Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG was a landmark automobile for multiple reasons. It was the first car designed and developed entirely by AMG rather than being a modified version of an existing Mercedes-Benz model. It revived the legendary gullwing door concept from the 1954 300 SL. And it delivered a driving experience that established AMG as a creator of genuine supercars rather than merely a tuner of Mercedes-Benz sedans.

The SLS AMG was powered by the M159 6,208cc naturally aspirated V8 engine, a hand-built unit that represented the ultimate development of AMG's atmospheric V8 technology. Producing 563 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm, it was mounted behind the front axle in a front-mid configuration that optimized weight distribution to a near-ideal 47:53 front-to-rear ratio.

The engine was connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission mounted at the rear axle in a transaxle configuration, connected to the engine via a carbon fiber driveshaft enclosed in a torque tube. This layout further improved weight distribution and lowered the center of gravity. The transmission offered multiple driving modes, from comfortable automatic shifting to an aggressive manual mode.

The chassis was an aluminum space frame, marking AMG's first use of this construction technique. The structure weighed only 241 kg while providing exceptional rigidity. Aluminum was also used extensively for the body panels, suspension components, and subframes, contributing to a total curb weight of approximately 1,620 kg.

The gullwing doors were the car's most dramatic visual feature, hinged at the roof and opening upward to reveal a low, wide cockpit. Unlike the 300 SL, whose gullwing doors were dictated by the space frame's high sills, the SLS doors were a deliberate design choice that created a powerful emotional connection to the marque's heritage.

Suspension was by double wishbones at all four corners, with aluminum components and electronically adjustable dampers. Three damper settings allowed the driver to select between comfort, sport, and sport plus modes. The braking system featured large composite discs with multi-piston calipers, providing exceptional stopping power.

The interior was distinctively styled with a wing-shaped dashboard, high-quality leather and alcantara upholstery, and a comprehensive infotainment system. The driving position was excellent, with clear sightlines and perfectly positioned controls. The gullwing doors made ingress slightly unconventional but never difficult.

Performance was outstanding. The SLS could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 197 mph. More importantly, it delivered these figures with a drama and sensory engagement that turbocharged competitors struggled to match. The naturally aspirated V8's throttle response, exhaust note, and linear power delivery created an intensely rewarding driving experience.

Mercedes-AMG produced the SLS from 2010 to 2015, with approximately 12,000 units built across coupe, roadster, GT, and Black Series variants. The SLS also spawned an electric version, the SLS AMG Electric Drive, which briefly held the record for the fastest electric car around the Nurburgring. The SLS AMG established AMG as a supercar manufacturer and laid the groundwork for the subsequent AMG GT family.