Frankfurt show star: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing is technically the successor to the legendary 300SL introduced in 1954, which astonished at the time with its mix of stunning looks, superlative performance, and of course its gullwing doors. This bad boy looks like it'll do exactly the same thing.
What's all the fuss about?
The doors, mainly, but also the fact there's an oddly timed supercar battle brewing, what with Ferrari unveiling the 458 Italia, McLaren unleashing the MP4-12C and now Mercedes doing this. All three of the cars mentioned will command a circa-£150,000 price tag and offer ballistic performance for the select few, while the rest of the world contemplates a diet of electric-powered shopping boxes, like the Peugeot i0n.
Any new technology?
No new tech as such, but this does promise to be the most accomplished car to ever wear the three-pointed star. It's ironic that the marriage between Mercedes and McLaren created something that never really excited anyone (the SLR supercar), yet now the pair are separated they're about to make everyone sit up and take notice. It's basically the exact opposite of Katie and Peter.
Anyway, the SLS is powered by a 5.5-litre V8 with 563bhp and 479lb.ft of torque at 4,750rpm, which will push it to the 62mph benchmark in 3.8 seconds and on to 197mph. Supercar enough for you?
When can I buy one?
No on-sale date yet, but it will most certainly be next year - and not before time too, because we've known about the SLS for years now. If you want to play around with the options list it will be possible to push its £150k asking price close to £200k, with upgraded racing suspension, ultra light carbon seats, carbon-ceramic brakes and, funnily enough, yet more carbon for the interior.
Frankfurt show star: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing pictures
