The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is a front mid-engine, two-seat sports car developed by Mercedes-AMG with the help of the Formula One driver David Coulthard. SLS stands for Super Leicht Sport.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG at a glance
| Shown | 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show |
|---|---|
| Production | to 2014 |
| Model codes | C197 and R197 |
| Engine | 6.2-litre V8, M159 |
| Power | 420 kW (563 hp) |
| Claim at launch | the world’s most powerful naturally aspirated series engine |
| Gearbox | seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle |
| Chassis | aluminium space frame of 241 kg |
| Kerb weight | 1,619 kg |
| Doors | gullwing, opened on gas struts and closed by hand |
| Assembly | Magna Steyr in Graz, finished in Sindelfingen |
| Electric version | SLS AMG Electric Drive, 2012 |
This article is based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.
History of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
The SLS was the first Mercedes-Benz designed and built from scratch entirely by AMG. It was developed with David Coulthard and shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009, when its 420 kW (563 hp) M159 engine was described by AMG as the most powerful naturally aspirated production engine in the world. Sales began in mid-2010 in Europe and mid-2011 in the United States.
The car was designed by Mark Fetherston between October 2006 and April 2007 as a modern revival of the 300 SL Gullwing, and it took over the gullwing doors, which open upwards on gas struts and must be closed by hand because AMG rejected the 41 kg that automatic closers would have added. In a roll-over the doors can be fully detached so occupants can get out. The 6.2-litre V8, based on the M156 block, was modified so heavily that AMG gave it a new code, M159, for more than 120 changes including dry-sump lubrication for high cornering speeds. Power went through a rear-mounted seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle and a carbon-fibre driveshaft in a torque tube.
The aluminium space frame weighs 241 kg and carries double wishbone suspension with forged aluminium arms and coilovers. The SLS weighs 1,619 kg against 1,750 kg for the SLR McLaren, and Mercedes-AMG considered it the faster car on track. Chassis and aluminium body were built by Magna Steyr in Graz and assembled in Sindelfingen, with the engine hand-built in Affalterbach. The car won several design awards, among them the 2010 red dot best of the best, the iF product design award and the Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany. An electric SLS AMG Electric Drive was shown at Paris in 2012, and production ended in 2014 with the SLS AMG GT Final Edition.
Design and features
- First AMG car: designed and built entirely by AMG.
- Gullwing doors: opened on gas struts, closed by hand.
- M159 V8: 420 kW from 6.2 litres, with dry-sump lubrication.
- Dual-clutch transaxle: rear-mounted, with a carbon-fibre shaft.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG versions
- SLS AMG coupé (2009): the gullwing car.
- SLS AMG Roadster: open version.
- SLS AMG GT: more powerful later version.
- SLS AMG Electric Drive (2012): battery-electric car.
- GT Final Edition (2014): the last cars.
The SLS followed the SLR McLaren and revived the ideas of the 300 SL; AMG itself has a separate page. More in the Mercedes-Benz collection.
Video: 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT
Video by YouTube on YouTube.
Sources
- Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, English Wikipedia: design, engine, chassis, production, awards
