The new Mercedes SLS 63 AMG is a true icon of automotive design, with its extra long bonnet and unique Gullwing doors along with an exciting interplay between concave and convex surfaces, this combined with its understated features such as a retractable rear spoiler create an unforgettable visual delight. The interior is as equally impressive, it has a range of fine materials such as real metal trim and red nappa leather that has been hand finished to reveal the meticulous attention to detail. A true masterpiece of technology and engineering at its best.
The epicentre of high-voltage motoring
From the pencil drawings of this Mercedes supercar to the execution of the physical car, this Mercedes-Benz supercar personifies the senses that come alive during motoring. From what you hear when the engine is turned on to how the leather interior feels when you are driving, this Mercedes-Benz supercar is ready to be pushed beyond the boundaries for a motoring experience created by the best engineers for the best drivers.
The performance ability of the Mercedes SLS AMG Coupé
Cut from the strongest technical equipment from the master engineers at Mercedes-Benz and AMG, the 6.3 litre V8 engine of this Mercedes-Benz expresses touch and exquisite taste of luxury motoring. A searing top speed of 197 mph is not the only jaw-dropping aspect of the engine: the engine also gives drivers 571 BHP with a torque of 650 Nm at 4,750 rpm. Engineers constructed this engine with one outcome in mind: power.
Awaken your sense of hearing when you drive through the various gears of the supercar. Hear the sound of the wind from the acceleration points from 0-62 mph in just 3.8 seconds courtesy of the heavy-duty V8 engine that sits at the heart of this Mercedes Coupé. The 8-cylinder engine operates in tandem with the pedal system to make the car more responsive and alert. The result of this innovation is a self drive hire trip with a red-hot performance aptitude that will leave fellow motorists amazed by the sight of the Mercedes zooming away.
The design and look of the Mercedes
The exterior of the Mercedes Coupé is the secret weapon: two gullwing doors adorn the body of the supercar. Gullwing doors open manually in an upward motion for a truly sleek finish to a car built on precision. When both doors are welcoming you and your passenger, you can fully understand how Mercedes-Benz have incorporated inspiration from aviation. The lines of the gullwing doors shape the body of the car to a curvaceous finish.
Enter your new-age motoring capsule and touch a rich interior design worthy of all the awards that the SLS AMG has won. Indulge your sense of touch by sitting on the nappa leather seats and reclining your head on the upholstered headrests. The design team of Mercedes-Benz have taken their respect for aviation further by incorporating stylistic touches into the interior. When you are cruising in this car on self drive hire, look out for the air vents that resemble plane jet engines. Have complete control of this supercar when you put your hands on the leather steering wheel with the trademark Mercedes 3-spoke design encrusted in it. The emphasis on hand-stitching can be seen in the door interior trim, armrests and the seats. The principles of creating a bespoke motoring experience have been fulfilled in this supercar offered by Mercedes-Benz. Perfect for drivers who want to appreciate the sensory motoring approach, a self drive hire option is the way to satisfy your desire for this magnificent motor.
The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG features a distinctively pure design, superior dynamics and levels of safety and everyday practicality that are the hallmarks of Mercedes-Benz. The ideal weight distribution (47:53 percent between front and rear axles) and low centre of gravity underline the uncompromising nature of its sports car concept.
During the development phase of the new gullwing model, AMG developers benefited from the valuable know-how of specialists at the Mercedes Technology Centre (MTC) in Sindelfingen. The aim of such collaborative development was to make the SLS AMG a perfect synthesis of the strengths of Mercedes-Benz and AMG.
Design
With its unique gullwing doors, the SLS AMG is a true icon of automotive design. The exciting interplay between concave and convex surfaces, combined with understated features such as retractable rear spoiler, create an unforgettable visual impact. Classic sportscar proportions – the lengthy bonnet, wide track and short overhangs – heighten the car’s dynamism and power.
The characteristic curved design of the opened gullwing doors extends to other parts of the car – the side mirrors, tail lights, the 3-spoke steering wheel, and the flow of the contrasting top-stitching from the centre console to the instrument panel.
The interior of the gullwing model offers the same level of sports styling as the exterior, with design elements from the worlds of aviation and motorsport apparent throughout.
Lightweight design
The SLS AMG is the first vehicle launched by Mercedes-Benz and AMG to feature an aluminium chassis and body. This generates a significant weight saving compared with the traditional steel construction – as demonstrated by the target DIN unladen weight of 1620 kg (without driver).
The new bodyshell comprises an aluminium spaceframe that weighs a mere 241 kg. By using cast aluminium, components can be tailored for thickness depending on their load requirements – so maximum strength can be achieved at high-stress points such as the roof side member that supports the gullwing doors. Where less strength is required components can be significantly thinner, offering major weight savings
This exclusive design offers outstanding rigidity, which allows for uncompromisingly dynamic handling. It goes without saying that the aluminium spaceframe meets all passive safety requirements specified for a new Mercedes-Benz vehicle.
