Dubai - Mercedes-Benz is making history with the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the first vehicle developed in-house by its performance arm AMG.
The super sports car, set to come to market in the spring of 2010, serves up an exciting proposition with its unique technology package of an aluminium space-frame body with gullwing doors and the AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine developing 571 hp peak output and dry sump lubrication.
"The SLS AMG is emotion pure and simple for the Mercedes-Benz brand and is set to become one of the most alluring sports cars of our era", says Frank Bernthaler, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes- Benz Cars Middle East.
"Our loyal Middle East customers will experience with the SLS AMG the expertise of our sports car manufacturer Mercedes-AMG, built up over 40 years of motor racing, along with the kind of scintillating design that only a top athlete from the Mercedes-Benz stable can offer," he added.
The radical design as a highly talented dynamic super sports car with its low-slung front-mid engine set well back also feeds through into the proportions as well as the optimised lightweight body concept:. For the first time, Mercedes-Benz and AMG present a car with an aluminium chassis and body. Compared with the traditional steel design, this results in a significant weight saving, clearly illustrated in the planned DIN kerb weight of 1620 kilograms excluding driver.
The newly developed bodyshell comprises an aluminium space frame which, naturally, meets all the requirements in terms of passive safety and the hallmark Mercedes-Benz body quality that applies to any car sporting the Mercedes-Benz star. Despite the low sitting position in typical sports car fashion, the wide-opening gullwing doors make it easy to get in and out of the vehicle.
The fine-tuned AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine achieves a peak output of 571 hp at 6800 rpm, thus turning the SLS AMG into one of the most powerful sports cars in its segment. A power-to-weight ratio of 2.84 kg/hp comes courtesy of the low vehicle weight. The eight-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine delivers maximum torque of 650 Nm at 4750 rpm. The 'Gullwing' accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h
in 3.8 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 315 km/h (all figures are provisional).
The use of high-strength components compensates for the increased engine load associated with the higher output. Forged pistons, a reinforced crankshaft bearing, optimised crankcase structure, along with improved lubrication thanks to an on?demand high-performance oil pump ensure optimum durability.
The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine delivers its abundant power via an ultra-light carbon-fibre driveshaft at the rear axle - similar to the set-up used on the DTM C?Class racing touring car. The transmission is mounted at the rear (transaxle principle) and is connected to the engine housing via a torque tube.
A carbon-fibre shaft rotates at engine speed in the torque tube. The advantages of this sophisticated solution are associated with the rigid link between the engine and transmission and, in turn, the optimum support for the forces and torque generated. A new AMG dual-clutch transmission with seven gears takes care of power transfer. The transmission boasts fast gear changes with no loss of tractive force. The driver has a choice of four different driving modes, ranging from comfortable to extremely sporty, as well as a RACE START function. Optimum traction comes courtesy of the mechanical differential lock integrated into the compact transmission casing.
The chosen solution with a front-mid engine plus transaxle configuration ensures an ideal front/rear weight distribution of 48 to 52 percent. Mounting the engine behind the front axle creates the ideal conditions for ultimate driving dynamics with precise steering, first-class agility, low inertia with spontaneous directional changes and outstanding traction. The suspension technology is also a match for these high standards.
The 'Gullwing' comes with 3-stage ESP® providing the driver with access to the three "ESP ON", "ESP SPORT" and "ESP OFF" modes at the push of a button.
The AMG high-performance composite brakes all-round ensure extremely short stopping distances even under enormous loads. The newly developed, optional ceramic composite brakes with larger brake discs guarantee even better brake performance and lower unsprung masses.
The ceramic brake discs will perform reliably at even higher operating temperatures thanks to their greater hardness, all combined with an impressive weight reduction of around 40 percent.
Light-weight design was also a key consideration with the wheels: weight-optimised AMG light-alloy wheels - 9.5 x 19 inch (front) and 11.0 x 20 inch (rear) - based on the innovative flow-forming principle reduce the unsprung masses while increasing driving dynamics and suspension comfort. 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) tyres developed exclusively for AMG ensure optimum grip.
The design and development phase for the super sports car got underway in the last quarter of 2006 and an intensive vehicle testing programme will be completed by the end of 2009.
-Ends-
Contact:
Julian Millward-Hopkins.
Tel: +971 50 655 9773
Further information about Mercedes-Benz is available online at:www.media.daimler.com
© Press Release 2009
