Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is a front-engine, 2-seat luxury grand tourer automobile developed by Mercedes-AMG of German automaker Mercedes-Benz and is the first Mercedes-Benz automobile designed in-house by AMG. The car, which has gull-wing doors is the successor to the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren and is described by Mercedes-Benz as a spiritual successor to the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing. SLS stands for "Sport Leicht Super" (Sport Light Super). The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is assembled in Sindelfingen, Germany.
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and sales began in mid-2010 in Europe. and in the United States in mid-2011.Mercedes presented at the 2012 Paris Motor Show an electric version of the car, named Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive.
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|
| Production | January 2010–present |
| Model years | 2011– |
| Assembly | Sindelfingen, Germany |
| Predecessor | Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren |
| Class | Grand tourer |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 2-door roadster (soft top convertible) |
| Layout | Front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive,Transaxle |
| Engine | 6.2 L V8, DOHC |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch semi-automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,680 mm (105.5 in) |
| Length | 4,638 mm (182.6 in) |
| Width | 1,939 mm (76.3 in) |
| Height | Coupe: 49.3 in (1,252 mm) Roadster: 49.7 in (1,262 mm) |
| Curb weight | 1,620 kg (3,600 lb) |
| Designer(s) | Mark Fetherston (2007) |
Design
The SLS AMG was designed to be a modern 300SL Gullwing revival by Mark Fetherston from October 2006 to April 2007. The SLS AMG has also adapted the feature of wing doors that will swing open upwards on gas struts, and the doors must be closed manually as AMG engineers decided against auto-closing systems because the systems would have added 90 pounds (41 kg) to the car. In case of a roll-over, the doors can be fully detached to allow the occupants to leave the vehicle.
Although there is some overlapping in price and performance, the lighter SLS AMG is considered more of a sporty track-oriented car, compared to the Mercedes-Benz SL which is a more autobahn-focused grand tourer especially with its optional V12 engine. Compared to the SLS AMG Roadster, the SL is a hardtop convertible with technological and comfort amenities, and it also has available heated and cooled seats with a massage function. The SLS AMG has also been said to be one of the cheapest cars on the market with an unusual door design.
Models
The SLS AMG will be made in at least four different versions. The first to launch is the coupe with gullwing doors. In 2009 a Desert Gold version debuted at the Dubai International Auto Show, in mid-2010 a FIA-GT3 racing version. For 2011–2013 Mercedes will also be releasing a roadster (with conventional doors and a soft top), an electric powered E-Cell version (most likely to be a coupe), and there will be a Black Series version, which will see its weight being reduced by as much as 300 kg (661 lb).
SLS AMG "AMG Desert Gold" (2009)
SLS AMG "AMG Desert Gold" (2009)
It is a version of SLS AMG Coupé with decorative and mounted features in shining chrome or Silver Shadow colours, black-painted AMG light-alloy wheels in size 9.5 x 19 at the front and 11.0 x 20 at the rear with a golden ring on the rim flange, gold body colour.
SLS AMG Coupé (2010–)
SLS AMG includes 9.5x19-inch front and 11x20-inch rear AMG 7-spoke light-alloy wheels (optional 5-twin-spoke wheels and 10-spoke forged wheels), 265/35 R 19 front and 295/30 R 20 rear tyres, tyre pressure monitoring system, Formula-1-style LED fog lamp/reversing light, black diffuser insert, two chromed tailpipes, spoiler automatically deployed from a speed of 120 km/h, a choice of 9 body colours (including AMG ALU-BEAM silver, designo magno allanite grey (matte), AMG magno sylvanite grey (matte)), instrument cluster with LED upshift indicator and two white backlit dial instruments, COMAND APSmultimedia system with its 7-inch screen between the two centre air vents, AMGDRIVE UNIT towards the SLSdriver, E-SELECT shift lever, nappa leather, solid metal and (optional) genuine carbon-fibre facings; a choice of 5 designo leather colours (black, classic red, sand, porcelain and light brown), sports seat backrests in magnesium, sports seats with two-zone seat cushions and four-way lumbar support and optional Memory package (three configurable individual settings), integrated head restraints and sporty transverse fluting upholstered in designo leather (in optional classic red, sand and porcelain), performance leather steering wheel in a three-spoke design with 365-millimetre rim, 3.7-litre glove compartment with a spectacles section, 176-litre luggage compartment, carbon-fibre driveshaft at the rear axle, AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, 3-stage ESP with acceleration skid control system.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and later in 2009 Tokyo Game Show, Auto China 2010,Haneda Airport 2nd terminal. Production model went on sale in spring 2010.
