Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG | New Sports Car with Gullwing Doors Launched
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
New Sports Car with Gullwing Doors Launched
The two-seater sports car SLS AMG, featuring gullwing doors,Mercedes-Benzwas announced in Japan on June 10, 2010. Deliveries are expected around October.
Text by Fumio OgawaPhotos by Mercedes-Benz Japan
A Special Model, Crafted with Precision
The SLS AMG (¥24.3 million) is a model launched under the AMG brand. It features gullwing doors reminiscent of the 300SL coupe, which was unveiled in 1955 and has become an icon of Mercedes-Benz. A major selling point is that everything, from the chassis to the engine, is "specially made."
AMG, founded in 1967, is a renowned tuner that historically prepared fast rally cars based on Mercedes sedans. It later became an officially certified Mercedes tuner. In 1988, it was fully integrated into Mercedes, and has since been responsible for the sportiest versions of the company's product lineup. AMG has also achieved notable success competing under its own brand in the German Touring Car Masters (DTM).
The SLS AMG's chassis is an aluminum space frame, offering both light weight and excellent durability. It is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine. This is fundamentally the same power unit used in AMG versions of models like the C-Class. However, while the conventional specification delivers a maximum output of 457 hp and a peak torque of 61.2 kgm (which is already impressive), the 6,208cc unit in the SLS AMG has undergone 120 modifications, resulting in 571 hp at 6,800 rpm and 66.3 kgm (650 Nm) at 4,750 rpm.
Its sporty character extends beyond its looks and high output. To achieve a lower center of gravity for improved handling, the engine employs a dry-sump lubrication system. Furthermore, it is mounted behind the front axle, in what is known as a front-midship configuration, ensuring a balanced weight distribution. The "Sportshift" transmission, tuned by AMG, features a 7-speed dual-clutch system and offers rapid shift times, along with modes designed for spirited driving. The gearbox is integrated with the rear differential in a transaxle setup, further contributing to the front-rear weight balance.
The top speed is electronically limited to 317 km/h. Meanwhile, fuel efficiency was also a key focus for the development team, with the manufacturer's stated figure of 7 km per liter being exceptionally noteworthy for a supercar with 571 hp.
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Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Body | Length 4,640 x Width 1,940 x Height 1,265 mm
Wheelbase | 2,680 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,710 kg
Engine | 6,208cc DOHC V8
Maximum Output | 420 kW (571 hp) / 6,800 rpm
Maximum Torque | 650 Nm / 4,750 rpm
Transmission | Electronically Controlled 7-Speed AT
Suspension | Front: Double Wishbone, Rear: Double Wishbone
Tires | Front: 265/35 R19, Rear: 295/30 R20
Price | ¥24.3 million
Mercedes Call
0120-190-610
BRAND HISTORY
When tracing the history of automobiles, we arrive at Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz, two German pioneers. It is common knowledge that these two men independently developed gasoline-powered automobiles between 1885 and 1886, laying the foundation for the automotive society. Although their respective automotive companies were once rivals, they joined forces to overcome the post-World War I recession, and the Daimler-Benz company was established through their merger in 1926.
The name "Mercedes," given to the products, originated when Emil Jellinek, a customer of Daimler's, named the cars after his eldest daughter in exchange for undertaking their sales outside of Germany. The trademark was registered by Daimler in 1902.
Thus born, Mercedes and subsequently Mercedes-Benz have consistently led the way in automotive development, actively introducing cutting-edge technologies such as the safety passenger cell, airbags, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and Night View.

