Buzz Garage: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

May 3, 2009May 24, 2009 Omar Rana

Currently, the beast in Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance stable is the 670-hp 2009 SL 65 AMG Black Series – and that’s only because McLaren and Mercedes-Benz have ended their SLR relationship. But come 2010, there will be a new king of the ring – the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

Power comes from a 6.2L V8 making 563-hp with a peak torque of 479 lb-ft. The engine is mated to a E-SELECT system that controls the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission on the drive-by-wire principle. With the help of a new “Race Start” launch control, the SLS AMG can go from 0 to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 196 mph.

While Mercedes-Benz is keeping a tight cover on the exterior of the 3,571 pound SLS AMG, we do know that the successor to the 300SL will feature the popular gullwing-style doors. The Stuttgart automaker has released only a couple of images of the prototype undergoing testing which you can check out after the jump.

As for the inside, Mercedes-Benz has been kind enough to drop a couple of official shots of the completed interior. Mercedes-Benz says that the center console is inspired by “jet”s operating console and the four striking air vents reminiscent of aircraft engines.” The SLS AMG will feature an AMG Performance leather steering wheel in 3-spoke design with a flattened lower section and paddle-shifters. The central feature of the cockpit is the multimedia system COMAND APS with its 7-inch screen. Between rpm gauge and the speedometer is a 4.5-inch display that provides information such as range, fuel consumption, trip mileage, driving time and average speed. It also shows different drive modes of the SPEEDSHIFT double-clutch transmission including “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) or “M” (Manual).

Standard features on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG include, theft system, AMG entry sills painted the vehicle color, floor mats with AMG logo, electric parking brake, KEYLESS-GO, designo stitched leather upholstery, PARKTRONIC, rain sensor, heated seats, cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC and THERMOTRONIC. Optional extras include a Bang&Olufsen sound system, designo Exclusive leather, a DVD changer, the Media Interface and the Interior Carbon package.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will make its market launch in spring 2010.

Keep checking back here for the latest coverage on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Have something to say? Start a discussion in the Comments section below.

Posts on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG:

04-14-2009: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster also in the works
04-09-2009: Mercedes-Benz SLS Gullwing interior images and exterior sketches revealed
03-25-2009: Videos: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing in Action
03-02-2009: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the Gullwing makes a return
07-30-2008: Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLC Gullwing taking shape, raises doors
05-12-2008: Mercedes Gullwing to produce 550-hp, 0-60 in 3.8 secs

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: