|
Price |
|
-- |
Production |
|
-- |
|
Engine |
6.3
liter V8 |
Weight |
3660
lbs |
|
Aspiration |
natural |
Torque |
479
lb-ft |
|
HP |
571
hp |
HP/Weight |
6.4
lbs per hp |
|
HP/Liter |
90.6
hp per liter |
1/4 mile |
-- |
|
0-62 mph |
-- |
Top Speed |
-- |
(from Mercedes-Benz
Press Release) The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster - Open
sensuality: roadster performance in its perfect form
Affalterbach – The performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars is
presenting a new dream-car: the SLS AMG Roadster. This super sports
car thrills with a perfect synthesis of open-top driving pleasure,
outstanding driving dynamics and systematic lightweight
construction. The overall visual appearance of the new two-seater is
marked by its purist design.
The technological
highlights of the SLS AMG Roadster read like an A-B-C of modern
sports car engineering: the combination of an aluminium spaceframe
body, an AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine with dry sump lubrication
developing a peak output of 420 kW (571 hp) and 650 newton metres of
torque, a seven-speed dual clutch transmission in a transaxle
arrangement and a sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones
is guaranteed to make the hearts of sports car enthusiasts beat
faster – while ensuring outstanding driving dynamics and roadster
motoring pleasure.
The compact fabric soft
top of the SLS AMG Roadster opens and closes in just eleven seconds,
and can be operated on the move at speeds up to 50 km/h. The new AMG
RIDE CONTROL sports 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 multimedia system inspired
by motorsport offers an unrivalled combination of numerous
telemetric displays such as lateral and linear acceleration, various
engine data and lap times on a racetrack, and also features
high-speed mobile internet access.
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. It its distinctive way,
it continues the succession of iconic and exciting sports cars from
Mercedes-Benz."
Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "Systematic
lightweight construction, outstanding performance and a breathtaking
design combined with sensuous open-air driving pleasure – the new
SLS AMG Roadster perfectly embodies the AMG philosophy of German
engineering and craftsmanship. The gull-wing model has already
thrilled sports car fans all over the world, and now the open-top
version is bound to cause a sensation."
Purist roadster design with
perfect proportions
The new Roadster adds a
second exciting dream-car to the AMG model family. Head of Design at
Mercedes-Benz, Gorden Wagener: "As in the gull-wing model, the
purist, athletic design immediately captures the attention. Whether
with the roof open or closed, the SLS AMG Roadster is an impressive
visual delight!" The perfect proportions are particularly memorable:
a long bonnet, the greenhouse positioned well to the rear and a
short rear end. Plus the automatically extending rear aerofoil, long
wheelbase, wide track and short overhangs – in short, the open-top
SLS AMG likewise exudes effortless dynamism and an authentic
charisma. The pronounced shoulder sections are reminiscent of tensed
muscles, and suggest sheer power in combination with the large
wheels in size 265/35 ZR 19 (front) and 295/30 ZR 20 (rear). The
attractive metallic paint finish AMG Sepang brown and weight-optimised
forged wheels in a 10-spoke design, painted in matt 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 bonnet and on
the vehicle flanks. Like the SLS AMG Roadster, the 300 SL Roadster
appeared slightly later than the original gull-wing 300 SL, but
unlike in the former case both AMG dream cars are available at the
same time.
Interior atmosphere as in an
aircraft cockpit
The interior continues
the breathtaking design idiom of the exterior, and awakens
associations with an aircraft cockpit: prominent stylistic features
include the dashboard in the shape of a wing section and the air
vents with adjustable, cruciform nozzles reminiscent of jet engines.
The extended centre console of matt, 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 real
carbon-fibre – is the central control unit in the centre console: it
allows the driver to choose a personal vehicle setup, including
adjustment of the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension (optional). The
AMG Performance steering wheel with its high-grade nappa leather
lining and flattened lower rim section allows perfect vehicle
control. The shift paddles and lower steering wheel bezel are of
solid metal.
Fully automatic, weight-optimised soft top
The sensual experience
in the SLS AMG Roadster is enhanced further when the soft top is
open, and the powerful, naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine
with 420 kW (571 hp) and 650 newton metres of torque asserts itself
and makes the heart beat faster with its typical AMG eight-cylinder
sound. The fabric soft top can be opened and closed while on the
move at up to 50 km/h; the fully automatic opening/closing process
takes only eleven seconds. The driver only needs to operate the roof
control unit conveniently integrated at the front of the centre
armrest. When open, the soft top is space-savingly deposited behind
the seats in a folded Z-configuration. Three soft top colours –
black, red and beige – are available to suit the nine exterior and
eight interior colours.
The three-layered fabric
soft top is a weight-optimised magnesium/steel/ aluminium
construction, and contributes greatly to the car's low centre of
gravity. The soft top has a seamlessly bonded rear window of heated
single-layer safety glass. The flush, gap-free transition between
the outer roof skin and the rear window keeps wind noise at a low
level. A continuous, flexible water pocket running under the soft
top catches rainwater and directs it to the underbody via two
apertures on each side. The boot capacity is 173 litres with the
roof either open or closed, and therefore roughly equal to that of
the SLS AMG Coupé (176 litres).
Outstanding material quality and
standard of finish
The finest leather,
matt-finished solid metal or optional, real carbon-fibre trim create
an exclusive ambience and correspond with the authentic feel of the
cockpit. Precisely executed decorative and contrasting stitching
enhances the visual impression, heightens the hand-crafted look and
reflects the attention to detail which is the hallmark of Mercedes
design.
The standard
appointments of the SLS AMG Roadster include black designo leather,
AMG sports seats with heating, a slot-in glass draught-stop, COMAND
APS with DVD player, anti-theft alarm system with tow-away
protection and interior monitoring, THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic
climate control and the KEYLESS-GO starting function. The optionally
available AIRSCARF® system exclusive to Mercedes-Benz acts like an
invisible scarf warming the head and neck areas of the occupants. It
is integrated into the backrests of the AMG sports seats, and blows
warm air from vents in the head restraints. The airflow can be
adapted for different occupant sizes by means of adjustable louvres,
and the level of warmth can be selected in three stages at the touch
of a button.
Leather-lined roll-over
bars with integrated mesh in a "Silver Shadow" look are available in
conjunction with the optional designo Exclusive leather to reduce
turbulence in the cockpit. Ambient lighting is integrated into the
optionally available, electrically folding exterior mirrors.
Single-tone or two-tone
designo leather in espresso brown is available as a new interior
colour – this dark shade of brown perfectly matches the new metallic
paint finish AMG Sepang brown.
AMG Performance Media and Bang &
Olufsen as optional highlights
Another optional
highlight is available in addition to the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound
AMG surround sound system, which provides exclusive musical
enjoyment at the highest level: AMG Performance Media. In an
unprecedented way, this system inspired by motor racing combines
numerous telemetric displays such as engine data, lateral and linear
acceleration and lap times on a racetrack, as well as providing
high-speed mobile internet access. AMG Performance Media is
activated by pressing the AMG key in the AMG DRIVE UNIT, and
operated using the COMAND Controller. Key functions at a glance:
• Real-time display
of engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid temperature
• Real-time display of engine output, torque and accelerator
position
• Real-time display of individual tyre pressures
• Real-time display of acceleration time from 0-100 km/h
(alternatively: quarter-mile)
• Real-time display of lateral and linear acceleration combined
with braking performance and accelerator position, including
memory function
• Recording of individual lap times on a closed-off racetrack,
with sector times and memory function
• Integration of DRIVE UNIT functions to save setup data to
memory and initiate RACE START
The different functions
of AMG Performance Media are shown by the colour display integrated
into the dashboard. Three displays are shown at any one time, with
the most important information positioned in the centre. Digitally
simulated dial instruments with red needles ensure outstanding
legibility.
High-speed mobile internet access
AMG Performance Media
also provides high-speed mobile internet access: when the car is
stationary, the driver and passenger are able to surf the web,
download and install apps, and send or receive emails – this
unrivalled system has functions comparable to those of a PC,
notebook or smartphone. AMG Performance Media uses the widespread,
high-performance Android operating system. This exclusive new
development will also be installed in other AMG high-performance
cars in the future.
Specifically reinforced aluminium spaceframe, low DIN kerb weight
In addition to a high
level of occupant comfort, the key factor for driving pleasure in
the new SLS AMG Roadster is of course the outstanding performance.
The basis for this is the innovative body design: the chassis and
body are of aluminium, a design combining intelligent lightweight
construction with high strength. With a DIN kerb weight of 1660
kilograms, the Roadster is only 40 kilograms heavier than the Coupé.
The result is a remarkable power-to-weight ratio of 2.9 kilograms
per hp.
To achieve the same
level of driving dynamics despite the lack of a fixed roof, the SLS
AMG Roadster has features specifically designed to rigidify the
bodyshell, for example side skirts with greater wall thicknesses and
more chambers. The dashboard cross-member is supported against the
windscreen frame and centre tunnel by additional struts, and a
curved strut between the soft top and the tank reinforces the rear
axle. The omission of the Coupé roof and gull-wing doors means that
the open-top SLS AMG has a reinforcing cross-member behind the seats
to support the fixed roll-over protection system. This also
accommodates the 250 watt subwoofer of the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound
AMG high-end sound system.
