2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG supercar is the flagship of the auto industry’s broadest product lineup, and for 2012 a new 563-hp roadster model joins the SLS AMG gullwing coupe. The Mercedes-Benz design and performance standard-bearer, the limited-production SLS AMG was the first-ever car designed and developed from the ground up by Mercedes-AMG, the company’s high-performance division.

New standard equipment available for the 2012 model year includes Blind Spot Assist; AMG 3-mode adaptive suspension and the innovative AMG Performance Media System are available as options.

A Top As Fast as the Car

The soft top on the SLS AMG Roadster can be opened in only 11 seconds. A button at the front of the center armrest operates the folding top, which can be opened or closed when the car is moving at speeds up to 30 mph. The top is available in three colors – black, red and beige – to complement nine exterior colors and ten interior combinations.

The frame of the triple-layer fabric top is a carefully chosen combination of magnesium, aluminum and steel, which contributes to the car’s extraordinarily low center of gravity. A rear window of single-layer safety glass is seamlessly bonded to the top, which helps minimize wind noise. A long water channel under each side of the top directs rain water to the underside of the car. Trunk capacity is 6.1 cubic feet with the roof closed or open, about the same as the SLS AMG gullwing coupe.

AIRSCARF for an Extended Driving Season

A standard AIRSCARF system can extend the open-air driving season of the SLS AMG Roadster into the cooler months. Built into the seatbacks, the neck-level heating system blows warm air from the driver and passenger-seat head restraints, allowing occupants to cruise comfortably with the retractable hardtop open in cooler weather. AIRSCARF even compensates automatically for changes in vehicle speed. A detachable glass wind deflector mounts to the roll bars, helping to reduce air buffeting.

Convertible and Coupe Body Stiffness

To ensure the same handling and driving pleasure as the fixed-roof coupe, the SLS AMG Roadster has thicker door sill members; additional struts between the dash cross member, center tunnel and windshield frame; and a special strut between the soft top compartment and the rear axle. There’s also a special cross member behind the seats to support the fixed roll bars. All in all, the entire aluminum spaceframe for the convertible model weighs only 4.5 pounds more than the coupe.

A new option for 2012, an adaptive AMG Sport Suspension provides electronically controlled damping at the touch of a button. With a button on the AMG DRIVE UNIT, the driver can choose “Comfort,” “Sport” and “Sport Plus.” Standard equipment now includes Blind Spot Assist, which monitors both blind spots behind and to the side of the vehicle. Whenever a turn signal is activated with a vehicle in the blind spot, the driver gets visual and audible warnings.

AMG Performance Media

An optional race-inspired system, AMG Performance Media provides a telemetric, real-time display of horsepower, torque, accelerator position, lateral and linear acceleration, braking performance, 0-60 mph or quarter mile times and lap times. In addition, it can display engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid temperatures as well as individual tire pressures.

Pressing an AMG key in the AMG DRIVE UNIT activates the system, which is then operated by the COMAND controller. Three digitally simulated dial gauges with red pointers can be displayed at a time, with the most important information in the center.

Gullwing Doors and Aluminum Space Frame

Convertible or gullwing coupe, the SLS AMG features a lightweight aluminum space-frame body and a 563-horsepower dry-sump V8 engine. With its front-mid engine and rear-mounted, dual-clutch, seven-speed transaxle, the compelling SLS AMG boasts ideal weight distribution of 47-53. Combined with double-wishbone sport suspension, its weight distribution and low center of gravity ensure race-car-like handling.

Its silhouette is defined by a long front hood, short body overhangs, low greenhouse and a short tail section. Along with a wide front grille that sports a large Mercedes-Benz star and a wing-like lamella, the SLS AMG is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz 300SL gullwing coupe of the 1950s.

0-to-60 MPH in Less Than Four Seconds

The SLS AMG can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in only 3.7 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 197 mph. Designed from the ground up by AMG, the 6.3liter V8 powerplant in the Mercedes-Benz SLS represents an entirely new engine family, identified internally by the designation M159.

Based on valuable insight from 40-plus years of motor racing, more than 120 components were redesigned in the development of the SLS AMG engine. With 563 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque, the engine is one of the world’s most powerful naturally aspirated V8s in production.

