Mercedes Confirms Production Version of SLS AMG E-Cell All-Electric Supercar at Detroit Motor Show

Mercedes-Benz showcased its SLS AMG E-Cell concept car at the Detroit Motor Show, however, the big news wasn't the presentation of the all-electric supercar but the announcement that it will enter production within the next couple of years.

"The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL is the most technically advanced super sports car in the 125-year history of the automobile, and shows just how fascinating electromobility can be," said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, at the press conference. "Our customers will be able to order it from their Mercedes-Benz dealers from 2013 onwards."

At the heart of the all-electric supercar are four, high-revving, synchronous electric motors, which can reach 12,000 rpm, producing a combined output of 526 hp (392 kW) with a peak torque of 880 Nm (649 lb-ft) of torque, enough to catapult the E-Cell to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4 seconds or almost as fast as the stock SLS’ 571 hp V8 gasoline engine (3,8 seconds).

The E-Cell’s drive is also comprised of a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery featuring a modular design and a maximum electric load potential of 480 kW. Aside the power outlet, the 400-volt battery can also be charged by the regenerative braking system.

It might be a green machine, but the E-Cell is also a thoroughbred sports car. By positioning the electric motors as close to the wheels as possible and carefully placing the battery modules throughout the chassis, engineers managed to obtain a near-perfect weight distribution. The new front suspension, boasting a multilink setup with pushrod damper struts, is another feature usually found on high performance cars, alongside the oversized ceramic composite brakes.

Finished in a fluorescent “AMG lumilectric magno” paint, the body has been fitted with an extensive aerodynamic kit. The 10-spoke 19-inch AMG alloys, shod in 265/35 front and 295/30 rear tires, round up the exterior appointments.

Inside, there’s a new instrument cluster and center console housing a 10-inch display, used to operate all audio, climate and navigation functions. Other touches include the black/white nappa leather combination, sport seats and steering wheel.

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Gran Turismo 5 Competition Offers European Gamers the Chance to win a Real-Life Mercedes SLS AMG

On Monday, December 27, the Signature Edition Challenge for Playstation 3 went live, offering European gamers the chance to win a brand-new, real-life Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG worth €180,000. In order to participate, owners of the Signature Edition game pack will need to redeem their voucher code via the Playstation Store and register their details on gran-turismo.com.

The challenge takes place in the game’s B-spec mode, where players take the role of a team director with AI drivers doing the racing over a series of five, five-lap races held on different circuits. On January 31, 2011, at 23:59 GMT, 15 regional winners from 22 countries will advance to the next stage, the Mercedes-Benz Driving Event, based on the fastest total times recorded for each region.

From there on, the participants will compete against each other in a series of real driving challenges, with points being awarded for each stage. The overall points leader will take home the SLS.

Commenting on the Signature Edition Challenge, Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi said: “We have enjoyed a brilliant working relationship with Mercedes-Benz throughout the production of Gran Turismo 5 and the stunning prize that they have offered for this competition is a testament to that. I am particularly happy that we have developed such a balanced challenge which both newcomers to the Gran Turismo brand, and more experienced racers, will find equally enjoyable”.

Check out the gallery and video below for in-game footage of Merc's SLS AMG Gullwing.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Sony Gran Turismo

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SPIED: Mercedes-Benz' SLS AMG Roadster Loses the Top and Gullwing Doors

Mercedes-Benz is nearing the end of the development process of its forthcoming open-top SLS AMG Roadster, which will join the coupe model when it enters the market late next year. Apart from dropping the metal top in favor of an electrically operated fabric roof, as you can see from the location of the door handles in these latest spy pictures, the SLS AMG's famous Gullwing-style doors have made way for more conventional items.

The Roadster model will also gain a pair of partially hidden roll bars located behind the front passengers, which will deploy higher in the event of a rollover crash. The firm's Airscarf neck-heating system will most likely be offered on the standard list.

Under the elongated hood, the SLS AMG Roadster won't differ mechanically from its tin-top twin featuring the same 6.3-litre V8 powerplant with 571HP and 650Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will handle the delivery to the rear wheels. However, buyers should expect some minor losses in performance because of the added weight of the body-strengthening measures, which compensate for the removal of the rooftop.

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Kicherer Unveils Mercedes-Benz SLS 63 AMG Supersport with 610HP

In Jeremy Clarkson's latest special, The Italian Job, the Top Gear host said that his new favorite car in the world is the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. While we’re not sure if he would like a souped up version of the German supercar, fact is more and more tuners are turning their attention towards the Stuttgart's Gullwing model. Less than a week after Brabus unveiled the SLS Widestar, another German tuner, Kicherer, took the wraps off its take on the SLS.

Exterior appointments on Kicherer's SLS 63 Supersport are relatively discrete and comprise of carbon fiber front spoiler lip and rear diffuser, stainless steel pipe covers and a set of Kicherer RS-1 multi-part forged wheels. There’s no information about the size of the alloys – though they do appear to be at least 19-inch in diameter. Kicherer only mentions that the rims are “hand-made”. Interior modifications have also been kept to a minimum with a few carbon fiber decorative parts.

The SLS AMG's suspension has received an upgrade as Kicherer partnered up with suspension specialist KW Automotive to create a lift up system, which raises ride height by 30 millimeters at the push of a button. This means that high curbs or poorly designed parking garages don’t represent a threat anymore. According to the Germans, the new suspension also improves handling, without making the car uncomfortable.

Last but not least, the V8 engine went through a performance optimization and now delivers 610 hp and 670 Nm (494 lb-ft) of torque. Full specs and pricing haven’t been released yet.

By Csaba Daradics

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