Mercedes-Benz has finally revealed spiritual successor to one of the most famous -- and instantly recognizable -- cars it has ever built. Although it is officially called the SLS-AMG, it will, like the car it pays homage to, be known as the Gullwing.
The 571-horsepower beauty tastefully updates the iconic 300 SL and brings restrained styling back to the Mercedes supercar lineup after the impressive, but somewhat cartoonish, SLR. The lines are long, lean and classic.
The SLS is no less beautiful under the skin.
Instead of an inline six like the original gullwing (pictured at right), the SLS is propelled with due haste by a 6.2-liter V8. It cranks out 571 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. Although the car weighs 3,564 pounds, it is quite capable of eye-compressing speed. Zero to 100 km/hr (62 mph) comes and goes in just 3.9 seconds. Peg the throttle long enough and the SLS tops out just shy of 200 mph.
That grunt reaches the pavement through a seven-speed transmission with the unwieldy moniker AMG Speedshift DCT. The gearbox is located out back, with power delivered via a prop-shaft down a torque tube.
The fully independent suspension features aluminum double-wishbones. Optional carbon composite brakes bring you down from speed quickly and efficiently. Naturally, there's ABS, brake assist, 3-stage ESP and all the other acronyms you'd expect from Mercedes.
Everything rides on an aluminum chassis and is wrapped in aluminum bodywork. The car is dotted liberally with carbon fiber, which was used for the mirrors, hood and other odds and ends. Mercedes will offer the car in two shades of gray, a deep metallic red and a new color called "Alubeam Silver." That, to our mind, is the only proper color for the SLS.
The interior also pays tribute to the original, with its minimalist design and clean lines. There's a few acres of leather and Alcantara, though we admit being a wee bit disappointed Mercedes didn't bring back the plaid interior of the original.
Mercedes will unveil the SLS next week at the Frankfurt auto show. Production begins next year, and the car will cost $257,000. We're still waiting for a glimpse of the electric version slated for 2015.
*Photos: *Mercedes-Benz
