Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG gullwing debuts

The Gullwing is back in a new form, paying homage to the original 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL. But the 2010-2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is supposed to be a supercar for everyday use, ditching McLaren in favour of in-house development by AMG.

Underneath the long hood is a 571 hp 6.3-litre V8 engine with 650 Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automanual gearbox, a lightweight structure molded largely from carbon-fibre and aluminium double-wishbone suspension. Weighing in at 1,620 kg, the SLS AMG can do the 0-100 kph sprint in 3.8 seconds, with an electronically-limited top speed of 317 kph.

The car’s trademark feature is the set of “gullwing” doors. The doors require less room to open than conventional coupe doors and can be completely opened in standard sized garages. The simplistic interior can be customised in various colours, and is fitted with sports seats, metal trim, leather and optional carbon appliqués.

Among other things, the centre console incorporates the AMG DRIVE UNIT, which enables SLS owners to customise their vehicle’s set-up. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission is operated by means of the E-SELECT lever.

The SLS AMG will be launched in the first half of 2010. The initial European price will be the equivalent of Dhs 950,000. The UAE and GCC prices were announced later and can be found in the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG buyer guide.