Dry Sump Lubrication for Lower Center of Gravity

A dry-sump engine lubrication system – rare in the auto industry – along with a front-mid engine located well behind the front wheels, coupled with a rear-mounted transaxle, all contribute to impressive vehicle handling. Two oil pumps make it possible to store engine oil in a separate tank, eliminating a conventional oil pan or sump and allowing the engine to be positioned lower in the body for an extremely low center of gravity. More than 14 quarts of oil circulate through the SLS engine. A suction pump constantly scavenges oil from the bottom of the crankshaft chamber and the cylinder heads, pumping it into the oil tank in front of the engine. With no reservoir of oil at crankshaft level, this design actually adds horsepower by significantly reducing oil drag on the spinning crankshaft.

A second engine oil pump draws oil out of the tank and pressure-feeds it throughout the engine to lubricate the bearings. When oil travels to one side during hard cornering, conventional lubrication systems can lose oil pressure and damage the engine, but the SLS two-pump system with its remote reservoir ensures a reliable supply of oil even under extreme lateral loads.

Lightweight Forged Pistons

Forged aluminum pistons are another special feature of the SLS engine. Stronger than conventional cast pistons, forged pistons are also 1.1 pounds lighter. Metered nozzles in the crankcase spray cooling oil on the underside of the pistons.

One Man, One Engine – Individual Hand Craftsmanship

Each new AMG engine is hand-assembled by an expert craftsman at Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach, Germany. Mercedes-AMG follows a philosophy of “one man, one engine,” which means a single technician – identified by the signature plate affixed to the engine – is responsible for the complete assembly of an AMG high-performance engine from start to finish.

With the utmost care, the craftsman installs each and every part – from the crankshaft, connecting rods and pistons to the intake system, wiring harness and oil fill-up. Each new engine is test-run to ensure consistent quality and maximum performance.

Rear-Mounted AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT Transmission

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG features an AMG SPEEDSHIFT dual-clutch seven-speed transaxle, essentially a manual gearbox with computer-controlled automatic shifting and two clutches that control odd and even gears. Designed for full-power shifting, the new transaxle incorporates a rear final drive, differential and a mechanical differential lock.

Its rear-mounted transmission and final drive help provide ideal 47-53 front-rear weight distribution – a key factor contributing to the car’s outstanding handling. The aluminum transaxle is solidly connected to the engine by a torque tube in which a carbon-fiber driveshaft rotates at engine speed.

Dual-Clutch Seven-Speed Gearbox

The two clutches control power to shafts that hold seven pairs of drive gears. One shaft holds all the odd-numbered gears, and the other shaft has the even-numbered gears. As a result of this design, shifts can be made without interrupting power by electronically applying one clutch exactly when the other is being disengaged. The next gear is always pre-selected electronically while its clutch is disengaged, making it ready for an instant, full-power shift as soon as its clutch is engaged.

Instant Shifts, Computer-Enhanced

Mounted on the center console, a small T-handle serves as an electronic shift lever for the AMG E-DRIVE unit, which also includes a shift mode knob and buttons for choosing ESP and AMG driving modes, starting the engine and raising the rear wing. One touch back on the T-handle engages drive, while a touch forward engages reverse. When the car is stopped, pushing the “P” button engages the park lock, which also happens automatically whenever the engine is turned off.

The rotary knob on the AMG E-DRIVE unit can select the RACE START feature and four drive modes – Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Manual. AMG shift paddles on the back of the steering wheel control manual shifting. An automatic rev-matching feature makes downshifting the SLS AMG smooth, yet even more satisfying. Rev-matching automatically meters engine speed so that downshifts are load-free – no lunging or jerking, even in power-on turns or heavy braking.

Forged Aluminum Double Wishbone Suspension

Complementing its prodigious power, the SLS AMG suspension features double wishbones and track rods at all four wheels – an uncompromising technology that has proven itself in racing, right up to Formula One competition.

Unlike strut-type suspensions, the shock absorber in a double-wishbone arrangement does not perform double duty to help locate the wheel, making the suspension stronger and allowing the shock absorber to work independent of any wheel deflection. All eight wishbones and the four steering knuckles are made of forged aluminum, minimizing unsprung weight, which improves suspension and steering response. To minimize body roll during hard cornering, a thick but lightweight tubular stabilizer bar is fitted up front, while the rear suspension comes with a solid, two-piece bar.

