As the Geneva Motor Show gets set to open its doors to the press tomorrow, Mercedes has taken a moment to reveal details a model that won’t be in attendance – one that’s being officially called the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Strangely enough, it sounds a little like a Cadillac model… oh wait, it is a Cadillac model. Nevertheless, that is the name of the vehicle that up until now has been known as the Mercedes SLC, or less formally, the new Mercedes Gullwing.
So what can we expect from the new Caddy Mercedes? Pretty much exactly what was already rumored to be in place. Power comes from a revised version of AMG’s 6.2-Liter V8, with output coming in at 563 hp at 6800 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque at 4750 rpm. Revisions to the engine include a new magnesium intake with eight separate velocity stacks, two electronically controlled throttle plates to feed the new intake, a new dry-sump system to lubricate the engine, and a lowered position behind the front axle allowing a claimed 48 percent/52 percent front/rear weight distribution.
Also in place will be a new seven-speed transaxle gearbox, as opposed to the one currently utilized on the SL63 AMG. Mounted at the rear axle and encompassing the differential, the new gearbox is a dual-clutch automated manual transmission – one that that will shift gears by itself or at the driver’s command. Connecting the engine to the rear-mounted transaxle is a torque tube housing a lightweight carbon-fiber composite driveshaft, just one of the various components that help the SLS achieve a curb weight of 3,571 lbs (that’s nearly 300 lbs lighter than the SLR McLaren). The end result when mated with the AMG 6.3-Liter V8 is a 0-62 mph time of 3.8 seconds, while top speed comes in at 196 mph.
There’s no word yet on pricing for the model, although early reports indicate the Mercedes SLS AMG will likely be in the $250,000 range. We’ll keep you posted as new details are revealed; in the meantime, keep scrolling to see a few additional photos and diagrams outlining the Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing (click any to enlarge), then head over to Car and Driver for their full report and photo gallery.
