The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (C197 / R197) is a front-engine, 2-seater luxury, limited production supercar automobile developed by Mercedes-AMG of German automaker Mercedes-Benz and was the first Mercedes-Benz automobile designed in-house by AMG. The car, which has gull-wing doors, was the successor to the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren and was described by Mercedes-Benz as a spiritual successor to the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing. SLS stands for "Sport Leicht Super" (Sport Light Super). The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG was assembled largely by hand, with its chassis and aluminum body shell produced by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria and then transferred to Sindelfingen, Germany for assembly, with its engine being hand built by AMG in Affalterbach, Germany.
It was the first Mercedes-Benz designed and built from scratch entirely by AMG. Upon its introduction the SLS AMG's 571 PS (420 kW; 563 hp) M159 engine was according to AMG "the world's most powerful naturally aspirated production series engine" ever produced. In fact, the 6.2 liter engine (the engine was based on the M156 block) was modified to such an extent that AMG gave it a separate engine codeâ€"M159â€"to signify the more than 120 different parts used in the SLS engine (as well as the addition of a dry-sump lubrication system to handle the car's high cornering speeds and racing capabilities).
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and sales commenced in mid-2010 in Europe and in mid-2011 in the United States. Mercedes presented an electric version of the car, the SLS AMG Electric Drive, at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Production ended with the SLS AMG GT FINAL EDITION in early 2014. Upon its cessation of production, AMG elected not to replace the SLS, at least not for some while. As then-outgoing AMG boss Ola Kallenius explained, the SLS put AMG on the map in terms of a standalone sports car manufacturer, and "it is such an iconic vehicle that AMG doesn't want to launch a direct successor straight away," particularly given that the SLS was the "spiritual successor to the legendary 300SL of the 1950s" and was also "thoroughly successful in the motorsport arena" in GT3 trim.
Compared with its predecessor (the Mercedes-McLaren SLR), the SLS is, per Mercedes-AMG head Tobias Moers, the faster car on the track, both in the hands of normal drivers as well as race drivers. This may be attributable in part to the SLS's lightweight aluminum frameâ€"the company's first ever use of an aluminum chassis and body frame. The Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series, by way of example, with its use of carbon and other light weight materials, had a curb weight of over two tons, at 4,350 pounds. Even the Mercedes-McLaren SLR supercar, with its emphasis on light weight, came in at 3,860 pounds. The SLS, however, has a curb weight of just 3,573 pounds, and that's with its standard wheelsâ€"it had a (very expensive) ceramic-composite brake option that reduced the unsprung weight of the wheels by 40%. The SLS also came with a carbon-fiber shaft for its dual clutch transmission. Perhaps for these reasons, the SLS AMG achieves a lateral acceleration of 0.99. This bests even the Mercedes-McLaren SLR, which achieves a 0.97 figure.
The SLS has been owned by many celebrities, including Eddie Murphy, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Al Pacino, Floyd Mayweather, Boris Becker, Mark Wahlberg, Roger Federer, Sylvester Stallone, Tom Hanks, and Cristiano Ronaldo,as well as a number of car enthusiast celebrities, such as Jay Leno and Jeremy Clarkson, but perhaps most impressively, by premier racing drivers, among them Lewis Hamilton, and it was developed with the assistance of David Coulthard. In his review for "Top Gear," Jeremy Clarkson referred to the SLS AMG as "the greatest car in the world," noting that "it's more powerful than a Ferrari 458, just, it's a little bit louder than a Lamborghini, and it's way more fun than the 911RS GT Turbo 3S or whatever this week's ultimate Beetle (i.e., Porsche) is called; this is the thinking man's supercar."
The SLS AMG was followed in 2014 by the substantially less expensive, and less powerful, Mercedes-AMG GT. Designed to compete against the Porsche 911, it relies on forced induction for its power and is available as a 462Â PS (340Â kW; 456Â hp) GT and 510Â PS (375Â kW; 503Â hp) GT S. AMG/Mercedes does not plan to replace the SLS any time soon, with AMG head Tobias Moers being quoted as follows in 2015: "Moers was adamant in reiterating that a true replacement for the modern Gullwing is not yet on the radar. 'Honestly, there's no [Mk II SLS] program running. Our homework for the next years is so much, so we took the decision to not replace directly the SLS because SLS has to stand by its own and the Gullwing is an iconic car.[...] If it takes 50 to 60 years to have a Gullwing replacement coming out of the 1950s then we can wait a few more years' [to replace the SLS Gullwing]." Moers was also quoted as follows: "Speaking to Autocar at the (2015) Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers confirmed that the company has no plans to create a new supercar to replace the SLS. According to Moers, Mercedes is 'not in that league' at this moment in time."
