Gullwinged Mercedes supercar spied

Plundering its history for inspiration, Mercedes has revealed initial details of its new performance flagship model. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is its official title, but the company is also referring to its SLR replacement as the 'Gullwing'. As well it might, the long-bonneted, round-rumped SLS sharing both its style and characteristic 'gullwing' opening doors with its iconic 300SL predecessor.

Developed entirely in house, the SLS is AMG's riposte to the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, a car that for all its headline grabbing figures and remarkable sales success never quite captured the hearts of driving enthusiasts. The SLS should, its lightweight aluminium spaceframe structure, seven-speed twin-clutch transmission and 6.2-litre V8 engine with 562bhp and 479lb.ft of torque sounding like a tempting combination.

Throw in lots of development laps around the Nurburgring to hone its dynamics and the SLS promises to beat the SLR as a drivers' car even if its performance figures don't quite measure up to the McMerc SLR; the SLS's provisional data suggest a 0-62mph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 195mph.

Being a Mercedes does mean that, despite its sharper focus, it'll still be a consummate GT car. The Gullwing will undoubtedly be just as happy to rumble though busy town traffic as it is to get involved in some high speed lapping at a track day. Do so and the fuel consumption will drop significantly from the claimed 21mpg on the combined cycle, though.

With standard composite brakes (with the option of larger, ceramic composite discs) and switchable traction and stability systems the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG should be a sensational drive. Owners will find out in Spring 2010 when deliveries begin, the SLS likely to be revealed in final production form later this year at the Frankfurt Show.

Kyle Fortune