An electric blue silhouette and four motors made the new SLS AMG the most shocking car at the International Motor Show in Paris recently. The legend that is the Mercedes-Benz gull wing coupé has just been reborn in the most spectacular of ways, at one of the world’s most fashionable motor shows.
Formerly known as the E-Cell, the now-named SLS AMG Electric Drive, Mercedes-Benz’ emission-free blue chrome supercar arrived in a flash of light in Paris. The production electric performance car is deserving of the limelight. With 747 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque, not only is it the most powerful and fastest electric available, but it is AMG’s most powerful production car ever.
The four electric motors enable the ED reach 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds, in spite of the battery bank weighing in at over twelve hundred pounds. A lightweight carbon-fibre monocoque with race-specified pushrod shock absorbers and carbon-fibre brakes balance the weight of the power units. What Mercedes-Benz refers to as ‘outstanding driving dynamics’ are obtained through the four motors, in combination as the Torque Dynamics system. They are understandably proud of their creation.
Chairman Ola Kallenius said that ‘The SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive is setting new standards for cars with electric drives. As the most powerful gull wing model ever, it is also representative of the enduring innovational strength of Mercedes-AMG. Our vision of the most dynamic electric vehicle has become a reality.”
If the 11 speakers positioned to recreate the sound of an internal combustion supercar do not give you the feeling you are craving, or if you do not have £360,000 to spare then a self-drive hire of the original may be what you need.
With just as much visual appeal and even more feeling of the visceral, the Mercedes SLS AMG Coupé offers an echo of motoring pedigree with endless contemporary power. The iconic gull wing sports car with its 6.3 litre V8 engine provides the ideal invitation to experience brilliance in conventional engineering. 602 mph is reached in a lightning quick 3.8 seconds. This is thanks to features such as enhanced valve assembly and camshafts, a flow-optimised tubular steel exhaust manifold, and de-restriction of the exhaust system. The power transmitted to the rear axle via the light carbon dive shaft adds to the package of performance that is yours for a time with short-term car hire.