Two-Piece AMG Disc Brakes

To balance its high-speed capability, the SLS AMG comes with vented disc brakes that are grooved and perforated all around. Proven on AMG race cars, two-piece (compound) front brake discs “float” on stainless-steel pins connected to aluminum hubs. This two-piece design reduces weight and transfers less of the intense braking heat that other-wise finds its way to wheel bearings. Fixed brake calipers (six-piston up front and four-piston at the rear) grab the discs for a force of 1,109 horsepower under full braking from 155 mph to zero.

An SLS AMG can be ordered with optional ceramic disc brakes, which are identified by their gold calipers with “AMG Carbon Ceramic” logos. Made of a carbon-fiber-reinforced ceramic material, the ceramic discs are much harder than conventional ones. This not only increases service life, but also enhances durability under high heat and extreme loads, for even shorter stopping distances and higher fade resistance under extreme conditions. While they utilize the same two-piece floating layout as the standard SLS AMG disc brakes, the ceramic discs are even larger, and their total braking force is also higher. In addition, the ceramic discs are 40 percent lighter than conventional brakes, further reducing unsprung weight and enhancing suspension and steering response.

Flow-Formed Light-Alloy AMG Wheels

The alloy wheels on the SLS AMG use an innovative flow-forming process that compresses and strengthens the area around the rim, allowing for thinner contours and reduced weight. As a result, each SLS wheel is about 2.4 pounds lighter than a conventional alloy wheel, further reducing unsprung weight and, in turn, enhancing suspension and steering response.

In front, the SLS AMG wheels are 9.5 inches wide, 19 inches in diameter, and are shod with 265 / 35 R 19 tires. The rear wheels measure 11.0 x 20 inches, with 295 / 30 R 20 tires that are nearly a foot wide. SLS AMG tires use an exclusive rubber compound with grip on dry surfaces that’s comparable to today’s road racing tires, but without their disadvantages in the wet and cold.

Hand-Stitched designo Leather Interior

Echoing the gullwing doors of the coupe, an aviation theme is carried into the interior by a wing-like dash, four turbine-look dash air vents, concave door panels, aviation cockpit gauges and center console. Angled toward the driver, the AMG E-DRIVE unit on the console holds the electronic shift lever — a “T” handle that recalls a jet’s thrust control – and knobs and buttons for operating key drive systems. The dash, seats, door panels and arm rests are upholstered in hand-stitched designo leather. The headliner, roof pillars and rear shelf are finished in Alcantara, while the floor and lower part of the rear wall are covered in short-pile carpeting.

Lending an authentic racing flair to the cockpit, a three-spoke contoured steering wheel is wrapped in perforated nappa leather with a vertical metal double spoke. The 14.4-inch wheel includes metal paddles for manual shifting and a flattened section at the bottom for more knee and leg room. The steering wheel features multi-function rocker buttons that allow drivers to operate audio, phone, voice control and navigation from the steering wheel as well as a versatile main menu in the dash display.

Versatile Dash Displays

Two silver gauges with red needles indicate engine speed and vehicle speed, with smaller displays within the gauges for fuel level and engine oil temperature. Between the gauges, a 4.5-inch screen displays gear selection, driving mode, outside temperature and clock. Above the display is a racing-type shift prompter – a group of LEDs showing ideal shift points that are visible in the driver’s peripheral vision.

A User-Friendly COMAND system

A controller on the center console works like a computer mouse to operate a seven-inch color COMAND display at the top of the dash that controls the audio, telephone and navigation systems. A standard six-speaker audio system includes a 100-watt amplifier; a six-disc, in-dash CD / DVD player; and an AM, FM and weatherband tuner that’s satellite-radio-ready.

A standard Bluetooth interface allows a phone still in a pocket or handbag to be operated through the audio system, and a four-gigabyte music server enables up to 1,000 music files to be stored in the car. The COMAND system is also equipped with a standard iPod/MP3 interface and an advanced voice control. Other features allow the navigation system to display Zagat restaurant ratings.

Bang & Olufsen Audio

An optional surround-sound audio system from the Danish specialist Bang&Olufsen was developed specifically for the SLS AMG. An amplifier with a total of 1,000 watts drives 11 speakers, and its digital sound processor (DSP) provides a choice of surround-sound or high-end studio sound, as well as sound focus positions for the driver, passenger or “central.” This system includes two 250-watt subwoofers in the parcel shelf of the cars and illuminated 50watt tweeters in the dash.

