Apart from the doors and basic styling, this new SLS AMG has nothing in common with it’s predecessor as you’d expect after more than 50 years in age.  “The SLS AMG was never conceived as a retro car or a reinterpretation of the classic 300 SL Gullwing” says Mr Wagner from Mercedes Benz AMG Head of Design. The cars body shell is predominantly made from lightweight aluminium at weighs in at an impressively light 241kg bringing the complete car weight to 1620kg.

The engine is Mercedes 6.3 litre V8 that pumps out 420kw/571hp with 650 NM of torque pushing this car from 0 -100 km/h in a staggering 3.8 seconds sat lower in engine bay thanks to it’s dry sump configuration for better weight distribution. The engine also sports custom developed forged pistons and an aluminium crankcase for further weight reduction.  Fuel consumption was quite reasonble considering the performance of this car producing a combined fuel consumption of around 13.2 l/100 km.

The interior comes with some nice additions and it’s not short of safety with a total of 8 airbags and a spaceframe crumple zone designed to keep the occupants inside the car safe in the event of an accident by assorbing the impact. The interior design has a distictively aircraft style with modern intelligent lightweight design with aesthetically pleasing details. The interior trim is avaiable in a number of colors and an all leather option including the dashboard for a total leather look.

Whatever your thoughts are on the SLS AMG Gullwing, it doesn’t come cheap with a hefty price tag of around $200000. If your short on change you can always take a virtual test drive in the upcoming Gran Turismo 5.

Related posts:

1. Four Door Bugatti 16C Galibier