As summed up by Moers, the "SLS AMG has won numerous awards of international significance. Not least on the basis of its breathtaking design and acknowledged superb driving dynamics, the super sports car from Mercedes-AMG is today already determined to be a classic of the future," and particularly the "spectacular gullwing model," with these cars made more special by virtue of their also being "the first vehicle to be completely built by Mercedes-AMG."
Design
The SLS AMG was designed to be a modern 300SL Gullwing revival by Mark Fetherston from October 2006 to April 2007. The SLS AMG has also adapted the feature of wing doors that swing open upwards on gas struts, and must be closed manually as AMG engineers decided against the 90 pounds (41Â kg) that auto-closing systems would have added to the car. In case of a roll-over, the doors can be fully detached to allow the occupants to leave the vehicle
Although there is some overlapping in price and performance, the lighter SLS AMG is considered more of a sporty track-oriented car, compared to the Mercedes-Benz SL which is a more autobahn-focused grand tourer especially with its optional V12 engine. Compared to the SLS AMG Roadster, the SL is a hardtop convertible with technological and comfort amenities, and it also has available heated and cooled seats with a massage function. The SLS AMG has also been said to be one of the cheapest cars on the market with an unusual door design.
The Gullwing version of the SLS AMG has won a number of design awards, including the 2010 red dot "best of the best" award, the iF product design award 2010 for the "Transportation Design" category, and the AUTO BILD Design Award 2010 as "Europe's most attractive car". It is also the only automobile to have won the gold Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Specifications
Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 105.5Â in (2,680Â mm)
- Length: 182.6Â in (4,640Â mm)
- Width: 76.3Â in (1,940Â mm)
- Height: 49.7Â in (1,260Â mm)
- Wheels: 9.50 × 19 in (front), 11 × 20 in (rear), forged aluminium
- Tyres: 265/35 R 19 (front), 295/30 R 20 (rear)
Body style
Engine
Transmission
AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission is connected to engine through a lightweight carbon fiber driveshaft in a transaxle arrangement. Selectable driving modes include "C" (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus) or "M" (Manual). A true manual transmission is not available.
Brakes
Standard brakes are 390Â mm (15.35Â in) (front) and 360Â mm (14.17Â in) (rear) cast iron disc brakes with 6-piston aluminium (front) and 4-piston (rear) calipers. Optional on the SLS AMG are carbon-ceramic disc brakes. 402Â mm (15.83Â in) discs with 6-piston aluminium calipers (front) and 360Â mm (14.17Â in) discs with 4-piston calipers (rear). These brakes provide increased stopping power with a 40% weight reduction compared to the standard brake system.
Environment
The fuel consumption of the SLS AMG is around 13 L/100 km (22 mpgâ€'imp; 18 mpgâ€'US) combined driving according to (NEDC, provisional figure).
Performance
The SLS AMG is capable of accelerating from 0 to 62Â mph (100Â km/h) in 3.7 seconds, and can reach a top speed of 197Â mph (317Â km/h) (figures are provisional). The supercar can also perform a quarter mile time of 11.7Â seconds at 125Â mph (201Â km/h).
Safety
In the June 2010 issue of Car and Driver magazine, safety specifications were revealed pertaining to the safety of the SLS AMG's gullwing doors. Ten to fifteen milliseconds after a detected rollover, explosive bolts situated at the top of the door frame fire and bell cranks separate the doors from the car for easy exit during a serious accident. An anti-lock braking system and a 3-stage Electronic stability program (ESP) are standard.
Exterior
The exterior aluminum body is supplied by Magna Steyr. This and the CL65 AMG 40th Anniversary Edition are the only roadgoing Mercedes-Benz with the AMG Alubeam Silver paint available, at an extra cost of €11,900 in Germany. Other colors include both metallic and matte colors, such as Designo Magno Kashmir, the matte paint known from the SL63 AMG IWC edition.
The SLS AMG has a rearwing which will extend at high speeds for stability and handling, and when braking.
Models
The first SLS AMG to launch was the coupé with gullwing doors. In 2010, a Desert Gold version debuted at the Dubai International Auto Show; in mid-2010 a FIA-GT3 racing version was released; and for 2011â€"2013, Mercedes released a roadster (with conventional doors and a soft top), an electric powered E-Cell version (coupé), and a Black Series version, which reduced its weight by as much as 300 kg (661 lb).