Luxurious Racing Seats

Designed to hug occupants but not be overly tight, high-bolstered SLS AMG seats are upholstered in premium designo leather with integral head restraints, an adjustable lumbar feature and power adjustments that are mounted on the bottom cushion. Standard equipment includes memory buttons that can store seat, steering wheel and outside mirror positions for three different people.

The SLS AMG comes with eight airbags – two-stage adaptive front air bags and knee air bags for the driver and passenger, as well as side air bags in the outer seat cushions to protect the chest and arms and, for head protection, window bags that deploy upward from the door sill.

This super sports car thrills with a perfect combination of open-top driving pleasure, outstanding driving dynamics and sophisticated lightweight construction.

The technological highlights of the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster include an aluminum spaceframe body, an AMG 6.3-liter V8 front-mid engine with dry sump lubrication developing a peak output of 563 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque, a seven-speed dual clutch transaxle transmission and a sports suspension with aluminum double wishbones – all of which will raise the pulse of sports car enthusiasts while providing outstanding driving dynamics and driving pleasure.

The compact fabric soft top of the SLS AMG Roadster opens and closes in just eleven seconds, and can be operated on the move at speeds up to 31 mph. The new Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension with electronically controlled damping is available as an attractive optional extra. It enables the damping characteristics to be modified at the touch of a button. Using the AMG DRIVE UNIT, the driver of the SLS AMG Roadster is therefore able to choose his own suspension setup. Three modes are available: “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport plus”.

“AMG Performance Media” is a unique new feature: this innovative, motorsportinspired multimedia system offers an unrivalled combination of numerous telemetric displays such as lateral and linear acceleration, various engine data and lap times on a racetrack.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “The SLS Roadster is a super sports car, cruiser and highly desirable dream-car all in one. In its distinctive way, it continues the succession of iconic and exciting sports cars from Mercedes-Benz.” Ola Kllenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: “Systematic lightweight construction, outstanding performance and a breathtaking design combined with sensuous open-air driving pleasure – the new SLS AMG Roadster perfectly embodies the AMG philosophy of German engineering and craftsmanship. The gullwing model has already thrilled sports car fans all over the world, and now the convertible version is bound to cause a sensation.”

Pure roadster design with perfect proportions

The new Roadster adds a second exciting dream-car to the SLS AMG family. Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz, Gorden Wagener: “As in the gullwing model, the pure, athletic design immediately catches the eye. Whether with the roof open or closed, the SLS AMG Roadster is an impressive visual delight!” The perfect proportions are particularly memorable: a long hood, the greenhouse positioned well to the rear and a short rear end. Plus the automatically extending rear wing, long wheelbase, wide track and short overhangs – in short, the convertible SLS AMG exudes effortless performance and an authentic charisma. The pronounced shoulder sections are reminiscent of tensed muscles, and suggest sheer power in combination with the large wheels – 265/35 ZR 19 (front) and 295/30 ZR 20 (rear). The attractive AMG Sepang brown metallic paint finish and weight-optimized forged wheels in a 10-spoke design, painted in matte black with a high-sheen rim flange, are available as new optional extras.

Features reminiscent of the 300 SL Roadster, the classic dream-car from the 1950s, include not only the wide radiator grille with its large Mercedes star and the wing-shaped cross-fin, but also the fins on the hood and on the vehicle sides. Like the SLS AMG Roadster, the 300 SL Roadster appeared slightly later than the original gullwing 300 SL, but unlike the SL’s both AMG dream cars are available at the same time.

Interior atmosphere like an aircraft cockpit

The interior continues the breathtaking design idiom of the exterior, and awakens associations with an aircraft cockpit: prominent features include the dashboard in the shape of a wing and the air vents with adjustable, cruciform nozzles reminiscent of jet engines. The extended center console of matte, solid metal and the new E-SELECT lever in the shape of an aircraft’s thrust control are also design features adopted from the world of aviation. Another discreet, fine detail is the embossed AMG emblem on the leather-lined selector lever.

The AMG DRIVE UNIT – which like numerous other interior features is available in genuine carbon-fiber – is the central control unit in the center console: it allows the driver to choose a personal vehicle setup, including adjustment of the optional Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension. The AMG Performance steering wheel with its high-grade premium leather lining and flattened bottom rim section provides perfect vehicle control. The shift paddles and lower steering wheel bezel are made of solid metal.

