2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36
At this time everyone is talking about economical and efficient engines and smaller cars. It's great that someone has the courage to buy a super sports car like the SLS AMG.
By Stefan Grundhoff
The Mercedes SLS AMG is here and finally the ailing Swabians have achieved another really big hit with a new car. AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg has known his wild card for more than three years like at the eff-eff: the Mercedes SLS AMG. Everyone pulled together. The designers around Gordon Wagener were full of heart and the developers in Stuttgart and Affalterbach tore their legs out for their new toy. Mercedes has AMG and AMG has a new supercar.
Large numbers planned
The announced sales figures in particular are likely to spread horror in the international premium segment. Despite a lack of regular customers and genuine predecessor models, Mercedes wants to sell more than 15,000 vehicles per year right from the start. Who still thinks of a small-series toy like the Mercedes SLR? In April next year the time has finally come - the first models will be delivered.
No compromise
The SLS is as sporty as you would never have expected from a Mercedes. With the SLS, the Swabians put everything on one card. Gullwing doors, aluminum body, 6.3-liter V8, 571 hp and a top speed of 317 km / h - that is a spectacular announcement in times when every manufacturer is struggling with automotive windmills such as Euro 6, hybrid drives, battery modules and efficiency programs. Consumption of 13.2 liters of super per 100 kilometers with braked gear can be a problem.
Precise chassis
Whether on the winding and impressive Pacific Coast Highway north of San Simeon or the Laguna Seca full-throttle race track near Monterey - the SLS is a brilliant cast on every route. The chassis is finely tuned, as it was otherwise only known from Porsche or BMW. Precise steering, the beefy V8 sound from 6.3 liters displacement and always present 420 KW / 571 PS. This is the stuff automotive dreams are made of. A real sports car that underlines its name on every kilometer. The weight distribution of 47:53 in favor of the rear axle is exemplary, the power transmission is excellent thanks to the well-coordinated dual clutch transmission and a styling that makes you dream of much more than its legendary predecessor from the 50s.
From zero to 100 in 3.8 seconds
Only marginally bothersome is that the SLS, with over 1.7 tonnes, has too much weight on its ribs and the gullwing doors do not open electrically as if by magic. With a smile you can go over barely visible interior negligence or the somewhat under-sized sports seats. Get in, tune in, start. Thanks to 650 Nm of torque, it goes from 0 to 100 km / h in 3.8 seconds - it hasn't been so much fun for a long time. The fact that the top is electronically limited to 317 km / h and thus one km / h more than the German main competitor Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI is superfluous gimmick. The SLS doesn't have to fear a competitor.
Electric version is being tested
Even the price of just under 180,000 euros should hardly scare off an illustrious customer. "We don't want an elite sports car," emphasizes Volker Mornhinweg, "we want a car that is also noticeable in traffic." Incidentally, the idea of efficiency was not completely ignored during the development of the SLS AMG. This winter the first prototypes with electric motors will go into testing. A series launch could follow in 2013. Mercedes is back on track.
Recommended:
Audi Is Cutting Back Investments Due To Corona Crisis
In view of the corona crisis, Audi has not provided an outlook for the current year. This is almost impossible. said the CFO
Looking At Children In The Back Seat Is Grossly Negligent
Parents shouldn't look around at their children in the back seat while driving. This can be expensive in the event of an accident
Porsche Looks Back On Seven Decades
Porsche celebrates its 70th anniversary. On June 8, 1948, Ferdinand Porsche received approval for his 356th invention - the birth of an iconic sports car
It Is Safest For Children To Sit On The Right In The Back Seat
Where are the safest places for children to sit in the car? Many parents ask themselves this question. Usually on the right in the back seat. But there is no general answer
The Safest Place For Children Is The Back Seat
If you take children with you in your car, you have to secure them properly. But a child seat alone is not enough. More needs to be taken into account