SLS AMG Coupé (2009)
SLS AMG includes 9.5x19-inch front and 11x20-inch rear AMG 7-spoke light-alloy wheels (optional 5-twin-spoke wheels and 10-spoke forged wheels), 265/35 R 19 front and 295/30 R 20 rear tyres, tyre pressure monitoring system, Formula-1-style LED fog lamp/reversing light, black diffuser insert, two chromed tailpipes, spoiler automatically deployed from a speed of 120Â km/h, a choice of 9 body colours (including AMG ALU-BEAM silver (an approximately $12,750 option applied at a specialized location in 7 layers by hand after the surface of the car first receives additional polishing and finishing, with each flake of paint aligned to create a gleaming sheen of bluish silver that has the appearance of molten silver, a labor-intensive process that restricts Mercedes to 2-3 Alubeam cars per week), designo magno allanite grey (matte), AMG magno sylvanite grey (matte) Mars Red), instrument cluster with LED upshift indicator and two white backlit dial instruments, COMAND APS multimedia system with its 7-inch screen between the two centre air vents, AMGDRIVE UNIT towards the SLSdriver, E-SELECT shift lever, nappa leather, solid metal and (optional) genuine carbon-fibre facings; a choice of five leather colours (black, classic red, sand, porcelain and light brown), sports seat backrests in magnesium, sports seats with two-zone seat cushions and four-way lumbar support and optional Memory package (three configurable individual settings), integrated head restraints and sporty transverse fluting upholstered in designo leather (in optional classic red, sand and porcelain), performance leather steering wheel in a three-spoke design with 365-millimetre rim, 3.7-litre glove compartment with a spectacles section, 176-litre luggage compartment, carbon-fibre driveshaft at the rear axle, AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, 3-stage ESP with acceleration skid control system, optional carbon ceramic brakes (an approximately $12,500 option), and a 1,000 watt stereo system (an approximately $6,500 option).
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and later at the 2009 Tokyo Game Show, Auto China 2010, and Haneda Airport 2nd terminal. The production model went on sale in spring 2010. Commercial release of the German model began on November 16, 2009. Pre-order of the Japanese model began on April 14, 2010 with sales beginning on June 10, 2010 and delivery beginning on September 28, 2010. Various minor changes and variations ensued, as identified below, with very small tweaks in horsepower (though torque remained identical) and, in the case of the final edition in model year 2015, certain visual add-ons (a fixed spoiler and carbon-effect), but racing examples aside, three substantive variations were created (see below): (1) a roadster version was produced, (2) an electronic-propulsion model was made, and (3) in model year 2014, a "Black Series" was produced.
SLS AMG "AMG Desert Gold" (2010)
It is a version of SLS AMG Coupé with decorative and mounted features in shining chrome or Silver Shadow colours, black-painted AMG light-alloy wheels in size 9.5 x 19 at the front and 11.0 x 20 at the rear with a golden ring on the rim flange, gold body colour.
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2010 Dubai International Motor Show.
SLS AMG "Blackbird" (2010)
It is a version of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé with designo magno Night Black body colour with red highlights, ordered by Mercedes-Benz's Australian subsidiary for the Australian International Motor Show.
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2010 Australian International Motor Show.
SLS AMG E-CELL prototype (2011)
The drivable prototype is based on SLS AMG Coupé, but is powered by four electric motors that provide a combined 392 kW (533 PS; 526 hp) and 880 N·m (649 lb·ft). The battery is a 400 V lithium battery with a 48 kWh capacity. Other features include pushrod damper struts, 402 x 39 mm front and 360 x 32 mm rear brake discs made in carbon fibre-strengthened ceramic, Full-LED headlamps, AMG 10-spoke light-alloy wheels with smooth-surfaced design, 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) tyres, AMG Drive Unit angled towards driver, quality nappa leather in a black/white colour combination at sports seats, performance leather/alcantara steering wheel and the door linings, centre tunnel.
The battery came from Deutsche Accumotive GmbH & Co. KG, a joint venture between Daimler AG and Evonik Industries AG. The drivetrain has been in development since 2010 as a result of the cooperation between Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2011 North American International Auto Show.
