We've shown you various spy photos and spy videos of this car over the past couple of years, and now it has an official name: the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.
Hidden under Viper body panels during its early testing days, the latest prototypes are still covered in camouflage but there's no mistaking the gullwing-style doors and retro bodywork. Yep, this is a modern day 300 SL alright.
We were expecting AMG to unleash a monster of an engine for this exclusive super coupe and we were wrong.
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will arrive in the U.S. next year with a tweaked version of the 6.2-liter V8 that now powers the majority of AMG's lineup. In the SLS, the normally aspirated V8 develops 563 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, considerably less than the twin turbo V12 in the SL65 AMG Black Series.
There's a reason why the SLS didn't get a more powerful engine - it doesn't need it. Built entirely from aluminum, the SLS AMG weighs just 3,571 pounds. That's 552 pounds less than the SL65 AMG Black Series, a car which is already 551 pounds lighter than the standard SL65 AMG.
Keeping the horsepower and torque down also allowed Mercedes-Benz to use a new seven-speed dual clutch transmission. It features four shift modes and a "race start" function for optimum launches. Mercedes-Benz says to expect a 0-to-60 mph run of 3.8-seconds. Standard composite brake rotors at each corner ensure plenty of stopping power.
redliner says:
12:34 PM, 03/ 2/09
The 6.2 seems like it's getting a little older now. I thought AMG was going to replace high displacement engines with smaller turbocharged ones. I guess the lure of displacement is just to big a temptation. And also new engines cost lots to design.
cwc1 says:
06:27 PM, 03/ 2/09
The 6.2 just came out not too long ago - within the past two years as I recall.