Motoring Weekly

Drivers to slip into cockpit of a Gullwing Merc racer

September 23 - 29, 2009
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The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG made its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The 'new' Gullwing pays homage to the original model first seen at the New York Motor Show in 1954, but this supercar for everyday use, is a synthesis of the advanced engineering strengths of Mercedes-Benz and AMG and dazzles with its aluminium space frame body and gullwing doors.

Underneath the long hood is a 6.3 litre V8 engine with a top power of 571 hp, 650 Nm of torque, and dry sump lubrication. There's a seven-speed dual-clutch in a transaxle configuration, a sports chassis with aluminium double-wishbone suspension and a DIN kerb weight of 1,620 kgs which helps the gullwing accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds and give it a top speed of 317 km/h (electronically limited).

"With the new SLS AMG, Mercedes-Benz has a fascinating super sports car that will quicken the pulse of any car fan," said Frank Bernthaler, director, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Middle East & Levant. "The SLS AMG gives even more magic to the Mercedes-Benz and AMG brands and will surely become one of the most alluring sports cars of our time."

SLS AMG customers will benefit first-hand from the over 40 years of motorsport experience gleaned by Mercedes-AMG. The unparalleled technology package provides for extraordinary handling dynamics with moderate fuel consumption.

Drivers who raise the gullwing doors of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and sit down in the sports seats will experience a very special interior. In its conception, the Mercedes-Benz designers took their cue from aircraft construction to create an ambience that immediately evokes associations with plane cockpits. The defining stylistic element is the dashboard, whose extended wing-like profile creates the impression of great width.

The gullwing will celebrate its market launch in spring of 2010. The sale price in Europe will be 177,310 euros (including 19 per cent VAT) with the Middle East price to be announced later.







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