SLS AMG GT3 (2011â€")
The SLS AMG GT3 is a race car version of SLS AMG Coupé, developed in accordance with the GT3 regulations of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile). It includes a sequential six-speed racing transmission with steering wheel shift paddles, an integrated multi-disc locking differential and traction control, adjustment facilities for the springs and shock absorbers, the suspension height, the stabilisers, the track width and camber; rack-and-pinion steering with a more direct ratio and servo assistance, AMG 18-inch light-alloy wheels, a steel racing braking system with racing ABS, seat shell (individually foam-padded, features the HANS (Head and Neck Support) system) located in a high-strength carbon-fibre (CFRP) safety cell, a six-point seat belt, optimised fire extinguisher system, central display positioned within the driver's field of vision. Development of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 testing programme began on Lausitz Eurospeedway in June 2010.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2010 New York International Auto Show and Puebla in Mexico, and later a silver version of the car was unveiled in 2010 Pebble Beach Concourse D'elegance. The vehicle went on sale for €334,000 (not incl. VAT) or €397,460 (incl. 19% VAT), only in left-hand drive configuration. Deliveries began in February 2011, following homologation by the FIA in accordance with the GT3 regulations. 25 SLS AMG GT3's were built for competition with only one not racing in Europe.
SLS AMG Roadster (2011)
The SLS AMG Roadster is a convertible version of SLS AMG Coupé, with conventional doors, three-layered fabric soft top (in magnesium/steel/aluminium construction) that opens and closes in 11 seconds, and can be operated on the move at up to 50 km/h (31 mph). The roadster's DIN kerb weight is 40 kg (88 lb) more than the SLS AMG Coupé. The Roadster reinforcements include side skirts with greater wall thicknesses and more chambers, dashboard cross-member is supported against the windscreen frame and centre tunnel by additional struts, a curved strut between the soft top and the tank reinforces the rear axle, a reinforcing cross-member behind the seats to support the fixed roll-over protection system. Other features include 265/35 ZR 19 front and 295/30 ZR 20 rear wheels, optional AMG Sepang brown body colour, optional weight-optimised forged wheels in a 10-spoke design in black with a high-sheen rim flange, optional AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension, 175 litres boot capacity, choice of 3 trims (leather, matte-finished solid metal, optional carbon-fibre), black designo leather upholstery, AMG sports seats with heating, a slot-in glass draught-stop, COMAND APS with DVD player, anti-theft alarm system with tow-away protection and interior monitoring, THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control, KEYLESS-GO starting function, optional AIRSCARF ventilation at backrests of the AMG sports seats, leather-lined roll-over bars with integrated mesh in a "Silver Shadow" look with optional designo Exclusive leather, optional electrically folding exterior mirrors, optional Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system, AMG Performance Media with high-speed mobile internet access (via Android operating system), optional Blind Spot Assist, optional AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension, 3-stage ESP with acceleration skid control, optional front AMG ceramic brake discs, AMG 7-spoke light-alloy wheels (optional 5-twin-spoke wheels, weight-optimised 10-spoke forged wheels), 265/35 R 19 front and 295/30 R 20 rear tyres, tyre pressure monitoring system.
The 2012 SLS AMG Roadster was unveiled in 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show.
Ordering began from 1 June 2011, with its market launch began in autumn 2011.
Japan model went on sale in 2011-09-21.
SLS AMG Ambulance (2011)
It is an ambulance version of SLS AMG Coupe.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2011 RETTmobil emergency vehicle expo.
SLS AMG Matte Black Edition (2011â€"2013)
It is a limited version of SLS AMG Coupé for Japan market, commemorating the first year of Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. It included designo magno Night Black body colour with red highlights at 3-pointed star, grill fin, bonnet fin, SLS/AMG rear emblems, fuel lid (from the Blackbird car); matte black exhaust tip, high gloss black interior trim, leather upholstery in classic red/black, AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension, AMG red brake calliper, 19-inch front and 20-inch rear AMG 10-spoke alloy wheels in matte black, AMG performance steering wheel in leather/Alcantara.
The vehicle went on sale in 2011-09-09.
SLS AMG Matte Edition (2012)
SLS AMG Roadster Matte Black Edition is a limited (5 units) version of left-drive SLS AMG Roadster for Japan market. It included designo magno Night Black body colour, classic red/black interior, black soft top, high gloss black interior trim, red paint metal parts (3-pointed star, grill fin, bonnet fin, fender fin, AMG rear/6.3 emblems, fuel lid), matte black exhaust tip, 19-inch front and 20-inch rear AMG 10-spoke alloy wheels in matte black in matte black with red rim, 2-tone leather upholstery, AMG performance steering wheel in leather/Alcantara, Performance Studio floor mat, AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension.
SLS AMG Coupé Matte White Edition and SLS AMG Roadster Matte White Edition are limited (10 Coupé, 5 Roadster) versions of left-drive SLS AMG Coupé and SLS AMG Roadster respectively, for Japan market. It included designo magno Cashmere White body colour, porcelain/black interior, black soft top (Roadster only), high gloss black interior trim, matte black paint metal parts (3-pointed star, grill fin, bonnet fin, fender fin, AMG rear/6.3 emblems, fuel lid, door mirror cover), matte black exhaust tip, 19-inch front and 20-inch rear AMG 10-spoke alloy wheels in matte black in matte black, 2-tone leather upholstery, AMG performance steering wheel in leather/Alcantara, Performance Studio floor mat, AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension.