All this prevents
unwanted vibrations right from the start, and makes it unnecessary
to use the additional, weight-increasing vibration dampers that are
often found in open-top sports cars. The weight-optimised aluminium
spaceframe weighs 243 kilograms, tipping the scales at just two
kilograms more than the gull-wing model.
Intelligent material mix and low
centre of gravity
50 percent of the
intelligently designed, weight-optimised aluminium spaceframe is of
aluminium sections, 26 percent of sheet aluminium, 18 percent of
cast aluminium and 6 percent of steel. Maximum occupant safety
requires the use of ultra-high-strength, heat-formed steel in the
A-pillars.
The entire vehicle concept has been designed to achieve the lowest
possible centre of gravity. This applies both to the low connection
of the powertrain and axles, as well as to the arrangement of the
rigidity-conducive bodyshell structure, which has been kept as low
as possible. Examples include the rigid flexural and torsional
connections between the front and rear section and the safety
passenger cell, which have been realised consistently using force
paths that are as low as possible. This results not only in a low
centre of gravity but also in a harmonious and therefore efficient
force path in the vehicle structure.
Passive safety at a high level
The aluminium spaceframe
provides the basis for outstanding passive safety. The extensive
safety features include the fixed roll-over protection system,
three-point seat belts with belt tensioners and belt force limiters,
and eight airbags: adaptive front airbags and kneebags, two
seat-integrated sidebags and two windowbags deploying from the door
beltlines.
The optionally available
Blind Spot Assist helps the driver with a visual warning symbol and
acoustic alert if the danger of a collision with another vehicle is
detected when changing lanes.
Powerful AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine
with 420 kW (571 hp)
The SLS AMG Roadster has
the same, muscular engine as the gull-wing model. The 6.3-litre V8
with a peak output of 420 kW (571 hp) at 6800 rpm makes the open-top
SLS one of the most powerful sports cars in its segment. Its
power-to-weight ratio is 2.9 kg/hp. This naturally aspirated engine
generates its maximum torque of 650 newton metres at 4750 rpm. The
open-top SLS AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds,
and the top speed is 317 km/h (electronically limited) – which means
that the Roadster has a performance comparable to the gull-wing
variant.
The high-revving V8 engine with a cubic capacity of 6208 cc has the
typical characteristics of powerful racing engines. It responds
immediately to accelerator movements and is extraordinarily willing.
The use of a dry sump lubrication system makes for a considerably
lower installed position in the vehicle. The resulting, lower centre
of gravity allows high lateral acceleration and ensures thrilling
driving dynamics.
Achievement of demanding fuel
consumption targets
Despite its
uncompromisingly sporty character, very ambitious fuel consumption
targets have been met. The SLS AMG consumes 13.2 litres per 100
kilometres (NEDC combined), corresponding to CO2 emissions of 308
grams per kilometre. Efficiency-enhancing measures include the
familiar AMG-exclusive, friction-optimised twin-wire arc-sprayed
coating on the cylinder walls as well as the on-demand, map-optimised
oil supply and intelligent generator management: during the engine's
overrun phases, kinetic energy is used to charge the battery rather
than being wasted by simply generating heat. Conversely, the
generator is switched to no-load operation during acceleration, thus
reducing the load on the engine. Sophisticated catalytic converter
technology enables current and future emission standards such as
Euro-5, LEV 2 and ULEV to be met.
Double-declutch transmission with
transaxle configuration and torque tube
The AMG 6.3-litre V8
engine delivers its abundant power to the rear axle via an
ultra-light carbon-fibre driveshaft – similar to the setup used in
the DTM C‑Class racing touring car. The double-declutch transmission
is mounted at the rear (transaxle principle), and connected to the
engine housing via a torque tube. A carbon-fibre shaft rotates at
engine speed in the torque tube. The advantages of this
sophisticated solution lie in the rigid link between the engine and
transmission and, in turn, the optimum support for the forces and
torque generated.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT
7-speed sports transmission boasts fast gear changes with no loss of
tractive force – in as little as 100 milliseconds. The driver has a
choice of four different driving modes: "C" (Controlled Efficiency),
"S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus) or "M" (Manual). In the Sport, Sport
plus and Manual modes the automatic double-declutching function is
active; all the modes can be selected conveniently via the rotary
control in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. The RACE START function provides
optimum traction -- as does the mechanical differential lock, which
is integrated into the compact transmission housing.
