A new Mercedes Benz SLS AMG is the first car of the new series that in 2011 will be enlarged with a roadster and later on with a limited edition black series gullwing. Boasting of a successful mix of modern and retro elements in its exterior design, this first car is equipped with an 8 valve engine of a 6.2-liter volume, that produces 571 hp, accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds and reaches 197 mph top speed, while it hides under the cowling a plenty of useful technical innovations, that help to improve its performance and comfort. The gullwing doors, when open, permit even short passengers to reach the handles, the cabin is coisy and well-finished, with particular attention paid to the details, and even a standard packaging includes a lot of pleasant functions, such as keyless ignition, heated seats trimmed in soft Designo leather, parking aids, a rear-view camera and lightweight pedals.
As for technical solutions, it uses new dry sump lubrication, a non-conventional T-handle gear selector that controls a 7-speed dual-touch automatic transmission, a new larger-diameter intake plenum, hotter camshafts, a more ambitious lightweight valve train and a low-resistance multiple-pipe exhaust system. Thanks to a better aerodynamic asset and some technical solutions that help to control the car’s weight, such as double-wishbone aluminum suspension and light space frame, the car is quite aggressive and very dynamic. As for the braking system, you can choose a new one with carbon-ceramic rotors or an old one with steel discs that is still very effective. On the whole, Mercedes Benz SLS AMG is a very pleasant to drive, stable and composed and responsive to the minimal driver’s inputs even at high speeds, and despite other sport supercars, very tolerant towards the eventual mistakes.