Fully automatic, weight-optimized soft top

The sensual experience in the 2012MY SLS AMG Roadster is further enhanced when the soft top is open, and the powerful, naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine with 563 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque asserts itself and makes the heart beat faster with its distinctive AMG eight-cylinder sound. The fabric soft top can be opened and closed while on the move at speeds up to 31 mph; the fully automatic opening/closing process takes only eleven seconds. The driver only needs to operate the roof control unit conveniently integrated at the front of the center armrest. When open, the soft top is space-savingly retracted behind the seats in a folded Z-configuration. Three soft top colors – black, red and beige – are available to suit the nine exterior and eight interior colors.

The three-layered fabric soft top is a weight-optimized magnesium/steel/aluminum construction, and contributes greatly to the car’s low center of gravity. The soft top has a seamlessly bonded rear window of heated singlelayer safety glass. The flush, gap-free transition between the outer roof skin and the rear window keeps wind noise low. A continuous, flexible water pocket running under the soft top catches rainwater and directs it to the underbody via two apertures on each side. The trunk capacity is 6.1 cubic feet with the roof either open or closed, and therefore roughly equal to that of the SLS AMG Coup (6.2 cubic feet).

Outstanding material quality and finish

The finest leather, matte-finished solid metal or optional, genuine carbon-fiber trim create an exclusive ambience and correspond with the authentic feel of the cockpit. Precisely executed decorative and contrasting stitching enhances the visual impression, heightens the hand-crafted look and reflects the attention to detail which is the hallmark of Mercedes design.

The standard appointments of the SLS AMG Roadster include black designo leather, heated AMG sports seats, a detachable glass windstop, COMAND with Navigation and DVD player, anti-theft alarm system with tow-away protection and interior monitoring, dual-zone automatic climate control and the KEYLESSGO starting function. The standard AIRSCARF system exclusive to Mercedes-Benz acts like an invisible scarf warming the head and neck areas of the occupants. It is integrated into the backrests of the AMG sports seats, and blows warm air from vents in the head restraints. The airflow can be adapted for different occupant sizes by means of adjustable louvers, and the level of warmth can be selected in three stages at the touch of a button.

Leather-lined roll-over bars with integrated mesh in a “Silver Shadow” look are available in conjunction with designo Exclusive leather to reduce turbulence in the cockpit. Ambient lighting is integrated into the electrically folding exterior mirrors.

Single-tone or two-tone designo leather in espresso brown is available as a new interior color – this dark shade of brown perfectly matches the new metallic paint finish AMG Sepang brown.

AMG Performance Media and Bang & Olufsen as optional highlights

In addition to the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system, another optional entertainment highlight is the AMG Performance Media. In an unprecedented way, this racing-inspired system combines numerous telemetric displays such as engine data, lateral and linear acceleration and lap times on a racetrack. AMG Performance Media is activated by pressing the AMG key in the AMG DRIVE UNIT, and operated using the COMAND Controller.

Key functions at a glance:

• Real-time display of engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid temperature
• Real-time display of engine output, torque and accelerator position
• Real-time display of individual tire pressures
• Real-time display of acceleration time from 0-60 mph (alternatively: quarter-mile)
• Real-time display of lateral and linear acceleration combined with braking performance and accelerator position, including memory function
• Recording of individual lap times on a closed racetrack, with sector times and memory function
• Integration of DRIVE UNIT functions to save setup data to memory and initiate RACE START

The different functions of AMG Performance Media are shown by the color display integrated into the dashboard. Three displays are shown at any one time, with the most important information positioned in the center. Digitally simulated dial instruments with red needles ensure outstanding legibility.

Specifically reinforced aluminum spaceframe, low curb weight

In addition to maximum comfort, the key factor for driving pleasure in the new SLS AMG Roadster is the outstanding performance. The basis for this is the innovative body design: the chassis and body are made of aluminum, a design combining intelligent lightweight construction with high strength. With a curb weight of 3,661 pounds (estimated), the Roadster is only 88 pounds heavier than the Coup. The result is a remarkable power-to-weight ratio of 6.5 pounds per hp.

To achieve the same level of driving dynamics – without a fixed roof, the SLS AMG Roadster incorporates several features specifically designed to strengthen the bodyshell, including side skirts with greater wall thicknesses and additional chambers. The dashboard cross-member is supported against the windshield frame and center tunnel by additional struts, and a curved strut between the soft top and the tank reinforces the rear axle. The lack of a roof and gullwing doors means that the open-top SLS AMG has a reinforcing crossmember behind the seats to support the fixed roll-over protection system. This also accommodates the 250 watt subwoofer of the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end sound system.

