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2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Class Review Designed as a
replacement for the aging McLaren SLR and as a new range-topper for
Mercedes-Benz, the SLS AMG is a completely new platform designed and
honed by the high-performance gurus at AMG. Using the 300SL Gullwing as
inspiration gave the car its characteristic shape, and perhaps its most
unique and iconic feature--gull-wing doors. It features a long hood and
short rear deck, much like the 300SL. Performance has been ramped up
considerably, both in terms of raw power and chassis design.
Walkaround
The only available engine in the SLS AMG is the same 6.2L V8 used in
the SL63 and other AMG models, although here it's been tuned slightly
with dry-sump oiling, a reworked valvetrain and camshaft design, special
tubular headers, a free-flowing intake and an improved exhaust system.
The result is 563 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, which pushes the SLS to 60
in just 3.7 seconds and gives a top speed of 197 mph.A 7-speed
dual-clutch electronic transmission is the only available gearbox,
featuring aluminum shift paddles mounted on either side of the steering
wheel. The driver can select between several modes that offer shift
quality tuned for both maximum performance and maximum efficiency--and
several steps in between. Mounted in the rear and connected to the
engine via a carbon-fiber driveshaft, it helps give a near-perfect
weight balance of 47/53 front-to-rear.The chassis utilizes 4-wheel
independent suspension with double-wishbone designs front and rear, and
with the engine mounted low in the chassis (thanks to dry-sump oiling)
and its rear-mounted transaxle, the SLS's center of gravity and overall
balance helps provide exceptional handling characteristics. Massive disc
brakes help bring the car from 60 mph to a stop in just under 100
feet.The SLS AMG started out as a coupe, but a new convertible is
available in 2012. Both are built on a high-tech aluminum space frame.
Standard safety equipment includes stability and traction control,
antilock brakes, front, side, knee and curtain airbags for both driver
and passenger and Mercedes' "mbrace" emergency telematics system. In the
event of a rollover, the coupe's gull-wing doors separate from the car
via pyrotechnic devices, allowing easy exit for both driver and
passenger.The roadster SLS comes with a three-layer fabric top and
conventional front-hinged doors instead of the coupe's gull-wings. While
Mercedes did have to add additional bracing to keep the chassis rigid,
they claim the roadster weighs the same as the coupe, but has a lower
center of gravity, so handling will not be affected too much.
Summary
Standard equipment includes 19-inch front and 20-inch rear cast
aluminum wheels, bi-xenon headlamps with washers, auto-dimming and
power-folding mirrors, a backup camera, keyless entry and ignition,
leather upholstery, heated seats with memory functions, dual-zone
automatic climate control and a premium sound system with satellite
radio and iPod connectivity. In addition, Mercedes COMMAND interface is
also standard.Optional features many AMG performance parts, such as
performance and adaptive suspension and carbon ceramic brakes. Outside,
three types of unique alloy wheels and carbon fiber trim are also
available. Inside, a leather and suede-wrapped steering wheel, and an
11-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system are optional add-ons.