AMG's First Original Sports Car

The SLS AMG is the first model created by AMG, Mercedes-Benz's high-performance division, without basing it on an existing Mercedes. The fact that it is a pure sports car, not a sports sedan, suggests Mercedes' intention to expand the market with an unprecedented vehicle type.

At ¥24.3 million, the SLS is considerably less expensive than, for example, the CL65 AMG (¥30.2 million). Yet, everything is original, starting with a chassis made extensively from lightweight materials like aluminum. Even the engine, based on the 6.3-liter V8 used in models like the E63 AMG, is said to have undergone 120 modifications.

A particularly notable feature of the engine is its ability to produce such power naturally aspirated. Furthermore, the lubrication system's conversion to a dry-sump design, typical of sports cars, is also noteworthy. This lowers the center of gravity, further enhancing cornering performance. Maximum output is 420kW, with a top speed of 317km/h. Fuel economy is a respectable 7.6km/liter.

In person, the SLS gives a distinct impression of being wide and low, with dimensions of 1,940mm in width and 1,260mm in height. The long nose housing the V8 engine and the compact cabin suggest a deliberate design choice, perhaps evoking the proportions of classic sports cars.

Upon unlocking the doors, the handles pop up. Each door is supported by two dampers, and they open smoothly with a lift at the handle. When opening the doors on the road, it's advisable to allow for roughly the same space needed to exit a car with conventional front-hinged doors, especially if there's a sidewalk with a guardrail.

Mercedes-Benz's First Dual-Clutch Transmission

Getting in is not difficult, though it might pose a slight challenge for women in skirts. There's a story about the Ferrari Enzo's original design being similarly high, but the CEO's girlfriend complained she couldn't get in with her miniskirt, leading to a hasty redesign of the door area. Such an anecdote doesn't seem to apply to the SLS.

The interior retains Mercedes' signature elements while feeling quite special, including the seats. Particularly striking are the short shift lever for the transmission, which features Mercedes' first dual-clutch system, and the control unit for the AMG Drive Unit System, allowing adjustments to engine response and damping stiffness.

The AMG Drive Unit System offers selectable modes: Normal, two Sport modes, and Circuit. Below these, an AMG-labeled button allows for personalized combinations of steering weight, damper firmness, and engine response to be memorized.

The test car was equipped with the "AMG Performance Package" (a ¥1.75 million option), which includes carbon-ceramic brakes, sports suspension, a sporty steering wheel, and 19-inch front and 20-inch rear forged alloy wheels. Consequently, even in Normal mode, the ride is quite firm, with the car reacting noticeably to road imperfections. However, this translates into exceptional steering response, with the vehicle changing direction at the slightest steering input. The abundant torque available from low to high RPMs makes it both intuitive and exhilarating to drive.

Lightning-Fast Shifts Measured in Milliseconds

While the standard version is said to offer a slightly softer ride, more refined even in urban settings, this sportier specification also provides a distinct driving pleasure. Gripping the specially crafted steering wheel with its well-shaped, three-dimensional grip, and feeling the deep intake roar fill the cockpit while settled into the supportive, firm leather seats (full leather is a ¥360,000 option), one can't help but be impressed by how focused it is, making one question if it's truly a Mercedes.

The dual-clutch transmission shifts with remarkable speed, reportedly as fast as 0.1 seconds, with virtually no perceptible shift shock. Perhaps it was the excitement of driving (laughs). In any case, the new-generation transmission's direct feel is a significant asset for maintaining the engaging engine response around 5,000rpm, where the throttle reaction is exceptionally keen.

The SLS also features intricate engineering that owners will surely appreciate. The engine is mounted rearward of the front axle, and to achieve optimal front-rear weight distribution, the transmission is placed at the rear, employing a transaxle system. This results in a weight distribution of 47:53. The propeller shaft is made of ultra-lightweight carbon fiber, weighing approximately 4kg, and an aluminum monoblock torque tube is also used.

Rivals: 911 Turbo S, 458 Italia

Considering the price of ¥24.3 million, its closest competitor might be the Porsche 911 Turbo S (¥23.65 million), which features a 530ps engine paired with a full-time four-wheel-drive system. For Ferrari, the 458 Italia (¥28.3 million) with its 570ps engine seems to be the comparable model. Regardless, what's truly impressive is that Mercedes has produced a sports car that can be seriously considered alongside these established performance machines.

The chassis is constructed with a monocoque-like cabin combined with a space frame. The use of machined aluminum and other high-quality materials results in a highly sophisticated build. Consequently, the chassis alone weighs under 300kg, achieving significant weight reduction.

Driving the SLS, one is deeply impressed by how AMG, a brand trusted by car enthusiasts, has created such a compelling vehicle, even when building upon Mercedes' existing products.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Body | Length 4,640 x Width 1,940 x Height 1,265mm
Wheelbase | 2,680mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,710kg
Engine | 6.2-liter V8 DOHC
Max Output | 420kW (571ps) / 6,800rpm
Max Torque | 650Nm (66.3kgm) / 4,750rpm
Drivetrain | RWD
Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch
Price | ¥24.3 million