THE NEW MERCEDES-BENZE SLS 2012

    THE NEW MERCEDES-BENZE SLS 2012 The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG family doubles in size for 2012 with the addition of the convertible roadster. The SLS gull wing coupe debuted last year as a replacement to the SLR, the super car Mercedes-Benz co-developed with Mc Laren. The two SLS variants are mechanically and visually identical until you reach the beltline where the coupe features a pair of iconic gull wing doors, while the roadster sports a soft convertible top. The new roadster gains just 88 pounds despite the reinforcements added to compensate for the loss of a fixed roof.

Under the hood is AMG's hand-built 6.2-liter, naturally aspirated V-8 engine that puts out 563 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque; it's mated to a advanced twin-clutch, seven-speed automatic transmission with four driving modes that maximize comfort or quick shifts for spirited driving. For 2012, AMG is now offering a new adaptive suspension system that features three damping modes at the push of a button.

Further boosting the super car’s performance credentials is the SLS AMG GT3, a track-focused racecar with a stripped-down interior that favors lightness over luxury.... Expand full summary

The Range

Body styles: Coupe, convertible
Engines: 6.2L V-8
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Models: SLS AMG coupe, SLS AMG roadster

What's New

The biggest news for the SLS AMG is the addition of the roadster, which features a soft-top convertible that folds up and down at the push of a button. Mercedes-Benz states that the convertible is only 88 pounds heavier than the gull wing coupe, despite the added structural reinforcements. The SLS AMG is also offered with new colors including AMG Sepang Brown metallic. The 2012 model debuts two new features including the 3-mode AMG Adaptive Suspension and the AMG Performance Media, an onboard computer that displays the temperatures of vital fluids and lateral and linear acceleration.

Exterior

Both SLS AMG models feature front fenders with wide air vents, a long hood, and a menacing front fascia that features a wide, rectangular grille and daytime running LED lights. The coupe is distinguishable by its iconic gull wing doors, while the roadster sports a soft convertible top that is available in three colors. The SLS rides 19-inch wheels in the front and 20 inches in the back, while a retractable rear wing deploys only during high speeds, which ensures a clean look for the trunk lid.

Interior

The interior is a mix of sporty and luxury elements including leather-wrapped seats and steering wheel, carbon fiber trim pieces, round, metallic HVAC vents, and AMG-style gauges. The instrument panel features LED lights that help the driver prepare for up shifts during spirited driving. The SLS cockpit also features the Mercedes-Benz COMAND system, which includes navigation, satellite radio, HD radio, and Bluetooth. The roadster comes standard with AIRSCARF, which blows warm air through vents behind the driver's and passenger's neck.

Performance & Handling

The SLS gull wing coupe and roadster is powered by AMG's hand-built 6.2-liter V-8 engine that puts out 563 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed to the rear wheels via AMG's advanced, dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission that features four driving modes: Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, and Manual. The power train combination thrusts the SLS from 0-60 mph in less than four seconds. An AMG suspension is standard, while an adaptive suspension system is optional and provides three damping modes for Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus.

Safety

The SLS AMG comes standard with eight airbags, which includes protection for front, knee, and head. The roadster has fixed integrated roll bars to protect occupants in the event of a roll over. Both SLS AMG models come standard with ABS, three-stage electronic stability control, electronic brake assist and blind spot assist. High performance drivers will want to opt for the larger ceramic brakes, which dramatically improve stopping distance.

EPA Fuel Economy

SLS AMG coupe: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway
SLS AMG roadster: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2012/mercedes_benz/sls_amg/#ixzz1rlKU6put

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