Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Nov 09

The Mercedes SLS AMG was a beacon of the motor show, drawing purists and enthusiasts together.
The new super sports car from Mercedes-Benz and AMG features an unparalleled technology package which includes an aluminium space frame body with gullwing doors, an AMG 6.3-litre, front-mid V8 engine with a top power of 420kW, 650Nm of torque, and dry sump lubrication, seven-speed dual-clutch in a transaxle configuration, a sports chassis with aluminium double wishbone suspension and a kerb weight of 1,620 kgs. It's a combination that guarantees supreme handling dynamics. The car's ideal weight distribution between the front and rear axles (47 to 53 percent respectively) and its low centre of gravity emphasise the concept's pronounced sports car nature. The Gullwing accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 197 mph (electronically limited).
The distinctive design of the SLS AMG dazzles with its passionate sportiness, although I found, seated in the beast, visibility is limited over the long bonnet and the lack of power doors makes dragging the huge 'gullwing' door closed a real chore.
These grizzles aside, the SLS looks magnificent and undoubtedly has the power and dynamics to exhilarate. The SLS is the first vehicle from M-B and AMG where both chassis and body are made of aluminium.
The SLS will go on sale in 2010, with a price yet to be announced.