Sophisticated suspension layout
with double-wishbone axles
The chosen solution with
a front-mid-engine plus transaxle configuration ensures an ideal
front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent. Mounting the
engine behind the front axle has created the ideal conditions for
consummate driving dynamics with precise steering, first-class
agility, low inertia with spontaneous directional changes and
outstanding traction. All four wheels are located on double
wishbones with a track rod, a technology that has proven itself in
motor racing right through to Formula 1. With a double-wishbone
axle, the wheel location and suspension functions remain separate;
the spring/damper struts are supported on the lower wishbone. The
double-wishbone concept with its high camber and track rigidity
positively locates the wheel with minimal elastic movements,
providing the driver with an optimum sense of road contact when
driving at the limits.
Wishbones, steering
knuckles and hub carriers at the front and rear are made entirely
from forged aluminium – substantially reducing the unsprung masses;
this configuration also notably improves the suspension response.
The long wheelbase of 2680 millimetres not only results in
outstanding straight-line stability but also low wheel load shifts,
significantly reducing the vehicle's tendency to dive and squat when
braking and accelerating. The broad track width – front 1682, rear
1653 millimetres – ensures lower shifts in the wheel loads from the
inner to the outer wheel when cornering, enabling the tyres to
retain more grip.
New AMG RIDE CONTROL sports
suspension on request
The new AMG RIDE CONTROL
sports suspension with electronically controlled damping is
available as an attractive optional alternative to the AMG sports
suspension. It enables the damping characteristics to be modified at
the touch of a button. Using a button in 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". The current mode is shown in the instrument cluster.
"Comfort" delivers a
sensitive response with soft damping characteristics, while in
"Sport" mode the shock absorbers have a much stiffer response
depending on the driving situation. This not leads to better road
contact, but also effectively suppresses body roll and pitching.
"Sport plus" is ideal for challenging laps on a racetrack: in
addition to the higher damping force, this mode comes with specific
control algorithms that have been tailor-made for a decidedly sporty
driving style on level road surfaces. The new, variable suspension
will also be optionally available for the SLS AMG Coupé in future.
Direct steering, differential lock
and 3-stage ESP®
The rack-and-pinion
steering gear provides a consistently direct steering feel with a
constant mechanical ratio of 13.6:1, in tune with the high
expectations placed on a super sports car. The power steering
provides speed-sensitive assistance and improves feedback for the
driver as the road speed increases: an indispensable factor for
high-speed straight-line driving. Mounting the steering gear in
front of the engine on the integral subframe enables the engine to
be set down very low. The SLS AMG comes with 3-stage ESP® as
standard, providing the driver with access to the three "ESP ON",
"ESP SPORT" and "ESP OFF" modes at the touch of a button. In "ESP
OFF" mode too, operating the brake pedal restores all the normal
ESP® functions.
The acceleration skid
control (ASR) system's traction logic is active in all three ESP®
modes. If one of the drive wheels starts to spin, specific brake
pressure is applied to improve traction significantly – especially
in conjunction with the standard-fit mechanical multi-disc
limited-slip differential. This means that the engine power is
transferred to the road even more effectively when driving in a
particularly dynamic style.
AMG ceramic high-performance
composite braking system available as an option
The AMG high-performance
braking system with composite brake discs at the front ensures
extremely short stopping distances even under enormous loads. From
now on, red-painted brake callipers all-round are available on
request. The newly developed, optional ceramic composite brakes with
even larger brake discs guarantee even better braking performance.
The ceramic brake discs perform reliably at even higher operating
temperatures thanks to their greater hardness, all combined with an
impressive weight reduction of around 40 percent. Reducing the
unsprung masses has further improved both comfort and grip, and the
reduced rotating masses at the front axle ensure a more direct
steering response.
Lightweight construction
was also key when it came to the wheels: AMG light‑alloy wheels
based on the innovative flow-forming principle reduce the unsprung
masses while improving driving dynamics and suspension comfort. In
addition to the standard-fit AMG 7-spoke light-alloy wheels,
5-twin-spoke wheels and weight-optimised 10-spoke forged wheels are
available as an option. 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear)
tyres developed exclusively for the SLS AMG ensure optimum
performance. A tyre pressure monitoring system is fitted as standard
to permanently monitor tyre pressure in all four wheels, with an
individual display for each tyre.
Production in Sindelfingen, market
launch in autumn 2011
The SLS AMG Roadster was
designed and developed in parallel with the Coupé under the
autonomous aegis of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The open-top super sports car
will be produced at the largest Mercedes-Benz production plant in
Sindelfingen. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine comes directly from the
AMG engine workshop in Affalterbach, where it is hand-assembled
according to the traditional "One man, one engine" philosophy.
The Mercedes-Benz SLS
AMG Roadster can be ordered from 1 June 2011, and its market launch
commences in autumn 2011. The selling price is € 195,160 (incl. 19%
VAT).