The vehicles went on sale in 2012-05-29, with deliveries of SLS AMG Roadster Matte Black Edition, SLS AMG Coupé Matte White Edition, SLS AMG Roadster Matte White Edition began in September 2012, October 2012, October 2012 respectively.
SLS AMG GT (2012)
Available in Coupé and Roadster bodies, SLS AMG GT has the same torque (479 lb-ft @ 4,750 rpm) and the same top speed (an electronically limited 197 mph) but includes a 20-horsepower increase in engine power to 591 PS (435 kW; 583 hp)@6800rpm and 650 N·m (479 lbf·ft)@4750rpm, resulting in an ever so slight 1/10 of a second decrease in 0-60 speed (3.7 seconds to 3.6 seconds) over the prior year model, shorten transmission reaction time in the manual "M" transmission mode, AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension, selection of suspension modes via AMG DRIVE UNIT, 3 additional AMG light-alloy wheels options, Alcantara black interior upholstery, red seat belts, contrasting stitching on the AMG sports seats and the centre console and the door panel lining in red, floor mats in red edging, high-gloss black AMG trim on the centre console and door panel, high-gloss black edging on the adjustable cross-shaped air vents and the high-gloss real metal insert on the AMG Performance steering wheel with Alcantara grip, AMG instrument cluster with black faceplate, AMG designo Exclusive STYLE leather option (a diamond design with contrasting stitching, designo leather finish for the entire dashboard, the beltlines and door armrests, the handrest on the centre console, AMG floor mats in black with porcelain leather edging, roof lining in Alcantara porcelain, and the parcel shelf (Coupé) or roll-over bar (Roadster)) in 3 colour combinations (mocha brown/porcelain, titanium grey pearl/porcelain, mystic red/porcelain). Other options include AMG carbon-fibre exterior mirrors, AMG carbon-fibre engine compartment cover, AMG Interior Carbon-Fibre package (carbon-fibre trim, trim on seat backrest and side, door sill panels), AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system, AMG Performance Media, AMG 10-spoke forged wheels in other colour variants, AMG carbon-fibre trim, AIRSCARF (Roadster), Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system.
The SLS AMG GT completed Nürburgring Nordschleife in under 7 minutes 30 seconds.
The market launch began in October 2012.
US models went on sale in mid- November 2012 as 2013 model year vehicles, replacing previous SLS AMG versions.
Japan models went on sale on 2012-11-30, with delivery in March 2013.
SLS AMG GT3 "45th ANNIVERSARY" (2012)
It is a limited (5 units) version of SLS AMG GT3 commemorating the 45th anniversary of AMG brand. It included designo magno graphite matte body colour, a seat shell in a high-strength carbon-fibre safety cell on the co-driver's side, carbon fibre reinforced plastic doors, bonnet, mudguards, boot lid, rear wings, front and rear apron, front splitter and rear diffusor.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2012 São Paulo International Motor Show. The engines for SLS AMG GT3 "45th ANNIVERSARY" were installed by Bernd Schneider.
SLS AMG Coupé Black Series (2013)
SLS AMG Coupé Black Series is a supercar version of SLS AMG Coupé inspired by the racing version of the SLS AMG GT3. It includes increased engine power to 631 PS (464 kW; 622 hp) and decreased torque to 635 N·m (468 lb·ft), increased engine's redline to 8000 rpm, fully revised high-speed valve train with modified camshafts, adapted cam geometry and optimised bucket tappets featuring a special coating which is otherwise exclusive to racing vehicles, modification of the intake air ducting (derestriction and adaptation to the new maximum engine speed), adaptation of the engine application and increase in peak pressure. This results in a 0-60 speed of 3.5 seconds (1/10 of a second faster than the non-Black Series SLS), and a top speed of 196 mph (1 mph slower than the non-Black series).
The vehicle is 70Â kg (150Â lb) lighter than the standard model. This is accomplished by increased use of carbon fibre in body panels, mechanical components, and the spaceframe. Further, a switch from steel to titanium for the exhaust reduces weight by 13Â kg (29Â lb). The use of lithium-ion battery reduces weight by 8Â kg (18Â lb).
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission is installed 10mm lower in order to achieve a lower centre of gravity for the vehicle and is braced against the body by gas-filled struts in order to avoid stress cycles. The transmission's "Sport plus" and "Manual" modes feature faster shifting speed. The downshifting throttle blips are more audible. The new temporary M mode enables the driver to activate manual mode without having to remove a hand from the steering wheel, by pressing the "up" or "down" shift paddle once.
