Frankfurt 2009: Mercedes Benz SLS AMG

The Gullwing is back, and in a big way. We've been seeing spyshots of the upcoming modern Gullwing Benz for what seems like eternity at this point, and it's good to finally have a face to associate with a name.  And oh, what a face.

The SLS AMG takes the spot left in Merc's fold by the now-departed, somewhat unloved McLaren SLR, affectionately known as the McMerc in some circles.  It is to sit atop the heap of Mercedes-Benz models as their halo car, as well as providing a technical showcase of the AMG division's automotive know-how.  It is both retro and modern, aggressive and beautiful, and it's 100% a rolling event.  Let's take a closer look at this range-topping supercar.

The SLS was supposed to stay under wraps until it's official debut at the Frankfurt show next week, but someone had to break the embargo - someone always seems to - and this time it was CarPoint.  The biggest thing about the SLS, oddly, is how you get in it.

Gullwing doors! Don't you feel like you're 8 years old again, and all cars look like space ships?  When the SLS hits the market in late 2010, it will be the only one with vertical-hinged (gullwing) doors.  Maybe there's a reason for this - what do you do when it rolls over? - but it's fantastic that you can finally get a car with Gullwings.  In fact, if memory serves me right, the last one you could get with Gullwing doors was the unloved DeLorean DMC-12.

Now, I mentioned earlier that the SLS AMG takes the spot left in the Merc fold by the SLR, which is a combination of ultimate grand touring car and hardcore performance machine.  It seems to have both of these bases covered, at least on a mechanical basis.  The SLS AMG is built around a front-mid engine layout, where the entire engine sits aft of the front axle but in front of the passengers for ideal weight distribution, as well as a low moment of polar inertia.  Take a look at this picture, and you can see just how far back they've shoved that 6.2L V8 in the chassis.

The engine itself is a higher-output version of AMG's bespoke 6.2L V8, which they like to refer to as a 6.3L for historical reasons.  No matter, it's a beast - 563bhp and 480lb-ft of torque would seem like enough.  The SLS also ditches the SLR's 5-speed torque converter automatic for a much more modern 7-speed twin clutch automated gearbox for lightning-fast shifts.

At this point you're probably wondering aloud, "didn't the SLR McLaren make more power than that?"  Well, yes, but who cares?  The SLR's 5.4L 24v V8 was supercharged to the tune of 617bhp, but if estimates are to be believed, the sub-3500lb SLS AMG will undercut the SLR's kerb weight by more than 400lbs, which means it's still going to be stupid-fast.

Performance estimates for the SLS AMG include a rapid 3.7 second 0-60mph time, and a top speed of 197mph. (come on, 3 more mph Benz, how hard can it be?)  Apparently carbon-ceramic brakes will be an option on the SLS.  I personally think that huge brakes should be standard equipment on a car with this much power and potential, but that's just me.

The interior is well-trimmed and refreshingly uncluttered, with some nice retro touches like the round crosshair air vents in the dash.  And... errr, not a whole lot else.  I really like it.

To be honest, we don't really know a whole lot more about the SLS, but I think we'll probably be overwhelmed with all the nerdy German details at the Frankfurt show next week, as well as some proper high-resolution photos so you can really see what the SLS looks like.    555xwhatever doesn't cut it for a car like this.  Stay tuned. Edit: high-resolution images have hit the interwebs.  Pictures duly updated so you can enjoy the SLS in it's high-res Gullwing glory.