 2 i hope merc can do it.
     
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  38. ma_rawashwan avatar rawashwan Posted: 12/11/2008 11:16am PST

    i looks cool
     
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  39. ma_Countach avatar Countach Posted: 1/19/2009 8:07am PST

    I think they should just go all the way and creat a Enzo class supercar instead of another overweight grand tourer.
     
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  40. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 3/2/2009 8:16am PST

    it looked like a viper... but man it sounds awesome, i hope it doesnt turn out like the pictures thats grose. im a bit anxious thinking if this car will do the old gullwing credit, the old car was amazing it was the best car in the world at the time and that is huuuge! to live up 2 i hope merc can do it.

    The orignial body cladding was acually from a Viper, early on
     
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  41. ma_danDAN avatar danDAN Posted: 3/2/2009 9:06am PST

    Mercedes Benz even went so far as to release a few official images of one of the prototype

    Where can I find these?
     
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  42. ma_gus avatar Gus Chyba Posted: 4/8/2009 8:16am PDT

    Reminds me a little of the shape of the old BMW Z8, but much bigger.
    I can't wait to see it unvieled.
     
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  43. ma_vanhoivanbinh avatar vanhoivanbinh Posted: 4/8/2009 7:13pm PDT

    ho ho one more time, I see the NISSAN GTR R35 headlights over here =))
     
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  44. ma_gazzed avatar gazzed Posted: 4/8/2009 10:05pm PDT

    More looking like it's going to be of a disappointment as what had happened to the MB/MacLaren SLR and Stirling Moss...
    The car's got some bad propotions even with all those camoflauge.
     
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  45. ma_Quantum avatar Quantum Posted: 4/9/2009 3:46am PDT

    That inside does not really give the impression of luxury, looks like cheap plastic everywhere -_-
     
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  46. ma_justinhk2000 avatar justinhk2000 Posted: 4/25/2009 3:41pm PDT

    Actually, its Suede(on the roof) leather(dashboard) and carbon fiber(center console), and think that's it.
     
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  47. ma_Damien Thomas avatar Damien Thomas Posted: 4/25/2009 7:22pm PDT

    Mercedes Benz even went so far as to release a few official images of one of the prototype

    Where can I find these?

    The official prototypes in the shots you are reffering to were still covered in camo gear.
     
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  48. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 7/2/2009 8:31pm PDT

    Wow that is obnoxious bigw
     
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  49. ma_www.mywheelsonwalls.com avatar www.mywheelsonwalls.com Posted: 7/2/2009 9:46pm PDT

    I'm with you Denton!! Definitely warrants a big WTF?

    Hey Sid can you delete such garbage?
     
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  50. By  Scott Posted: 10/12/2009 1:46pm PDT

    Just saw the prototype in Sedona for a photo shoot, WOW !!!
     
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  51. By  Kendall-boardshop Posted: 12/17/2009 4:18pm PST

    Thanks for the great share! Much appreciation. :-)
     
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