Mercedes-Benz is using the long holiday weekend in America to tantalize enthusiasts with fresh photographs of the 2012 SLS AMG roadster.
We’ve seen this car with the top up, or in a less revealing manner, but these new shots show the true potential of this instant open-air icon. Weekend food for thought while driving your lesser convertible, no?
The roadster arrives this fall in the United States and will pack 563 hp from AMG’s 6.2-liter V8, which also produces 479 lb-ft of twist. All of this juice enables this Benz to hit 60 mph in 3.7 en route to a top speed of 197 mph.
Also vital, the soft top can be electrohydraulically closed at speeds of up to 31 mph, a task accomplished in 11 seconds.
The roadster is the companion to already-launched gullwing version of the SLS, which harks back to Mercedes’ dream sports cars of the 1950s.
PRESS RELEASE
The 2012MY Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
Open sensuality: roadster performance
in its perfect form
MONTVALE, NJ – AMG is presenting a new dream-car: the 2012MY SLS
AMG Roadster. This super sports car thrills with a perfect combination of
open-top driving pleasure, outstanding driving dynamics and sophisticated
lightweight construction. The 2012 SLS AMG Roadster will make its U.S.
debut in Fall 2011.
The technological highlights of the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster include an
aluminum spaceframe body, an AMG 6.3-liter V8 front-mid engine with dry
sump lubrication developing a peak output of 563 hp and 479 pound-feet of
torque, a seven-speed dual clutch transaxle transmission and a sports
suspension with aluminum double wishbones – all of which will raise the pulse
of sports car enthusiasts while providing outstanding driving dynamics and
driving 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 31 mph.
The new Adaptive AMG Sport 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”.
Press Information
May 29, 2011
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany
Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
“AMG Performance Media” is a unique new feature: this innovative, motorsport-
inspired multimedia system offers an unrivalled combination of numerous
telemetric displays such as lateral and linear acceleration, various engine data
and lap times on a racetrack.
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. In 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 gullwing model has already thrilled sports car fans all over the world,
and now the convertible version is bound to cause a sensation.”
Pure roadster design with perfect proportions
The new Roadster adds a second exciting dream-car to the SLS AMG family.
Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz, Gorden Wagener: “As in the gullwing model,
the pure, athletic design immediately catches the eye. Whether with the roof
open or closed, the SLS AMG Roadster is an impressive visual delight!” The
perfect proportions are particularly memorable: a long hood, the greenhouse
positioned well to the rear and a short rear end. Plus the automatically
extending rear wing, long wheelbase, wide track and short overhangs – in
short, the convertible SLS AMG exudes effortless performance and an
authentic charisma. The pronounced shoulder sections are reminiscent of
tensed muscles, and suggest sheer power in combination with the large wheels
- 265/35 ZR 19 (front) and 295/30 ZR 20 (rear). The attractive AMG Sepang
brown metallic paint finish and weight-optimized forged wheels in a 10-spoke
design, painted in matte 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
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and the wing-shaped cross-fin, but also the fins on the hood and on the vehicle
sides. Like the SLS AMG Roadster, the 300 SL Roadster appeared slightly later
than the original gullwing 300 SL, but unlike the SL’s both AMG dream cars
are available at the same time.
Interior atmosphere like an aircraft cockpit
The interior continues the breathtaking design idiom of the exterior, and
awakens associations with an aircraft cockpit: prominent features include the
dashboard in the shape of a wing and the air vents with adjustable, cruciform
nozzles reminiscent of jet engines. The extended center console of matte, 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 genuine carbon-fiber – is the central control unit in the center
console: it allows the driver to choose a personal vehicle setup, including
adjustment of the optional Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension. The AMG
Performance steering wheel with its high-grade premium leather lining and
flattened bottom rim section provides perfect vehicle control. The shift paddles
and lower steering wheel bezel are made of solid metal.
Fully automatic, weight-optimized soft top
The sensual experience in the 2012MY SLS AMG Roadster is further enhanced
when the soft top is open, and the powerful, naturally aspirated eight-cylinder
engine with 563 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque asserts itself and makes the
heart beat faster with its distinctive AMG eight-cylinder sound. The fabric soft
top can be opened and closed while on the move at speeds up to 31 mph; the
fully automatic opening/closing process takes only eleven seconds. The
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driver only needs to operate the roof control unit conveniently integrated at the
front of the center armrest. When open, the soft top is space-savingly retracted
behind the seats in a folded Z-configuration. Three soft top colors – black, red
and beige – are available to suit the nine exterior and eight interior colors.
The three-layered fabric soft top is a weight-optimized magnesium/steel/
aluminum construction, and contributes greatly to the car’s low center of
gravity. The soft top has a seamlessly bonded rear window of heated singlelayer
safety glass. The flush, gap-free transition between the outer roof skin
and the rear window keeps wind noise low. 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 trunk capacity is 6.1 cubic feet with the
roof either open or closed, and therefore roughly equal to that of the SLS AMG
Coupé (6.2 cubic feet).