SLS AMG "Blackbird" (2010)
It is a version of 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé with designo magno Night Black body colour with red highlights, ordered by Mercedes-Benz's Australian subsidiary for the Australian International Motor Show.
SLS AMG E-CELL prototype (2011)
The drivable prototype is based on SLS AMG Coupé, but is powered by four electric motors that provide a combined 392 kW (533 PS; 526 hp) and 880 N·m (649 lb·ft). The battery is a 400 V lithium battery with a 48 kWh capacity. Other features include pushrod damper struts, 402 x 39 mm front and 360 x 32 mm rear brake discs made in carbon fibre-strengthened ceramic, Full-LED headlamps, AMG 10-spoke light-alloy wheels with smooth-surfaced design, 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) tyres, AMG Drive Unit angled towards driver, quality nappa leather in a black/white colour combination at sports seats, performance leather/alcantara steering wheel and the door linings, centre tunnel.
The battery came from Deutsche Accumotive GmbH & Co. KG, a joint venture between Daimler AG and Evonik Industries AG. The drivetrain has been in development since 2010 as a result of the cooperation between Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth.
SLS AMG GT3 (2011–)
The SLS AMG GT3 is a race car version of SLS AMG Coupé, developed in accordance with the GT3 regulations of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile). It includes a sequential six-speed racing transmission with steering wheel shift paddles, an integrated multi-disc locking differential and traction control, adjustment facilities for the springs and shock absorbers, the suspension height, the stabilisers, the track width and camber; rack-and-pinion steering with a more direct ratio and servo assistance, AMG 18-inch light-alloy wheels, a steel racing braking system with racing ABS, seat shell (individually foam-padded, features the HANS (Head and Neck Support) system) located in a high-strength carbon-fibre (CFRP) safety cell, a six-point seat belt, optimised fire extinguisher system, central display positioned within the driver's field of vision.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2010 New York International Auto Show and Puebla in Mexico, and later a silver version of the car was unveiled in 2010 Pebble Beach Concourse D'elegance. The vehicle went on sale for €334,000 (not incl. VAT) or €397,460 (incl. 19% VAT), only in left-hand drive configuration. Deliveries began in February 2011, following homologation by the FIA in accordance with the GT3 regulations.
SLS AMG Roadster (2011–)
The SLS AMG Roadster is a convertible version of SLS AMG Coupé, with conventional doors, three-layered fabric soft top (in magnesium/steel/aluminium construction) that opens and closes in just eleven seconds, and can be operated on the move at speeds up to 50 km/h (31 mph). The roadster's DIN kerb weight is 40 kg (88 lb) more than the SLS AMG Coupé. The Roadster reinforcements include side skirts with greater wall thicknesses and more chambers, dashboard cross-member is supported against the windscreen frame and centre tunnel by additional struts, a curved strut between the soft top and the tank reinforces the rear axle, a reinforcing cross-member behind the seats to support the fixed roll-over protection system. Other features include 265/35 ZR 19 front and 295/30 ZR 20 rear wheels, optional AMG Sepang brown body colour, optional weight-optimised forged wheels in a 10-spoke design in black with a high-sheen rim flange, optional AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension, 173 litres boot capacity, choice of 3 trims (leather, matte-finished solid metal, optional carbon-fibre), black designo leather upholstery, AMG sports seats with heating, a slot-in glass draught-stop, COMAND APS with DVD player, anti-theft alarm system with tow-away protection and interior monitoring, THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control, KEYLESS-GO starting function, optional AIRSCARF ventilation at backrests of the AMG sports seats, leather-lined roll-over bars with integrated mesh in a "Silver Shadow" look with optional designo Exclusive leather, optional electrically folding exterior mirrors, optional Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system, AMG Performance Media with high-speed mobile internet access (via Android operating system), optional Blind Spot Assist, optional AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension, 3-stage ESP with acceleration skid control, optional front AMG ceramic brake discs, AMG 7-spoke light-alloy wheels (optional 5-twin-spoke wheels, weight-optimised 10-spoke forged wheels), 265/35 R 19 front and 295/30 R 20 rear tyres, tyre pressure monitoring system.
SLS AMG Matte Black Edition (2011–)
It is a limited version of SLS AMG Coupé for Japan market, commemorating the first year of Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. It included designo magno Night Black body colour with red highlights at 3-pointed star, grill fin, bonnet fin, SLS/AMG rear emblems, fuel lid (from the Blackbird car); matte black exhaust tip, high gloss black interior trim, leather upholstery in classic red/black, AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension, AMG red brake calliper, 19-inch front and 20-inch rear AMG 10-spoke alloy wheels in matte black, AMG performance steering wheel in leather/Alcantara.
