Looks like Mercedes is moving forward with production of their non-McLaren-related supercar, the SLS AMG Gullwing. This high-powered supercar is slated for market launch on March 27th this year, but the first model is now being hand-built in Mercedes\’ Sindelfingen (that\’s fun to say) plant.
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is replacing the mostly failed SLR project between Benz and McLaren. We drove the SLR, and while it was incredibly fast, it did not have much of a personality, unlike its (mostly Italian) rivals. Mercedes and McLaren rightfully split ways for this one, and the SLS AMG is promising to deliver on what the SLR lacked-
The SLS\’s engine will be built in AMG\’s Affalterbach workshop, where only one person builds each mill. He will inject the 6.3-liter V8 with an impressive 571 hp, and then deliver it to Mercedes, who drops it into the front of the car, hooking it up to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the rear wheels. Extensive lightening techniques have been implemented, along with a sports suspension and a balanced 47/53 weight distribution.
All this effort translates into some serious numbers; zero to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 197 mph. Another serious number-the price tag: $254,000 or so will bag you an SLS AMG. On the value scale, not so great. You can get a hell of a lot of car(s) for $254k, so the SLS AMG will have to be great. Thinking about the collectability factor though puts a different spin on things. Given it\’s the first Merc since the original Gullwing to use those doors, it might be one to keep an eye on.