All this prevents unwanted vibrations right from the start, and makes it unnecessary to use the additional, weight-increasing vibration dampers that are often found in open-top sports cars. The weight-optimized aluminum spaceframe weighs 536 pounds, tipping the scales at just 4.5 pounds more than the gullwing model.

Intelligent material mix and low center of gravity

50 percent of the intelligently designed, weight-optimized aluminum spaceframe is made of aluminum sections, 26 percent of sheet aluminum, 18 percent of cast aluminum and 6 percent of steel. Maximum occupant safety requires the use of ultra-high-strength, heat-formed steel in the A-pillars.

The entire vehicle has been designed to achieve the lowest possible center of gravity. This applies both to the low connection points of the powertrain and axles, as well as to the arrangement of the rigid bodyshell structure, which has been kept as low as possible. Examples include the rigid flexural and torsional connections between the front and rear section and the passenger safety cell, which have been designed to use force paths that are as low as possible.

Passive safety

The aluminum spaceframe provides the basis for outstanding passive safety. The extensive safety features include the fixed roll-over protection system, three-point seat belts with belt tensioners and belt force limiters, and eight airbags: adaptive front airbags and kneebags, two seat-integrated sidebags and two windowbags deploying from the door beltlines.

The standard Blind Spot Assist helps the driver with a visual warning symbol and acoustic alert if the danger of a collision with another vehicle is detected when changing lanes.

Powerful AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine with 563 hp

The SLS AMG Roadster has the same, muscular engine as the gullwing model. The 6.3-litre V8 with a peak output of 563 hp at 6,800 rpm makes the open-top SLS one of the most powerful sports cars in its segment. Its power-to-weight ratio is 6.5 pounds per hp. This naturally aspirated engine generates its maximum torque of 479 pound-feet at 4,750 rpm. The convertible SLS AMG accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, and the top speed is 197 mph (electronically limited) – which means that the Roadster has almost identical performance to the gullwing.

The high-revving 6.3-liter V8 engine has the typical characteristics of powerful racing engines. It responds immediately and effortlessly to accelerator movements. The use of a dry sump lubrication system allows for a considerably lower installation in the vehicle, yielding a lower center of gravity for high lateral acceleration and thrilling driving dynamics.

Achievement of demanding fuel consumption targets

Despite its uncompromisingly athletic character, fuel consumption has also been addressed. Efficiency enhancements include the familiar AMG-exclusive, friction-optimized twin-wire arc-sprayed coating on the cylinder walls as well as the on-demand, map-optimized oil supply and intelligent generator management: during the engine’s overrun phases, kinetic energy is used to charge the battery rather than wasted by simply generating heat. Conversely, the generator is switched to no-load operation during acceleration, thus reducing the load on the engine. Sophisticated catalytic converter technology enables current and future emission standards such as Euro-5, LEV 2 and ULEV to be met.

Rev-matching transmission with transaxle configuration and torque tube

The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine delivers its abundant power to the rear transaxle via an ultra-light carbon-fiber driveshaft – similar to the setup used in the DTM C-Class racing touring car. The rev-matching transmission is mounted at the rear (transaxle), and connected to the engine housing via a torque tube. A carbon-fiber shaft rotates at engine speed in the torque tube. The advantages of this sophisticated solution lie in the rigid link between the engine and transmission and, in turn, the optimum support for the forces and torque generated.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission boasts fast gear changes with no loss of tractive force – in as little as 100 milliseconds. The driver has a choice of four different driving modes: “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) or “M” (Manual). In the Sport, Sport plus and Manual modes the automatic rev-matching function is active; all the modes can be selected conveniently via the rotary control knob on the AMG DRIVE UNIT.

The RACE START function provides optimum traction for full power launches from a dead stop — as does the mechanical differential lock, which is integrated into the compact transmission housing.

Sophisticated suspension layout with double-wishbone axles

The front-mid-engine plus transaxle configuration provides an ideal front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent. Mounting the engine behind the front axle has created ideal driving dynamics with precise steering, first-class agility, low inertia for spontaneous directional changes and outstanding traction. All four wheels are located on double wishbones with a track rod, a technology that has proven itself in motor racing right through to Formula 1.