Other features include electronically controlled AMG rear-axle differential lock with a shorter rear-axle ratio, new AMG RIDE CONTROL performance suspension (tauter basic tuning and electronically controlled two-stage damping, coil-over spring retainers to enable adjustment of wheel loads, elastokinematics 50 / 42% more rigid (front/rear axle), track width increased by 20 / 24 millimetres (front/rear axle), new wheel carriers on front axle and new front stabiliser tuning, matte black with high-sheen AMG 10-spoke light-alloy wheels in particularly light forged design with optimised strength (10x19-inch front, 12x20-inch rear), Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 sports tyres (275/35 R 19 front, 325/30 R 20 rear), AMG speed-sensitive steering with newly defined power steering characteristic), AMG ceramic brake discs (402 x 39 millimetres front and 360 x 32 millimetres rear) with increased hardness, wide flared wings with an added width of 13Â mm (front) and 26Â mm (rear) on each side, darkened headlamps and black surrounds for the rear lights, front apron and rear apron with diffusor along with side sill panels in Black Series-specific design (carbon fibre-reinforced plastic front splitter, carbon inserts in the side sills and the rear apron made of carbon fibre, enlarged air intakes with carbon-fibre flics), carbon-fibre bonnet with central air outlet, Alcantara black or Alcantara black/red interior AMG Performance steering wheel with Alcantara upholstery, metal bezel features a high-gloss black paint finish to match the high-gloss black surrounds of the air vents, Alcantara strip in anthracite across the entire width of dashboard leather with red contrasting stitching in the leather, designo leather and Alcantara upholstery (including bottom section of the dashboard, door centre panels and on the AMG sports bucket seats in Alcantara), deleted COMAND APS multimedia system replaced by a carbon-fibre trim element (COMAND APS is optionally available), AMG DRIVE UNIT, red seat belts and red contrasting stitching on the AMG sports bucket seats, the upper and lower section of the dashboard and the door panelling; floor mats with red edging, optional Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system.
Optional AMG Aerodynamics package includes a fixed adjustable carbon-fibre rear aerofoil in the style of the SLS AMG GT3, rear aerofoil braced by aluminium elements on a special insert on the boot lid, additional carbon-fibre flics on the front apron. New body colour choice include AMG solar beam (total 7, including matte paint designo magno alanite grey)
Other options include AMG carbon-fibre exterior mirror, AMG carbon-fibre engine cover, AMG Interior Carbon-Fibre package, AMG infotainment system (incl. COMAND APS, AMG Performance Media and backup camera), Media Interface.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2012 LA Auto Show, with a market launch that began in June 2013.
US model went on sale in summer 2013 as 2014 model year vehicle.
The production breakdown for the 2014 SLS Black Series Coupe in the USA: 132 - total vehicles of which: 39 (-197 Obsidian Black), 32 (-048 designo Mystic White), 30 (-278 Solarbeam Yellow), 10 (-756 Imola Grey), 7 (-775 Iridium Silver), 7 (-044 Magno Alanite Grey), 5 (-590 Mars Red), 1 (-494 LeMans Red (pre-production car that was built before 494 was cancelled on the SLS platform)), and 1 (-777 Silver Arrow (one-off car made for internal purposes))[120]
SLS AMG Electric Drive (2013)
The SLS AMG Electric Drive is a limited edition electric version of the SLS AMG released in June 2013. The production vehicle was unveiled in 2012 Paris Motor Show, with market launch initially scheduled for June 2013. Pricing in Germany began at €416,500 (~ US$544,236). Fewer than 100 units were sold.
History
Following the SLS AMG E-CELL prototype premiere, the production of SLS AMG E-CELL was originally announced in 2011 North American International Auto Show.
The production version of SLS AMG E-CELL included four synchronous electric motors rated 392 kW (533 PS; 526 hp) and 880 N·m (649 lb·ft), 400V 48 kWh lithium-ion battery from Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (formerly Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines) rated 480 kW (653 PS; 644 hp), woven CFRP battery monocoque, independent multi-link suspension with pushrod damper struts, 402 x 39 mm front and 360 x 32 mm rear brake discs made in carbon fibre-strengthened ceramic.
Powertrain
The SLS AMG Electric Drive was powered by four electric motors with combined ratings of 552 kW (751 PS; 740 hp) and 1,000 N·m (738 lb·ft). Each motor can spin up to 13,000 rpm and weighs 45 kg (99 lb). In addition, the transmission allows each motor to selectively drive all 4 wheels. With this, the SLS AMG Electric Drive accelerates from standing still to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.
