Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Previews SLS AMG

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Previews SLS AMG

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Sepang International Circuit, 24 March 2010 – Mercedes-Benz Malaysia gave a special treat to the media today in the form of a sneak preview of the much anticipated gullwing Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The Gullwing, so called because the doors open upwards and look like the wings of a seagull, was first introduced in the 1950’s in the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, which created quite a sensation in the automotive market. However, due to some safety concerns about being trapped in the car in the event of a roll-over in which the car landed upside down and trapped the occupants in the car, the Gullwing was discontinued.

Today, the Gullwing is back in the form of the SLS AMG, and yes, you’ve guessed it – they have solved the problem – in the event that the car lands upside down, sensors in the car will trigger a small explosive charge that will sever the door hinges, and all the occupants have to do is to kick the doors open and get out.

The SLS AMG takes its inspiration from the original 300 SL, reinterpreting its breathtaking design lines – starting with the signature gullwing doors, to the long bonnet, the low-slung body, and the slightly rounded tail, topped up by the wide radiator grille with the large three pointed star and fins on the bonnet and the flanks. It did strike me briefly that this was like a step back in time, shape-wise, but then one must admit the 300 SL is timeless. Beefed up by the modern day technology, the SLS AMG will be a car that will never lose any value, and fifty years down the road, a car sold today for the asking RM1.999 million ringgit will probably be able to sell it for many times more.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS would be the ultimate car for a Mercedes-Benz lover – with a 6.3 litre V8 engine hand-built by a single engineer – and every engine carries the name of the engineer who built it, – the SLS AMG has an output of 571 horsepower at peak and 650Nm of torque. This engine is also claimed to be very fuel efficient at 13.2 litres per 100 km (combined cycle). Acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h is a staggering 3.8 seconds – usually this happens too quickly, so it might be more meaningful to measure zero to 200 km/h, which is done in about 12 seconds. Top speed is 317 km/h, a speed which is electronically limited, without which the SLS is actually capable of much more. Mated to this awesome engine is a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox, fitted at the rear of the rear axle for better weight distribution – Mercedes-Benz claim a front/rear distribution of 47:53 is perfect for handling.

Inside, the design takes inspiration from the aviation world, and looks much like an airplane cockpit – a very much more luxurious version, of course, with Napa leather, real metal switches and implements, with generous renditions of carbon fibre, no expense spared along the way. What you get is luxury and quality of the best grade.

The SLS AMG is a car that is independently developed by AMG, the Motor Sport arm of Mercedes-Benz, and everything about the SLS is sport oriented – in fact, it is a race car made road legal. To start with, the chassis is an all aluminium space frame, similar to what we know as ‘super-saloons’ of the old racing era, when race cars were built around tubular space frames. The SLS’ space frame is very rigid, but weight only 241kg – the engine, drive train and other fittings make up the rest of the car weight of 1620 kg, surprisingly light for a super car. Power to weight ratio thus is an impressive 2.84 kg per horsepower.

The SLS AMG will be touring the nation after the official launch on 27 March 2010, and outstation car buffs should be able to catch a glimpse of one at their respective dealers – check with them on the exact timing of the SLS arrival in the respective showrooms. Make no mistake – this is a very exclusive car, and it is probably the same unit going around. Production starts in June 2010, but orders can be made now.


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