With a double-wishbone axle, the wheel location and suspension functions remain separate; the spring/damper struts are supported on the lower wishbone. The double-wishbone setup with its high camber and track rigidity positively locates the wheel with minimal elastic movements, providing the driver with an optimum sense of road contact when driving at the limits.

Wishbones, steering knuckles and hub carriers at the front and rear are made entirely from forged aluminum – substantially reducing the unsprung masses; this configuration also notably improves the suspension response. The long wheelbase of 105.5 inches not only results in outstanding straight-line stability but also low wheel load shifts, significantly reducing the vehicle’s tendency to dive and squat when braking and accelerating. The broad track width – front 66.2 inches, rear 65.1 inches – provides lower shifts in the wheel loads from the inner to the outer wheel when cornering, enabling the tires to retain more grip.

New Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension

The new Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension with electronically controlled damping is available as an attractive optional alternative to the standard AMG sports suspension. It enables the damping characteristics to be modified at the touch of a button. Using a button on the AMG DRIVE UNIT, the driver can choose his own suspension setup. Three modes are available: “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport plus”. The current mode is shown in the instrument cluster. “Comfort” delivers a sensitive response with soft damping characteristics, while in “Sport” mode the shock absorbers have a much stiffer response depending on the driving situation. This not only leads to better road contact, but also effectively suppresses body roll and pitching. “Sport plus” is ideal for challenging laps on a racetrack: in addition to the higher damping force, this mode comes with specific control algorithms that have been tailor-made for a sporty driving style. The new, variable suspension will also be optionally available for the SLS AMG Coup in future.

Direct steering, differential lock and 3-stage ESP

The rack-and-pinion steering gear provides a consistently direct steering feel with a constant mechanical ratio of 13.6:1, in tune with the high expectations placed on a super sports car. The power steering provides speed-sensitive assistance and improves feedback for the driver as speed increases, valuable during high-speed straight-line driving. Mounting the steering gear in front of the engine on the integral subframe enables the engine to be set down very low. The SLS AMG comes with 3-stage ESP as standard, providing the driver with access to the three “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT” and “ESP OFF” modes at the touch of a button. In “ESP OFF” mode, operating the brake pedal restores all the normal ESP functions.

The acceleration skid control (ASR) system’s traction logic is active in all three ESP modes. If one of the drive wheels starts to spin, specific brake pressure is applied to improve traction significantly – especially in conjunction with the standard-fit mechanical multi-disc limited-slip differential. This means that the engine power is transferred to the road more effectively during aggressive driving.

Optional AMG ceramic high-performance two-piece braking system

The AMG high-performance braking system with two-piece brake discs at the front provides extremely short stopping distances even under enormous loads.

Red-painted brake calipers at all four corners are available as an option. The optional ceramic two-piece brakes with even larger discs provide even better braking performance. The ceramic brake discs perform at even higher operating temperatures thanks to their greater hardness, all combined with an impressive weight reduction of around 40 percent. Reducing the unsprung masses has further improved both comfort and grip, and the reduced rotating masses at the front axle provide a more direct steering response.

Lightweight construction was also key when it came to the wheels: AMG light-alloy wheels based on the innovative flow-forming principle reduce the unsprung masses while improving driving dynamics and suspension comfort. In addition to the standard AMG twin 5-spoke light-alloy wheels, there is a 7-spoke wheel that’s available as a no cost option. Weight-optimized 10-spoke forged wheels are available as an option. 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) tires developed exclusively for the SLS AMG provide optimum performance. A tire pressure monitoring system is fitted as standard to permanently monitor tire pressure in all four wheels, with an individual display for each tire.

Production in Sindelfingen, market launch in Fall 2011

The convertible super sports car will be produced at the largest Mercedes-Benz production plant in Sindelfingen. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine comes directly from the AMG engine workshop in Affalterbach, where it is hand-assembled according to the traditional “One man, one engine” philosophy.

The 2012 SLS AMG Roadster will make its U.S. debut in Fall 2011.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Suggested Retail Prices

Model	MY 2013	MY 2012
SLS AMG GT Roadster	$206,000	New Model
SLS AMG GT Coupe	$199,500	New Model
SLS AMG Roadster	New Model	$196,100
SLS AMG Coupe	New Model	$189,600

$905 destination charge for MY2013 passenger vehicles.

 

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Technical Data