The Mercedes Benz SLS AMG E-Cell prototype has been leaked! The very first images of the car have been spread out thru the internet. The leak took place only days before the first sanctioned test drive. This battery powered sibling of the gasoline powered gullwing coupe eschews, contains 563 horsepower 6.2 liter V8 in favor of four electronic motors one mounted near each of the wheels. The motors deliver a combined total of 526 hp and 649 pound-feet of torque. It is said that this monster of a ride can go from rest to 60 in less than 4.0!
The AMG engineers made some significant modifications to accommodate the new powertrain, notably substituting a multilink front suspension for the gasoline model’s double wishbones. The E-Cell also gets ceramic composite brakes, which help recharge the batteries during deceleration.
External changes include the addition of an extendable front apron and splitter, a wider grille, revised air intakes in the hood, LED headlamps, plus a luminescent yellow paint scheme with matte-black accents.The cockpit is trimmed in black-and-white leather and Alcantara, and features a new center stack with a 10-inch touchscreen monitor that controls nav, climate and audio systems.
Mercedes executives previously have said the first production SLS AMG E-Cell units could arrive by 2013. Expect a price tag well in excess of the standard car’s $183,000 sticker.