SLS AMG Matte Edition (2012–)
SLS AMG Roadster Matte Black Edition is a limited (5 units) version of left-drive SLS AMG Roadster for Japan market. It included designo magno Night Black body colour, classic red/black interior, black soft top, high gloss black interior trim, red paint metal parts (3-pointed star, grill fin, bonnet fin, fender fin, AMG rear/6.3 emblems, fuel lid), matte black exhaust tip, 19-inch front and 20-inch rear AMG 10-spoke alloy wheels in matte black in matte black with red rim, 2-tone leather upholstery, AMG performance steering wheel in leather/Alcantara, Performance Studio floor mat, AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension.
SLS AMG Coupé Matte White Edition and SLS AMG Roadster Matte White Edition are limited (10 Coupé, 5 Roadster) versions of left-drive SLS AMG Coupé and SLS AMG Roadster respectively, for Japan market. It included designo magno Cashmere White body colour, porcelain/black interior, black soft top (Roadster only), high gloss black interior trim, matte black paint metal parts (3-pointed star, grill fin, bonnet fin, fender fin, AMG rear/6.3 emblems, fuel lid, door mirror cover), matte black exhaust tip, 19-inch front and 20-inch rear AMG 10-spoke alloy wheels in matte black in matte black, 2-tone leather upholstery, AMG performance steering wheel in leather/Alcantara, Performance Studio floor mat, AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension.
The vehicles went on sale in 2012-05-29, with deliveries of SLS AMG Roadster Matte Black Edition, SLS AMG Coupé Matte White Edition, SLS AMG Roadster Matte White Edition began in September 2012, October 2012, October 2012 respectively.
SLS AMG GT (2012–)
Available in Coupé and Roadster bodies, SLS AMG GT includes increased engine power to 591 PS (435 kW; 583 hp)@6800rpm and 650 N·m (479 lbf·ft)@4750rpm, shorten transmission reaction time in the manual "M" transmission mode, AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension, selection of suspension modes via AMG DRIVE UNIT, 3 additional AMG light-alloy wheels options, Alcantara black interior upholstery, red seat belts, contrasting stitching on the AMG sports seats and the centre console and the door panel lining in red, floor mats in red edging, high-gloss black AMG trim on the centre console and door panel, high-gloss black edging on the adjustable cross-shaped air vents and the high-gloss real metal insert on the AMG Performance steering wheel with Alcantara grip, AMG instrument cluster with black faceplate, AMG designo Exclusive STYLE leather option (a diamond design with contrasting stitching, designo leather finish for the entire dashboard, the beltlines and door armrests, the handrest on the centre console, AMG floor mats in black with porcelain leather edging, roof lining in Alcantara porcelain, and the parcel shelf (Coupé) or roll-over bar (Roadster)) in 3 colour combinations (mocha brown/porcelain, titanium grey pearl/porcelain, mystic red/porcelain). Other options include AMG carbon-fibre exterior mirrors, AMG carbon-fibre engine compartment cover, AMG Interior Carbon-Fibre package (carbon-fibre trim, trim on seat backrest and side, door sill panels), AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system, AMG Performance Media, AMG 10-spoke forged wheels in other colour variants, AMG carbon-fibre trim, AIRSCARF (Roadster), Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system.
SLS AMG Coupé Black Series (2013–)
SLS AMG Coupé Black Series is a version of SLS AMG Coupé inspired by the racing version of the SLS AMG GT3. It includes increased engine power to 464 kW (622 hp) and 635 N·m (468 lb·ft), increased engine's redline to 8000 rpm, fully revised high-speed valve train with modified camshafts, adapted cam geometry and optimised bucket tappets featuring a special coating which is otherwise exclusive to racing vehicles, modification of the intake air ducting (derestriction and adaptation to the new maximum engine speed), adaptation of the engine application and increase in peak pressure.
The vehicle is 70 kg (150 lb) lighter than the standard model. This is accomplished by increased use of carbon fibre in body panels, mechanical components, and the spaceframe. Further, a switch from steel to titanium for the exhaust reduces weight by 13 kg (29 lb). The use of lithium-ion battery reduces weight by 8 kg (18 lb).
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission is installed 10mm lower in order to achieve a lower centre of gravity for the vehicle and is braced against the body by gas-filled struts in order to avoid stress cycles. The transmission's "Sport plus" and "Manual" modes feature faster shifting speed. The downshifting throttle blips are more audible. The new temporary M mode enables the driver to activate manual mode without having to remove a hand from the steering wheel, by pressing the "up" or "down" shift paddle once.
