The Resurrection

Written by Nicolas Bates

On a racetrack in 1952 the world saw what was to become a winged icon. And in 1954, the general public could possess it: The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. The 300 SL was the first ever production car to come equipped with gull-wing doors and was the fastest production car of its time. Flash forward 57 years, and you have what Mercedes-Benz is calling the SLS AMG. According to Dr. Dieter Zetsche, they were not just trying to pay homage to an automotive icon, but instead, create something that “will surely become one of the most alluring sports cars of our time.” Perhaps we will be able to tell in less than 57 years.

Right off the bat you may love or hate the long and somewhat stiff lines of the SLS AMG. Perhaps if a Dodge Viper, second-generation Acura TL Coupe, Mazda RX8 and a Honda S2000 mated, this would be the offspring. Your opinion of the styling may solely rest upon which angle you are viewing at that given moment. The SLS AMG almost has a shape shifting quality about it. The long and wide front end is very reminiscent of the 1954-1957 300 SL in that its grille is largely oval in shape. The new SLS AMG looses the prominent accent over its fenders, but reels you back to the mid-fifties with its grills emanating from the body between the door and front fender. The car has been widened, lowered, and flattened. The gull wing doors on the 300 SL were mandatory due to its unique design, however, the SLS AMG’s are purely style invoked. But, when you get to what’s under the hood, you may grow a little more lenient on the styling.

The SLS AMG boasts 563hp at 6,800 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm from its AMG 6.3-liter 32-valve V-8. To help get the car moving a little quicker, AMG revised this known motor to include a new magnesium intake with eight separate velocity stacks and 2 electronically controlled throttle plates to feed it. A new dry-sump oil system allows the engine to sit lower, thus, lowering the center of gravity for this longer than average vehicle. The car is considered front/mid mount, and the motor sits directly behind the front axle line. This allows for a nice weight distribution of 48% front/ 52% rear. For the first time ever, AMG and Mercedes-Benz are offering a vehicle with a chassis made purely from aluminum. This helps keep the weight down and the rigidity up. The SLS AMG weighs in at nearly 3,600 lbs. Mercedes-Benz is clocking the SLS AMG from 0-60 in 3.6 seconds and it has a limited top speed of 195 MPH. The energy created from the 6.3-liter motor is transferred to the ground via 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with a carbon driveshaft. Four driving modes are offered, including manual, if you are feeling frisky. Mercedes-Benz claims no interruption of traction with this state-of-the-art set up.

This car would not be complete without a slew of options to choose from. The SLS AMG is ripe with leather hue options and other small choices like whether or not to spend $5,000 on carbon fiber caps for your side mirrors. They may not help you see better, but they will…well, cost you $5,000. Aluminum is standard trim, but an all out carbon fiber package is offered. Performance wise, an AMG carbon ceramic braking system is also offered. And for you audiophiles, a Bang & Olufsen sounds system is available. Regardless of your choices, the interior is smooth, lightly inspired by the aeronautical industry, i.e. its plane thruster inspired shift lever, and has a very futuristic feel. No switches can be found, but round objects will be turned and pushed in constantly. Its almost 2-meter long hood and almost no rear end notwithstanding, the SLS AMG has ample room in the interior department. Style and comfort, the way it should be.

Fifty-seven years ago the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL with gull wing doors was put into production. Because of their technological firsts, odd door choice and low production numbers, the 1954-1957 300 SL’s are highly sought after and seen as one of the most collectible Mercedes-Benz’ of all time. Today, Mercedes-Benz and AMG have come together to produce an automobile that not only remembers and resembles this icon, but also surpasses it in almost every way imaginable. And with a $180,000 price tag, you can have 3 SLS AMG’s for the price of one 300 SL.

For more info go to:
Mercedes-AMG.com