2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster Review

AMG has a new dream car: 2012MY Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster. This super sports car excitement with a perfect combination of driving pleasure, open, excellent driving dynamics and sophisticated lightweight construction. 2012 SLS AMG Roadster makes U.S. debut in the fall of 2011.

Technological advantages of the SLS AMG Roadster 2012 include an aluminum body frame, a 6.3-liter AMG V8 engine with before dry-sump lubrication means of developing a maximum power of 563 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, a clutch seven-speed transaxle wheel drive and sports suspension with double wishbones in aluminum - which will raise the pulse of sports car enthusiasts, while providing an exceptional driving dynamics and driving pleasure.

The compact roadster soft top Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS opens and closes in just eleven seconds, and can be operated on the move at speeds up to 31 mph (50 km / h). The new AMG sports suspension with electronically controlled adaptive damping is available as an optional extra attractive. Allows the damping characteristics to be changed at the touch of a button. Using the AMG DRIVE UNIT, the driver of the SLS AMG Roadster is therefore able to choose its own settings for the suspension. There are three modes: "comfort", "Sport" and "Sport Plus".

"AMG average performance," is a new unique feature: This is an innovative motorsport-inspired multimedia system offers a unique set of telemetry monitors such as linear and lateral acceleration, the engine has different data, and the lap times on track .

Dr. Dieter Zetsche Chairman of the Board of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars: "Roadster SLS is a supersport, cruiser, and a very desirable car, a dream, all in a E 'a characteristic way, which will continue to row iconic and exciting sports cars, Mercedes-Benz .. "

 

Källenius Ola, the chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "systematic lightweight construction, exceptional performance and stunning design combined with the sensual pleasure of open-air driving - the new AMG Mercedes-Benz SLS Roadster AMG incorporates the philosophy of engineering German labor L '. Model of butterflies has delighted fans of motor sport worldwide, and now the convertible version is intended to make an impression. "

Roadster pure design the perfect proportions

The new Roadster adds a thrilling second dream car to the AMG family SLS. Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz, Gorden Wagener. "! As Gullwing model, the sleek design, striking sports immediately with either the roof open or closed, the AMG Mercedes-Benz SLS Roadster is a stunning visual delight" Perfect proportions are particularly memorable: a long hood, the greenhouse effect are well positioned in the rear and a rear wing short and extends back automatically long wheelbase, wide track and short overhangs -. In short, the SLS AMG Cabriolet radiates an effortless performance and. genuine charisma marked shoulder sections are reminiscent of tight muscles, suggesting that pure power combined with large wheels - 265/35 ZR 19 (front) and 295/30 ZR 20 (rear).

The attractive metallic brown Sepang AMG and weight-optimized forged wheels in 10-spoke design, painted in matte black with a high gloss rim flange is available as a new option.

Features reminiscent of the 300 SL roadster, the ideal car classic 1950's include not only the wide grille with a large Mercedes star and fins shaped cross wing, but the fins on the hood and sides of the vehicle. Like the roadster Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the SL 300 convertible looks a bit later than the original 300 SL Gullwing, but unlike the AMG SL two dream cars are available at the same time.

Atmosphere of the Interior as an aircraft cockpit

The interior design is impressive from the outside language, and evokes associations with an airplane cockpit, important features include the script as a wing vents and adjustable nozzle cross reminiscent of the jet engines. The center console of the metal mast, solid lever and new E-shift in the way of controlling the thrust of an aircraft are also characteristic of the design adopted by the world of aviation. Another detail discreet AMG emblem is fine engraved on the shifter wrapped in leather.

 

The AMG DRIVE UNIT - which, like many interior features are available in real carbon fiber - is the central control unit in the center console, allows the driver to choose a vehicle configuration, including setting the AMG sports suspension optional adaptation. AMG performance steering wheel with leather lining and premium quality in flat-bottom section of the wheel of the vehicle ensures a perfect control. The cam and the front of the wheel are made of solid metal.

Fully automatic soft top weight-optimized

The sensual experience in the 2012MY Roadster SLS is even greater when the hood is open, and powerful, naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine with 563 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque and said it makes the heart beat fast with its distinctive AMG eight-cylinder sound. The soft fabric top can be opened and closed when traveling at speeds up to 31 mph (50 km / h), the fully automatic opening / closing process takes only eleven seconds. The pilot shall operate the roof control device conveniently integrated into the front of the armrest. When opened, the roof retracts bulky behind the seats in a folded configuration in Z. The three soft colors - black, red and beige - are available to adapt to nine and eight colors for the interior.

Three layers of soft fabric has a weight-optimized magnesium / steel / aluminum, and aggravated by a low center of gravity of the car. Soft is perfectly bonded to the rear heated single-layer safety glass. Flush, gap-free transition from the outer roof skin and the rear window to keep the wind noise low. A continuous, elastic pocket for water sweet capture rainwater and redirects it to the platform with two openings on each side. The boot capacity is 6.1 cubic meters of the roof is open or closed, and then about the same as SLS AMG Coupe (6.2 cubic meters).

Top quality materials and finishes

The finest leather, matte metal solid or voluntary, genuine carbon fiber trim creates an exclusive atmosphere and corresponds to the authentic feel of the cabin. Precisely executed and decorative contrast stitching enhances the visual impression intensified by hand searching and reflects the attention to detail that are hallmarks of Mercedes design.

The appointment of the standard roadster AMG Mercedes-Benz designo SLS include black leather, AMG sports seats with heating, a removable glass WindStop, COMAND navigation system and DVD player, security alarm with tow protection and domestic surveillance, double KEYLESSGO automatic climate control and output function. The standard AIRSCARF ® exclusive Mercedes-Benz acts as an invisible scarf to warm the head and neck of the occupants. It integrates in the case of AMG sports seats, and blows warm air vents in the headrests. The airflow can be adapted to different sizes with adjustable blinds occupants, and the heat level can be selected in three stages at the touch of a button.

 

Leather-lined with hoop nets built into a "Silver Shadow" look is available in combination with designo leather sole to reduce turbulence in the cabin. Ambient lighting is integrated into the power folding mirrors.

In one tone or two-tone designo espresso brown leather is available as a new interior color - dark brown shade that perfectly matches the new metallic paint finish AMG Sepang brown.

AMG Performance Media and Bang & Olufsen option as shown

In addition, Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system, is another highlight of entertainment option AMG Performance Media. In an unprecedented way, the system combines race inspired many screens such as telemetry data from the engine, the lateral acceleration, linear and lap times on a racetrack. AMG Performance Media is activated by pressing the AMG AMG key drive unit, and operated using the COMAND controller. Main features in brief:

Real-time monitoring of engine oil, coolant and transmission oil temperature

Real-time visualization of the position of motor power, torque and acceleration

Real-time display of individual tire pressure

Real-time display 0-60 mph acceleration time, or 0-100 km / h (alternatively, one quarter of a mile)

Real-time display of lateral acceleration and linear combined braking and accelerator pedal position and function of memory

The absorption of individual lap times on a closed, over time the sector and memory function

Integration of the drive working to save the configuration data from memory and start early in the race

Several functions of the media AMG are shown color display integrated into the dashboard. Three screens are displayed at a time, with the most important information placed in the middle. The digital simulation tools to make the red pin to ensure excellent readability.

Specifically reinforced aluminum frame, lightweight vacuum

In addition, more comfortably, a key factor in driving pleasure in the new SLS AMG Roadster is an excellent performance. The reason for this is an innovative frame: the frame and the body is aluminum, lightweight design combined with intelligent high resistance. With a base curb weight is 3661 pounds (estimate), roadster is only 88 pounds heavier than the coupé. The result is an excellent power to weight ratio is 6.5 pounds per horsepower.

 

To achieve the same level of dynamics - without a fixed roof, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster has several features specifically designed to strengthen the body, including side skirts with thick upper wall and additional rooms. The instrument panel cross member is pressed against the windshield frame and the tunnel to the center of the curve for additional space and a space between the hood and the reservoir increases the rear axle. The lack of a roof and doors means that the throttle open top has a cross SLS booster behind the seats to support the overthrow of the system of protection established. It also has the subwoofer 250 watt Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-level audio system.

All this prevents unwanted vibrations from the beginning, and there is no need to use the extra weight of the vibration of the building that are often found in open-top sports cars. Reduced weight aluminum space frame weighs 536 pounds, tipped the scales at only 4.5 kg more than the model Gullwing.

Smart materials are mixed and low center of gravity

50 percent of the intelligent design aluminum chassis with optimized weight is made of aluminum, 26 percent of the aluminum foil, 18 percent of cast aluminum and 6 percent of the steel. Maximum occupant safety requires the use of ultra high strength steel in the heat formed in the A. pillars

The car is completely designed to achieve the lowest possible center of gravity. This applies both to the connection points lower transmission and axles, and mounting the rigid body structure, which was kept as low as possible. Examples include connections rigid in bending and torsion between the front and rear, and passenger safety cell is designed to use the paths of power that are as low as possible.

Passive safety

The aluminum chassis space at the base of the excellent passive safety. The comprehensive security features include fixed roll-over protection system, seatbelt pretensioners with three points and force limiters, and eight airbags: adaptive front airbags and knee airbags, two side airbags integrated airbags and two curtains implementation of belt lines.

The Blind Spot Assist helps the driver standards a warning symbol with visual and audible warning if the danger of a collision with another vehicle is detected when changing lanes.

Powerful AMG 6.3-liter V8 with 563 horsepower

Mercedes-Benz AMG Roadster SLS has the same model muscle GullWing engine. The 6.3-liter V8 with a maximum power of 563 hp at 6800 rpm makes SLS the open-top sports car one of the most powerful in its segment. Its power to weight ratio is 6.5 pounds per horsepower. This naturally aspirated engine generates its maximum torque of 479 lb.-ft. at 4750 rpm. The SLS AMG convertible accelerates from zero to 60 km / h in 3.7 seconds (0-100 km / h in 3.8 s) and top speed is 197 km / h / 317 kmh (electronically limited) - this which means that the Roadster is almost identical to the performance GullWing.

 

The high-revving 6.3-liter V8 has the characteristics typical of racing engines powerful. Respond immediately and without effort to the movement of the accelerator. The use of a dry-sump lubrication allows a much smaller facility in the vehicle, giving a low center of gravity of the high lateral acceleration and exhilarating driving dynamics.

The fuel demanding targets

Despite the nature of uncompromising sportiness, fuel consumption is also discussed. SLS AMG consumes 13.2 liters per 100 kilometers (NEDC combined), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 308 grams per kilometer. Efficiency familiar with the coating AMG-exclusive, non-friction-optimized double strand ARC sprayed on the walls of the cylinder and an on-demand map optimized oil supply and management of an intelligent generator: the engine during the crossing, the 'kinetic energy is used to charge the battery and not just waste heat. On the other hand is connected to the generator-load operation during acceleration, thus reducing the load on the engine. The sophisticated catalyst technology enables current and future emissions standards, such as the Euro-5, LEV and ULEV 2 must be met.

Ap-game transmission and transaxle configuration with torque tube

The AMG 6.3-liter V8 delivers its abundant power to the rear axle via a carbon fiber ultralight Driveshaft - similar to the configuration used in the DTM C-Class racing touring car. Rev-matching the transmission is mounted on the rear (transaxle) and connected to the motor housing via a torque tube. A tree carbon fiber torque tube rotates at engine speed. The benefits of this advanced solution is the rigid connection between the engine and transmission, and in turn created the optimal support for the forces and torque.

 

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sport has fast gear changes without any loss of traction - in just 100 milliseconds. The driver can choose between four different driving modes: "C" (control efficiency), "S" (Sport), "S +" (Sport plus) or "M" (Manual). In sport, sport + modes automatic and manual speed for the function is activated, all modes are easily selected via the knob on the AMG DRIVE UNIT. RACE START function provides optimal traction for the launch of the power of a death sentence - as the mechanical locking differential, which is integrated in the compact gearbox.