Other features include electronically controlled AMG rear-axle differential lock with a shorter rear-axle ratio, new AMG RIDE CONTROL performance suspension (tauter basic tuning and electronically controlled two-stage damping, coil-over spring retainers to enable adjustment of wheel loads, elastokinematics 50 / 42% more rigid (front/rear axle), track width increased by 20 / 24 millimetres (front/rear axle), new wheel carriers on front axle and new front stabiliser tuning, matte black with high-sheen AMG 10-spoke light-alloy wheels in particularly light forged design with optimised strength (10x19-inch front, 12x20-inch rear), Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 sports tyres (275/35 R 19 front, 325/30 R 20 rear), AMG speed-sensitive steering with newly defined power steering characteristic), AMG ceramic brake discs (402 x 39 millimetres front and 360 x 32 millimetres rear) with increased hardness, wide flared wings with an added width of 13 mm (front) and 26 mm (rear) on each side, darkened headlamps and black surrounds for the rear lights, front apron and rear apron with diffusor along with side sill panels in Black Series-specific design (carbon fibre-reinforced plastic front splitter, carbon inserts in the side sills and the rear apron made of carbon fibre, enlarged air intakes with carbon-fibre flics), carbon-fibre bonnet with central air outlet, Alcantara black or Alcantara black/red interior AMG Performance steering wheel with Alcantara upholstery, metal bezel features a high-gloss black paint finish to match the high-gloss black surrounds of the air vents, Alcantara strip in anthracite across the entire width of dashboard leather with red contrasting stitching in the leather, designo leather and Alcantara upholstery (including bottom section of the dashboard, door centre panels and on the AMG sports bucket seats in Alcantara), deleted COMAND APS multimedia system replaced by a carbon-fibre trim element (COMAND APS is optionally available), AMG DRIVE UNIT, red seat belts and red contrasting stitching on the AMG sports bucket seats, the upper and lower section of the dashboard and the door panelling; floor mats with red edging, optional Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system.
Optional AMG Aerodynamics package includes a fixed adjustable carbon-fibre rear aerofoil in the style of the SLS AMG GT3, rear aerofoil braced by aluminium elements on a special insert on the boot lid, additional carbon-fibre flics on the front apron. New body colour choice include AMG solar beam (total 7, including matte paint designo magno alanite grey)
Other options include AMG carbon-fibre exterior mirror, AMG carbon-fibre engine cover, AMG Interior Carbon-Fibre package, AMG infotainment system (incl. COMAND APS, AMG Performance Media and backup camera), Media Interface.
History
Following the SLS AMG E-CELL prototype premiere, the production of SLS AMG E-CELL was originally announced in 2011 North American International Auto Show.
The production version of SLS AMG E-CELL includes four synchronous electric motors rated 392 kW (533 PS; 526 hp) and 880 N·m (649 lb·ft), 400V 48 kWh lithium-ion battery from Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (formerly Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines) rated 480 kW (653 PS; 644 hp), woven CFRP battery monocoque, independent multi-link suspension with pushrod damper struts, 402 x 39 mm front and 360 x 32 mm rear brake discs made in carbon fibre-strengthened ceramic. The vehicle was set to go on sale in 2013.
Powertrain
The SLS AMG Electric Drive will be powered by four electric motors with combined ratings of 552 kW (751 PS; 740 hp) and 1,000 N·m (738 lb·ft). Each motor can spin up to 13,000 rpm and weighs 45 kg (99 lb). In addition, the transmission allows each motor to selectively drive all 4 wheels. With this, the SLS AMG Electric Drive accelerates from standing still to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.
Battery
The SLS AMG Electric Drive will include a liquid-cooled 400 V lithium-ion battery rated to 60 kWh that delivers a range of 250 km (160 mi) under the combined New European Driving Cycle. The 548 kg (1,210 lb) battery pack is made up of 12 modules, each comprising 72 lithium-ion cells. The system was designed as a collaboration between Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains Ltd.