AMG 6.3 litre V8 engine
The advanced AMG 6.3 litre V8 engine produces a peak output of 571 hp (420 kW) at 6800 rpm, making the SLS AMG one of the most powerful sports cars in its segment. Accelerating from 0-62 mph takes just 3.8 seconds.
Key measures implemented to enhance performance include a complete redevelopment of the intake system, a redesigned valve assembly and camshafts, the use of a flow-optimised tubular steel exhaust manifold, and de-restriction of the exhaust system.
The 8-cylinder engine reacts with agility to accelerator pedal movements and demonstrates greater responsiveness across the entire engine speed range. The conversion to dry sump lubrication allows a significantly lower engine mounting position, with the resulting lower centre of gravity enabling high lateral acceleration and scintillating vehicle dynamics.
Transmission
The AMG 6.3 litre V8 engine transfers its prodigious power to the rear axle via a particularly light carbon drive shaft – similar to those used in DTM C-Class touring race cars.
The transmission system is located at the rear axle (transaxle principle) and this, combined with the front-mid engine position, ensures an ideal front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent. The transmission has a fixed link to the engine block via a torque tube, which contains a rotating carbon driveshaft. The advantages of this sophisticated solution include a rigid connection between engine and transmission and an optimum support structure for the forces and torque levels generated.
A new seven-speed AMG double-clutch transmission is responsible for power transmission, characterised by its rapid gear changes without an interruption in tractive power.
Suspension and steering
The SLS AMG features an ingenious suspension set-up that has been tried and tested in motor racing, right through to Formula 1. All four wheels are positioned on a double-wishbone with track rod, providing the driver with exceptional feel and response.
This is complemented by the precise, assured handling of the rack-and-pinion steering system with a constant mechanical ratio of 13.1:1. Power assistance is speed-sensitive, ensuring optimum agility at lower speeds and maximum stability in straight-line, high-speed situations. By mounting the steering gear on the subframe in front of the engine, the engine can be set back low in the car, helping to give the SLS AMG its reassuringly low centre of gravity.
The result is a supercar that combines supreme racetrack performance with the long journey comfort that is the hallmark of Mercedes-Benz.
Brakes
The AMG high-performance brake system with all-round composite technology ensures extremely short braking distances even under enormous load intensities. Further braking performance and reduced unsprung masses are guaranteed by the new optional ceramic composite brake system with larger brake discs. As you’d expect, both systems offer outstanding heat dissipation and fade resistance.
Inspiration, passion and quality
The interior of the new gullwing model delivers authentic motorsport functionality, legendary Mercedes safety standards and outstanding ergonomic qualities. Distinctive aviation-inspired styling cues include air vents reminiscent of jet engines and a unique wing-shaped dashboard.
A range of fine materials, including nappa leather and real metal trim (real carbon trim available as an option), emphasises the superior quality of the SLS interior and reveals a meticulous attention to detail.
Electrically adjustable sports seats with integrated head restraints provide optimum lateral support and excellent comfort for long journeys. Other highlights include the AMG Performance leather steering wheel in 3-spoke design with flat lower section, 365 mm rim, gearshift paddles, and real metal trim.
Standard SLS features such as hand-sewn designo leather with contrasting top-stitching on the instrument panel, sports seats, door interior trim and armrests typify the vehicle’s authentic hand-finished character. The Media Interface and DVD changer also feature as standard.
On-board comfort can be enhanced with an attractive range of optional extras, including the new Bang & Olufsen sound system, designo Exclusive leather and the interior carbon package.
Interior Design
The interior of the SLS AMG delivers authentic motorsport functionality, legendary Mercedes safety standards and outstanding ergonomic qualities. A range of fine materials, including nappa leather and real metal trim (real carbon trim available as an option), emphasise the hand-finished character of the SLS interior and reveal a meticulous attention to detail.
Electrically adjustable sports seats with integrated head restraints provide optimum lateral support and excellent comfort for long journeys. The AMG Performance leather steering wheel in 3-spoke design with flat lower section and 365 mm rim, gearshift paddles, and real metal highlights emphasise the vehicle’s authentic hand-finished character – as does the attractive instrument cluster.
Standard SLS features include hand-stitched designo leather with contrasting top-stitching on the instrument panel, sports seats, door interior trim and armrests. The Media Interface and DVD changer also feature as standard.
On-board comfort can be enhanced with an attractive range of optional extras, including the new Bang & Olufsen sound system, designo Exclusive leather and the interior carbon package.
Top Tips:
- Use the hi-tech braking system for precision.
- Operate the 7-speed AMG double-clutch transmission for powerful driving.
