(continued from above)
The technological highlights of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
include an aluminum spaceframe body, an AMG 6.3-liter V8 front-mid engine with
dry sump lubrication developing a peak output of 563 hp and 479 pound-feet of
torque, a seven-speed dual clutch transaxle transmission and a sports suspension
with aluminum double wishbones - all of which will raise the pulse of sports car
enthusiasts while providing outstanding driving dynamics and driving pleasure.
The compact fabric soft top of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster opens
and closes in just eleven seconds, and can be operated on the move at speeds up
to 31 mph. The new Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension with electronically controlled
damping is available as an attractive optional extra. It enables the damping
characteristics to be modified at the touch of a button. Using the AMG DRIVE
UNIT, the driver of the SLS AMG Roadster is therefore able to choose his own
suspension setup. Three modes are available: "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport
plus".
"AMG Performance Media" is a unique new feature: this innovative,
motorsport-inspired multimedia system offers an unrivalled combination of
numerous telemetric displays such as lateral and linear acceleration, various
engine data and lap times on a racetrack.
Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of
the Board of Management of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars: "The SLS
Roadster is a super sports car, cruiser and highly desirable dream-car all in
one. In its distinctive way, it continues the succession of iconic and exciting
sports cars from Mercedes-Benz."
Pure Roadster Design
The
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster adds a second exciting dream-car to the SLS
AMG family. The perfect proportions are particularly memorable: a long hood, the
greenhouse positioned well to the rear and a short rear end. Plus the
automatically extending rear wing, long wheelbase, wide track and short
overhangs - in short, the convertible SLS AMG exudes effortless performance and
an authentic charisma. The pronounced shoulder sections are reminiscent of
tensed muscles, and suggest sheer power in combination with the large wheels -
265/35 ZR 19 (front) and 295/30 ZR 20 (rear). The attractive AMG Sepang brown
metallic paint finish and weight-optimized forged wheels in a 10-spoke design,
painted in matte black with a high-sheen rim flange, are available as new
optional extras.
Features reminiscent of the 300 SL Roadster, the classic
dream-car from the 1950s, include not only the wide radiator grille with its
large Mercedes star and the wing-shaped cross-fin, but also the fins on the hood
and on the vehicle sides. Like the SLS AMG Roadster, the 300 SL Roadster
appeared slightly later than the original gullwing 300 SL, but unlike the SL's
both AMG dream cars are available at the same time.
2012 SLS AMG
Roadster's Interior Atmosphere: Like an Aircraft Cockpit
The interior
continues the breathtaking design idiom of the exterior, and awakens
associations with an aircraft cockpit: prominent features include the dashboard
in the shape of a wing and the air vents with adjustable, cruciform nozzles
reminiscent of jet engines. The extended center console of matte, solid metal
and the new E-SELECT lever in the shape of an aircraft's thrust control are also
design features adopted from the world of aviation. Another discreet, fine
detail is the embossed AMG emblem on the leather-lined selector lever.
The AMG DRIVE
UNIT - which like numerous other interior features is available in genuine
carbon-fiber - is the central control unit in the center console: it allows the
driver to choose a personal vehicle setup, including adjustment of the optional
Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension. The AMG Performance steering wheel with its
high-grade premium leather lining and flattened bottom rim section provides
perfect vehicle control. The shift paddles and lower steering wheel bezel are
made of solid metal.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster: Review (2/2)