Specifications
Physical
- Wheelbase: 105.5 in (2,680 mm)
- Length: 182.6 in (4,640 mm)
- Width: 76.3 in (1,940 mm)
- Height: 49.7 in (1,260 mm)
- Rims: 9.50 × 19 in (front), 11 × 20 in (rear), forged aluminium
- Tyres: 265/35 R 19 (front), 295/30 R 20 (rear)
Body style
| Model | Coupé | Roadster |
|---|---|---|
| SLS AMG | 2010– | 2011– |
| SLS AMG GT | 2012– | 2012– |
| SLS AMG Coupé Black Series | 2013– | na |
| SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive | 2013– | na |
Engine
Model | Years | Type/code | Power@rpm, Torque@rpm |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLS AMG | 2010– | 6,208 cc (378.8 cu in) V8 (M 159 E 63) | 571 PS (420 kW; 563 hp)@6800, 650 N·m (479 lbf·ft)@4750 |
| SLS AMG Coupé Black Series | 2013– | 6,208 cc (378.8 cu in) V8 (M 159 E 63) | 631 PS (464 kW; 622 hp)@7400, 635 N·m (468 lbf·ft)@5500 |
| SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive | 2013– | 4 synchronous electric motors | 751 PS (552 kW; 741 hp)@?, 1,000 N·m (738 lb·ft)@0 |
| SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive | 2013– | 400V 60 kWh lithium-ion battery | 816 PS (600 kW; 805 hp) |
| SLS AMG GT | 2012– | 6,208 cc (378.8 cu in) V8 (M 159 E 63) | 591 PS (435 kW; 583 hp)@6800, 650 N·m (479 lbf·ft)@4750 |
Transmission
Model | Years | Types |
|---|---|---|
| SLS AMG | 2010– | 7-speed sports (AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT) |
| SLS AMG GT | 2012– | 7-speed sports (AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT) |
| SLS AMG Coupé Black Series | 2013– | 7-speed sports (AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT) |
| SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive | 2013– | Single speed auto |
Brakes
Standard brakes are 390 mm (15.35 in) (front) and 360 mm (14.17 in) (rear) cast iron disc brakes with 6-piston aluminium (front) and 4-piston (rear) calipers. Optional on the SLS AMG are carbon-ceramic disc brakes. 402 mm (15.83 in) discs with 6-piston aluminium calipers (front) and 360 mm (14.17 in) discs with 4-piston calipers (rear). These brakes provide increased stopping power with a 40% weight reduction compared to the standard brake system.
Performance
The SLS AMG is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.8 seconds, and can reach a top speed of 211.3 mph (340.1 km/h) (figures are provisional). In a Car and Driver test, the SLS recorded a quarter mile time of 11.7 seconds @ 125 mph (201 km/h).
Safety
In the June 2010 issue of Car and Driver magazine, safety specifications were revealed pertaining to the safety of the SLS AMG's gullwing doors. Ten to fifteen milliseconds after a detected rollover, explosive bolts situated at the top of the door frame fire and bell cranks separate the doors from the car for easy exit during a serious accident. An anti-locking system and a 3-stage ESP are standard.
Exterior
The exterior aluminum body is supplied by Magna Steyr. This and the CL65 AMG 40th Anniversary Edition are the only roadgoing Mercedes-Benz with the AMG Alubeam Silver paint available, at an extra cost of €11,900 in Germany. Other colors include both metallic as matte colors, such as Designo Magno Kashmir, the matte paint known from the SL63 AMG IWC edition.
Motorsport
SLS AMG F1 Safety Car
SLS AMG is used as Formula 1 World Championship as Official F1 Safety Car in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 seasons.
2011 SLS AMG was used in AMG Driving Academy Stage 1 SLS during the 2009 AMG Driving Academy season.
SLS AMG E-CELL
SLS AMG E-CELL was raced in Paul Pietsch Classic 2011 under the 'Classic meets Future' category.
SLS AMG E-CELL was raced in 2011 Silvretta electric car race that took place in the Montafon region of Austria.
SLS AMG GT3 (2011–)
SLS AMG GT3 was first raced in the 2010 VLN Nürburgring Endurance Championship. At VLN Nürburgring, the SLS AMG GT3 was admitted into the SP9 class with "Balance of Performance" set to 1,350 kg (3,000 lb) and 556 PS (409 kW; 548 hp), and won its first race in October. The car also won the 2012 24 Hours of Dubai under Black Falcon Racing.
Erebus Racing who race in the Australian GT Championship run the car which is driven by Peter Hackett who is also the Chief Instructor at the Australian Mercedes Benz Driving Academy.
SLS AMG GT3 is used in the MASTERS SLS AMG GT3 level of AMG Driving Academy programme.
SLS AMG GT3 was competed in Goodwood Festival of Speed 2011.
Black Swan Racing currently uses the SLS AMG GT3 in the Sports Car Club of America Pirelli World Challenge.
An SLS set the fastest lap, and won the 2013 Spa 24 Hours, taking the first Mercedes win in the race since 1964.
Production
he aluminum bodies for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG are built by Magna Steyr unit based in Austria – Graz
Production of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (C 197) began at Sindelfingen in January 2010.
The engines for SLS AMG GT3 "45th ANNIVERSARY" were installed by Bernd Schneider.
25 SLS AMG GT3's were built for competition with only one not racing in Europe.
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