2010 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Preview: Engine, Style, Performance, and Pricing

When Mercedes Benz unveiled the 2010 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, it reminded many of the 300SL of the 1950’s. Like the vintage Benz, Mercedes’ newest supercar features those familiar gull wing doors along with enough modern power to make it among the fastest production cars in the world. The gull wing doors are the most recognizable feature of the Mercedes Benz 300SL of the 1950’s and 1960’s, but a side by side comparison reveals more similarities. The chrome bumpers are gone, but the SLS AMG calls upon the classic for the overall shape and flow of the bodylines. The cabin is set back on the chassis, giving the SLS an elongated bonnet area and very short trunk, with a near-fastback design connecting the roofline with the area enclosing the exhaust tips. Along the side of the 2010 SLS AMG the gull wing doors open in a similar fashion, but chassis technology allows for an easier entry, as the door sills are much lower to the ground.

Inside of the 2010 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG, you have everything that you
would expect from one of the leading luxury designers in the world:
from the super soft leather upholstery wrapped around race-inspired
seats and a state-of-the-art audio and video system.

The sleek exterior and cutting edge interior aside, the long bonnet
hides what really makes the 2010 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG special. Like
the other top-of-the-line Mercedes’, the SLS will feature the M159 6.2L
V8, pumping out an awesome 563 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque –
quite a jump from the 212hp that made the ’55 300SL the fastest
production car in the world. All of that power is sent through a carbon
fiber driveshaft to the unique rear-mounted 7-speed dual clutch
differential. That configuration shoves the SLS from 0-60 in an
impressive 3.8 seconds, as well as achieving a top speed of 196 miles
per hour.

Daimler-Benz Auto Group has not given a clear indication as to how many
2010 SLS AMG models will be made, but with a price tag expected to
start in the $200,000 range, it is in a pretty elite price class.

What do you guys think of the SLS gullwing? Do you like it’s subtle use of classic styling? Saving up for one? Could care less for models outside the realm of easy affordability?

If you need to read and talk more about all AMG’s, you can find the threads here!