Frankfurt 2009 Preview: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing - Pictures, Specs & Details

By Ari Cox on Wed, 09/09/2009 - 13:08

Auto News Exotics|Supercars Frankfurt Motor Show German Mercedes AMG Mercedes-Benz

No more prototypes and mules. After months of anticipation, we finally have some actual images of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. This car has much to live up to as it pays homage to the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, which reinvigorated the brand by taking home a win at the 1952 24 Hours of Le Mans as well as the 1952 Carrera Panamericana. It featured "Gullwing" doors that left a lasting impression on the world. The new 2010 SLS AMG sports the same doors which makes the car look like it's about to flap its wings and take off.

As a Mercedes AMG model, the new 2011 SLS doesn't disappoint in the performance department. It features the in-house tuning shop's familiar 6.2-liter M156 V8 but revised with bucket-style tappets, dry-sump lubrication and twin exhaust headers. These changes update the designation to M159 and allow the engine to pump out 571 horsepower at 6,800 rpm with 479 lb-ft of torque. Preliminary specs put the sprint to 60 miles per hour at 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 197 mph. With all this power on tap, the Mercedes offers optional carbon-ceramic brakes with 15.4-inch rotors in front and 14.2-inch rotors in back to provide instant deceleration and fade-free operation.

As a luxury supercar, all of the usual suspects are at play inside the cabin of the 2011 SLS AMG with healthy doses of aluminum, carbon fiber and leather. Taking a page out of Pagani's book, there is a definite aviation theme in the mix. And of course, Bang & Olufsen provides the audio bump. There are quite a few buttons and knobs that could be confusing but the only thing you really need to know is that the start button is located on the center console and paddle-shifters are mounted on the steering wheel. Enough said.

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will make its official debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The base price in Germany is set at €177,310 (approximately $257k). First U.S. sales begin in April 2010. Start saving up those bearer bonds now...