– The SLS treads a fine line between retro-flavoured styling cues that pay homage to the iconic 300SL of the 1950’s and the company’s more contemporary models.
– LED lights, fore and aft, are among the more modern exterior touches.
– More traditional styling cues include the roof-hinging ‘gullwing’ doors, elongated nose section and air intake ‘gills’ just aft of the front wheel.
– The stubby tail and LED brake lights are another example of retro meeting modern styling cues.
– Mercedes claims that the cabin has been influenced by aeronautic designs design cues. Touches such as the eyeball air vents, narrow glazing and wealth of chrome finishes lend the cosy cockpit a sporty yet upmarket air.
– Mercedes will offer the SLS AMG in a choice of nine exterior colours, including three matte-finish hues.
– A pair of gullwing doors that swing up to 70 degrees lead into a snug-looking cabin furnished in Nappa leather, metal trim and (optional) carbon-fibre finishes.
– Power is provided by a heavily-reworked version of Affalterbach’s M156 6,2-litre V8 engine with an entirely new intake manifold, restructured cam shaft and valve gear, as well as a dethrottled exhaust system. The result is a maximum power output of 426 kW at 6 800 r/min and 650 N.m of torque at 4 750 r/min. Mated with a transaxle-mounted seven-speed Speedshift dual-clutch transmission.
– This engine is capable of propelling the SLS AMG from 0-100 km/h in a claimed 3,8 seconds and on to a top speed of 312 km/h.
– The suspension setup comprises 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 are standard fitments, and 9,5 x 19-inch front and 11 x 20-inch rear wheels wrapped in SLS AMG-specific tyres.