Battery
The SLS AMG Electric Drive included a liquid-cooled 400 V lithium-ion battery rated to 60 kWh that delivers a range of 250Â km (160Â mi) under the combined New European Driving Cycle. The 548Â kg (1,208Â lb) battery pack is made up of 12 modules, each comprising 72 lithium-ion cells. The system was designed as a collaboration between Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains Ltd.
SLS AMG GT Final Edition (2014)
Available in Coupé and Roadster bodies, they are limited (350 units total, 25 in Japan) versions of SLS AMG GT with exposed carbon fiber hood with central air outlet, carbon fiber front splitter on the front apron, fixed carbon fiber rear spoiler from SLS AMG Coupé Black Series, a choice of 2 exclusive AMG forged light-alloy wheels (inlaid in matte black with the spokes and rim flange in a high-sheen finish, completely painted matte black highlighted by a pencil thin high-sheen rim flange), designo magno graphite matte body colour (from the SLS AMG GT3 "45th ANNIVERSARY"), struts of the rear apron in high-gloss black, red-painted brake callipers, 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) Dunlop Sport Maxx Race Cup tires as a no-cost option, designo Exclusive leather upholstery in a diamond-stitch pattern at center panels of both the seats and the doors, contrasting topstitching in silver with black leather upholstery, silver seat belts, black floor mats edged in silver leather, high gloss carbon fiber trim, "AMG FINAL EDITION - 1 of 350" badge on the carbon fiber center console, 3D seam (a fine strip of Alcantara) set into the leather-covered upper dashboard, contrasting topstitching in silver at 3D seam, AMG Performance steering wheel in Alcantara with a silver 12 o'clock marking and black metal inserts, high-gloss black surrounds of the air vents, sports seats with an embossed AMG crest in the head restraints.
The "Final Edition" changes do not result in any quantifiable performance difference over the prior year model. Horsepower, torque, 0-60 speed, and top speed are all identical.
Other options include Carbon Fiber Exterior Mirror Covers, Carbon Fiber Engine Compartment Covers, Extended Interior Carbon Fiber package (additional carbon-fiber trim on seat backrest and side, as well as door sill panels), AMG Carbon-Ceramic High-Performance braking system, AMG Performance Media, Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show and 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, followed by 2013 Osaka Motor Show.
Market launch was set to begin in March 2014.
The Japan model was set to be delivered in June 2014, which included 20 Coupés, 5 Roadsters, a choice of 6 body colours (Fire Opal solid, Obsidian Black metallic, Elysium Silver metallic, AMG Imola Grey (premium), designo Magno Graphite (matte) (premium), designo Mystic White 2 (premium)), black designo Nappa full leather interior upholstery with silver diamond pattern stitching at door centre panel, seat centre; anthracite roof liner, choice of 3 soft top colours for Roadster (black, beige, red), carbon fibre door mirror, Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG sound system, optional AMG Carbon-Ceramic brake.
Motorsport
F1 Safety Car
The SLS AMG was used as the official Safety Car in Formula One in the 2010, 2011 seasons and part through 2012 when it was replaced by the SLS AMG GT variant, which remained on duty up to the 2014 season coinciding with the end of production of this range.
SLS AMG E-CELL
SLS AMG E-CELL was raced in Paul Pietsch Classic 2011 under the 'Classic meets Future' category.
SLS AMG E-CELL was raced in 2011 Silvretta electric car race that took place in the Montafon region of Austria.
SLS AMG GT3 (2011â€"2015)
SLS AMG GT3 was first raced in the 2010 VLN Nürburgring Endurance Championship. At VLN Nürburgring, the SLS AMG GT3 was admitted into the SP9 class with "Balance of Performance" set to 1,350 kg (2,980 lb) and 556 PS (409 kW; 548 hp), and won its first race in October.
Since its launch in 2010, the SLS AMG GT3 has been competing in GT competitions around the world, such as the FIA GT3 European Championship, Blancpain Endurance Series, Blancpain Sprint Series, VLN, 24 Hours of Nurburgring, British GT Championship, Super GT, Australian GT Championship, Bathurst 12 Hour, Dubai 24 Hour, Macau GT Cup and Pirelli World Challenge. Also, the SLS AMG GT3 is used in the AMG Driving Academy programme.
The car won the 2012 and 2013 Dubai 24 Hour under Black Falcon Racing.
Erebus Racing has raced it in the Australian GT Championship, driven by Peter Hackett who is also the Chief Instructor at the Australian Mercedes Benz Driving Academy.