Suspended with sophisticated double wishbone axles

Configuration before mid-engine transaxle provides ideal weight distribution front / rear 47 to 53 percent. Mounting the engine behind the front axle has created a great driving dynamics with precise steering, agility class, low inertia for spontaneous changes in direction and exceptional traction. All four wheels are double-wishbone with a rod, a technology that has been demonstrated in motor racing with Formula 1 right. With a double wishbone axle, the location of the wheels and suspension functions remain distinct separators spring / damper units are compatible with the lower triangle. The double wishbone setup with high camber stiffness of the positive path locates the wheel with a minimum of elastic movements, offering the driver a feeling of optimum contact with the road when driving limit.

 

Wishbones, steering knuckles and hubs, front and rear are completely forged aluminum - significantly reduce the unsprung mass, in particular, this configuration also improves suspension response. A long wheelbase of 105.5 inches result not only excellent straight line stability, but also a little 'shifts the load per wheel, which significantly reduces the tendency of the car to dive and squat under braking and acceleration. Wide track width - 66.2 inches front, 65.1 inches rear - to provide a smaller number of steps to a load from the inner wheel outer wheel during cornering, the tires should be more 'grip.

New AMG sports suspension Adaptive

The new AMG sports suspension with Adaptive Damping electronic control is available as a voluntary alternative to the standard AMG sport suspension. This allows the change of damping properties at the touch of a button. Using a button on the AMG DRIVE UNIT, the driver can choose his own suspension setup. Three modes are available: "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport Plus". The current setting is displayed in the instrument cluster.

"Comfort" offers a sensitive response to the soft damping characteristics, while in the clashes as "Sport" has a much more rigid depending on the driving situation. Not only led to a better contact with the road, but also effectively removes the roll and pitch. "Sport Plus" is ideal for laps on a challenging circuit, plus the greater damping force, this type comes with specific control algorithms that have been tailor-made for a sporty driving style. The suspension of the new variable is optional for the SLS AMG Coupe in the future.

 

Direct control, differential lock, and 3-stage ESP ®

Rack and pinion steering system provides a direct steering feel with a constant ratio of 13.6:1 mechanical, consistent with the expectations of the super sports car. Power steering provides assistance according to speed and power to improve the feedback to the driver increases the speed of valuable high-speed driving in a straight line. Mounting the steering gear in front of the engine of a full subframe, the engine can be set very low. SLS AMG is equipped with a 3-stage ESP ® as standard, gives the driver access to the three "ESP ON", "ESP SPORT" and "ESP OFF" the premises of a button. In the "ESP OFF", which operates the brake pedal restores all normal ESP ® functions.

The logic traction control (ASR) is active in all three modes of ESP ®. If one wheel begins to spin, specific brake pressure is applied to improve traction significantly - especially in relation to the standard-fit multi-disc mechanical limited slip differential. This means that the engine power is transmitted to the road more effectively when driving aggressively.

Optional AMG high-performance ceramic two-piece brake system

AMG high-performance braking system with two-piece brake discs in front of a very short distance stopping also huge loads. Red-painted brake calipers on all corners are available as options. The ceramic brakes optional two-piece discs provide an even greater braking power even better. Ceramic brake discs also occur at higher temperatures due to their greater hardness, all with significant weight loss is about 40 percent. Reducing unsprung weight is further improved as well as the comfort and grip, and reduce the rotating masses is the front axle to provide more direct steering feel.

 

Lightweight design is also key when AMG alloy wheels based on the innovative principle of formation flow to reduce unsprung weight while enhancing driving dynamics and ride comfort. In addition to the standard double 5-spoke AMG light-alloy, there is a 7-spoke wheel is available as a cost option. Weight-optimized 10-spoke forged wheels are optional. 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) tires developed exclusively for the SLS provides optimum performance. A control system, tire pressure is standard to continuously monitor tire pressure on all four wheels, with a single screen for each of the tires.

The production of Sindelfingen, market launch in autumn 2011

The convertible super sports car will be produced at the plant over Mercedes-Benz in Sindelfingen. The AMG 6.3-liter V8 comes directly from the AMG engine shop in Affalterbach, where it is assembled by hand according to the traditional "one man, one engine" philosophy.

Selling price in Germany is 195 € 160 (incl. 19% VAT). 2012 SLS AMG Roadster makes U.S. debut in the fall of 2011.