The 2010 SLS Gullwing is finally here and is no longer the concept car that many believed would never see the light of day. It is real and has been unveiled, despite not hitting the showroom floors till late 2010, it is highly anticipated and expected to sell out prior to even arriving. Despite its $300,000 price tag, the car has a following unlike none other, as many are still to this day trying to get their hands on the 300SL Gullwing that started it all.
The new 2010 SLS is quite stunning in the design department, here is what the CEO of Chrysler had to say in the press release for the SLS.
The distinctive design of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG dazzles with its passionate sportiness and reinterprets the breathtaking design of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, one of the most recognised design icons of the Mercedes-Benz brand. With its purist design, the new SLS AMG reflects the teachings of modern sports car design: The nearly two-metre long-bonnet, the low, far back positioned cabin, and the short rear with the extendable rear spoiler symbolize dynamism, as do the long wheelbase, the wide track, and the large wheels. The proportions are determined by the short overhangs and the design of the super sports car, with a low-slung, front-mid engine mounted well back and a dual-clutch transmission in a transaxle configuration. The stylistic highlight is without a doubt the gullwing doors, which impart the SLS AMG with incomparable charisma and make a unique statement in this vehicle segment.
It is not just the gullwing doors that awaken reminiscences of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. The characteristic wide radiator grille with the large Mercedes-Benz star and the wing-like fin are also reminiscent of the face of the legendary sports car. The three-dimensional, sculptured front with the low, v-shaped front skirt with lateral indentations gives the gullwing a powerful stance on the road. The car’s dominance is underscored by six large air intakes and the wideset, vertical headlamps with intriguing internals: The central bixenon low-beam headlamps with metallic wing element are framed by two LED indicators above and two LED daytime running lights below.
The interior of the 2010 SLS is very Mercedes like and offers luxury, functionality and color combinations that are visually striking. The interior trim is made of Carbon Fiber and offers features similar to the all mighty luxurious S class, which leads us to believe that the SLS was built with the intention of being a driver’s car.
The motor on the other hand will still use the AMG 63 Platform but will be bumped significantly closer to the SLR’s performance numbers, her eis a quick glimpse of what the press release told us:
The heart of the new SLS is a high-powered eight-cylinder engine manufactured by Mercedes-AMG. The advanced 6.3-litre V-8 engine, which has an output of 571 hp at 6,800 rpm, makes the gullwing vehicle one of the most powerful sports cars in its segment. In conjunction with the low vehicle weight, this results in a weight-power ratio of 2.84 kg/hp. The naturally aspirated engine provides its maximum torque of 650 Nm at 4,750 rpm. The gullwing vehicle accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 197 mph (all figures are preliminary). The high-torque V8 engine, which is called the M159 within the company, has a displacement of 6,208 cc. It has been completely restructured compared to the basic M156 engine, and it displays the typical characteristics of high-performance racing engines.
The most important measures taken to boost its performance were the development of a completely new intake manifold system, the restructuring of the valve gear and the camshaft, the use of streamlined steel-pipe fan-type exhaust pipes and a dethrottling of the exhaust system. As a result, the designers have achieved significantly improved cylinder charging that boosts performance by almost nine per cent. The eight-cylinder engine reacts nimbly to movements of the accelerator pedal and in general responds extremely well. Thanks to the change to dry sump lubrication, it has been possible to achieve a much lower installation position for the engine. The consequent lowering of the vehicle’s center of gravity enables high transverse acceleration, which results in handling dynamics that drivers love.
In Conclusion, we regard the new 2010 Mercedes SLS as the newest exotic in the pack and expect its exclusivity to mirror that of the new SL65 Black Series. The car is stunning and will appeal to many that are willing to spend the money on the car despite the fact that it lacks the exotic badge. Make sure to click on the pictures in our gallery to get a sneak peek of the SLS by Mercedes.