The SLS AMG GT3 competed in the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2011.
Black Swan Racing and DragonSpeed currently uses the SLS AMG GT3 in the SCCA Pirelli World Challenge.
An SLS took part in the 2012 Super GT season, with drivers Haruki Kurosawa and Hironori Takeuchi coming joint 5th in the GT300 drivers championship. Five cars are currently competing in the 2013 season.
An SLS won the 2013 Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hour, entered by Erebus Motorsport.
An SLS set the fastest lap, and won the 2013 24 Hours of Spa, taking the first Mercedes win in the race since 1964.
Marketing
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG shoes were produced with Italian clothier Santoni.
As part of SLS AMG Coupé market launch, a print ad (started in February 2010) featured a red Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG striking a powerful pose on grey asphalt against a black backdrop. The visual motif is supported by a brief, meaningful message, such as "Oh Lord …" or "A cockpit. An engine. Two wings. Is it still a car?", for example. The print ad appeared in daily newspapers and magazines. A TV advert with Michael Schumacher telling the story of an experiment with SLS AMG demonstrating its technical highlights from preparation and test phases to the realisation was produced. The TV ad was premiered on 30 January 2010 on all major television channels with a 60-second roadblock, followed by a 45-second version in reruns until the end of March. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG web site was extended with the addition of an interactive guided tour of the AMG development plant. In addition, three editions of an online magazine provided extensive information on the performance ("Milliseconds"), the lightweight construction ("Milligrams") and the design ("Millimetres") of the SLS AMG. A reporter blog www.sls-amg-reporter.de was launched featuring fictional enthusiast Matthew K. posting reports, pictures and video clips of his travels as an SLS AMG reporter as he follows the global launch of the new gullwing. Starting at February 2010, a new iPhone application called "SLS AMG" was launched, featuring preview of the car via 360° gameplay using the iPhone's accelerometer. SLS AMG also appeared in Gran Turismo 5, scheduled for release in 2010.
Cigarette 46' Rider, a boat inspired by SLS AMG and built by Cigarette Racing, was unveiled in 2010 the Miami International Boat Show.
As part of SLS AMG Roadster launch in the UK, a video featuring David Coulthard catching a speeding golf ball hit by professional golfer Jake Shepherd with Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster was produced, and was independently verified by a Guinness World Record adjudicator as title of farthest golf shot caught in a moving car.
Minichamps produced a limited (197 units) edition of SLS AMG GT3 1:18 scale model car for the IAA. The vehicle includes 88 parts, painted in matt black and features poison green details. The vehicle was unveiled in 2013 Frankfurt International Motor Show.
As part of its US marketing, the SLS AMG was also used at the 2009 AMG Driving Academy season for its Stage 1.
Production
Production of the SLS AMG began at Sindelfingen in January 2010. Sales commenced in mid-2010 in Europe and in mid-2011 in the United States. Production ended after the SLS AMG GT FINAL EDITION in early 2014. A total of 2,734 SLS AMGs were sold in the U.S., including both Gullwings and roadsters. According to a post on mbworld.org by a Mercedes-Benz executive, total U.S. sales of SLS AMG's several months earlier were as follows: 1,837 Gullwings, and 884 roadsters.
The production breakdown for the 2014 SLS Black Series Coupe in the USA: 132 - total vehicles of which: 39 (-197 Obsidian Black), 32 (-048 designo Mystic White), 30 (-278 Solarbeam Yellow), 10 (-756 Imola Grey), 7 (-775 Iridium Silver), 7 (-044 Magno Alanite Grey), 5 (-590 Mars Red), 1 (-494 LeMans Red (pre-production car that was built before 494 was cancelled on the SLS platform)), and 1 (-777 Silver Arrow (one-off car made for internal purposes))
The SLS AMG was replaced by a substantially less costly tourer with traditional doors and a much smaller forced induction engine, designed to compete against the Porsche 911. This marks the end of Mercedes' remarkable 6.2 liter naturally aspirated M159 engine. AMG head Tobias Moers said that engine downsizing is becoming ever more important, and that AMG will replace the SLS with "a new sports car in a more (price) accessible segment." As he put it, "There won't be an immediate successor to the SLS AMG. The SLS gave the AMG brand a special brand icon with its iconic Gullwing doors and we like to treat it as something special for both the company and the SLS owners."
See also
- Mercedes-Benz 300SL
- Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR
- Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
- Mercedes-AMG GT
References
External links
- Official website
- SLS AMG at Mercedes-AMG's US website
Press kit:
- The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
- The interior of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
- The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster: Perfect roadster performance
- The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3
