.jpg?p=120209_04:29)
.jpg?p=120209_04:31)
.jpg?p=120209_04:54)
.jpg?p=120209_04:35)
.jpg?p=111221_03:51)
See more Mercedes SLS pictures
The Gullwing is back.
We've seen sketches and camouflaged prototypes and we've even driven a development car around the Nurburgring... but this is our first proper look at the SLS, Mercedes' all-new supercar and the spiritual successor to the 1954 300SL.
It is going to be fast. Seriously fast. Underneath that long, long bonnet - two metres long, in fact - is a hotted-up version of the 6.3-litre V8 from the Merc C63 AMG, hoofing out a massive 571bhp and 479lb ft of torque through a seven-speed dual-clutch box.
That means it'll hit 62mph in just 3.8 seconds and top out at a whopping 197mph, making the SLS very nearly as quick as the outgoing McLaren-Mercedes SLR 722. And hugely fast in its own right.
Despite that giant nose, the SLS is technically mid-engined: the V8 sits in front of the cabin but so far behind the front axle that the SLS has slightly rear-biased weight distribution.
As for the looks - well, we'd appreciate your opinion on this one. It's certainly not as cohesive a design as the Ferrari 458 Italia or the understated McLaren 12C, borrowing heavily from the SLR with a host of retro styling cues - but hey, it has gullwings! Everyone loves gullwings. Don't they?
Prices will start at around £140,000 - right on the money with both the new McLaren and the 458 Italia. The SLS will reach our shores early next year, likely followed by a roadster, a hardcore Black Series edition - and an all-electric version in 2012.
So - McLaren 12C, Ferrari 458 Italia or Merc SLS? Where's your £140,000 going?
Open Car Bar
What do you think?
Want to comment on this?
Musashi commented on this article
at 11:54 am on 10 September 2009
£140K? I'm sure there's plenty of punters out there with the requisite £420K to buy all three of them... Personally, I've ALWAYS wanted a Gullwing, so if I had the readies, that is what I'd go for...
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
PBT1980 commented on this article
at 12:31 pm on 10 September 2009
To me it looks a bit like a souped up Crossfire and that ain't a good thing! Gullwing doors are great, but I don't think that can make up for the rest of the looks especially not for that amount of money. It would have to be the 458 for me.
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Afaque commented on this article
at 01:14 pm on 10 September 2009
I like this one most of the lot. I love the retro look and the gullwing doors. Love the swooping rear too, it's very much like the original gullwing. Its a good change from all the modern/futuristic designs of the Ferrari and Mclaren. If i had to chose between the three (ferrari, mclaren and this), this is where my money would go!!
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Nakke commented on this article
at 01:49 pm on 10 September 2009
That is one UGLY car. But no suprise really, it being a Merc...
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
travelgeek commented on this article
at 02:00 pm on 10 September 2009
Beautiful car - would love to buy it. Its the modern interpretation of the original Gullwing myth - smart move. It should also perform very well on the track. Can´t wait to see one in real life.
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.