Outstanding material quality and finish
The finest leather, matte-finished solid metal or optional, genuine carbon-fiber
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, heated AMG sports seats, a detachable glass windstop, COMAND with
Navigation and DVD player, anti-theft alarm system with tow-away protection
and interior monitoring, dual-zone automatic climate control and the KEYLESSGO
starting function. The standard 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 louvers, and the level of
warmth can be selected in three stages at the touch of a button.
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Leather-lined roll-over bars with integrated mesh in a “Silver Shadow” look are
available in conjunction with designo Exclusive leather to reduce turbulence in
the cockpit. Ambient lighting is integrated into the electrically folding exterior
mirrors.
Single-tone or two-tone designo leather in espresso brown is available as a new
interior color – this dark shade of brown perfectly matches the new metallic
paint finish AMG Sepang brown.
AMG Performance Media and Bang & Olufsen as optional highlights
In addition to the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system,
another optional entertainment highlight is the AMG Performance Media. In an
unprecedented way, this racing-inspired system combines numerous
telemetric displays such as engine data, lateral and linear acceleration and lap
times on a racetrack. 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 tire pressures
• Real-time display of acceleration time from 0-60 mph (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 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 color
display integrated into the dashboard. Three displays are shown at any one
time, with the most important information positioned in the center. Digitally
simulated dial instruments with red needles ensure outstanding legibility.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany
Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Specifically reinforced aluminum spaceframe, low curb weight Page 6
In addition to maximum comfort, the key factor for driving pleasure in the new
SLS AMG Roadster is the outstanding performance. The basis for this is the
innovative body design: the chassis and body are made of aluminum, a design
combining intelligent lightweight construction with high strength. With a curb
weight of 3,661 pounds (estimated), the Roadster is only 88 pounds heavier
than the Coupé. The result is a remarkable power-to-weight ratio of 6.5 pounds
per hp.
To achieve the same level of driving dynamics – without a fixed roof, the SLS
AMG Roadster incorporates several features specifically designed to strengthen
the bodyshell, including side skirts with greater wall thicknesses and
additional chambers. The dashboard cross-member is supported against the
windshield frame and center tunnel by additional struts, and a curved strut
between the soft top and the tank reinforces the rear axle. The lack of a roof
and gullwing doors means that the open-top SLS AMG has a reinforcing crossmember
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-optimized aluminum
spaceframe weighs 536 pounds, tipping the scales at just 4.5 pounds more
than the gullwing model.
Intelligent material mix and low center of gravity
50 percent of the intelligently designed, weight-optimized aluminum
spaceframe is made of aluminum sections, 26 percent of sheet aluminum,
18 percent of cast aluminum 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 has been designed to achieve the lowest possible center of
gravity. This applies both to the low connection points of the powertrain
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and axles, as well as to the arrangement of the rigid 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 passenger
safety cell, which have been designed to use force paths that are as low as
possible.
Passive safety
The aluminum 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 standard 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 563 hp
The SLS AMG Roadster has the same, muscular engine as the gullwing model.
The 6.3-litre V8 with a peak output of 563 hp at 6,800 rpm makes the open-top
SLS one of the most powerful sports cars in its segment. Its power-to-weight
ratio is 6.5 pounds per hp. This naturally aspirated engine generates its
maximum torque of 479 pound-feet at 4,750 rpm. The convertible SLS AMG
accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, and the top speed is 197 mph
(electronically limited) – which means that the Roadster has almost identical
performance to the gullwing.
The high-revving 6.3-liter V8 engine has the typical characteristics of powerful
racing engines. It responds immediately and effortlessly to accelerator
movements. The use of a dry sump lubrication system allows for a considerably
lower installation in the vehicle, yielding a lower center of gravity for high
lateral acceleration and thrilling driving dynamics.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany
Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Achievement of demanding fuel consumption targets Page 8
Despite its uncompromisingly athletic character, fuel consumption has also
been addressed. Efficiency enhancements include the familiar AMG-exclusive,
friction-optimized twin-wire arc-sprayed coating on the cylinder walls as well
as the on-demand, map-optimized oil supply and intelligent generator
management: during the engine’s overrun phases, kinetic energy is used to
charge the battery rather than 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.
Rev-matching transmission with transaxle configuration and torque tube
The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine delivers its abundant power to the rear transaxle
via an ultra-light carbon-fiber driveshaft – similar to the setup used in the DTM
C-Class racing touring car. The rev-matching transmission is mounted at
the rear (transaxle), and connected to the engine housing via a torque tube. A
carbon-fiber 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 rev-matching function is active; all the modes can
be selected conveniently via the rotary control knob on the AMG DRIVE UNIT.
The RACE START function provides optimum traction for full power launches
from a dead stop — as does the mechanical differential lock, which is integrated
into the compact transmission housing.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany
Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand
Sophisticated suspension layout with double-wishbone axles Page 9
The front-mid-engine plus transaxle configuration provides an ideal front/rear
weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent. Mounting the engine behind the front
axle has created ideal driving dynamics with precise steering, first-class
agility, low inertia for 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 setup 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 aluminum – substantially reducing the unsprung masses;
this configuration also notably improves the suspension response. The long
wheelbase of 105.5 inches 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
66.2 inches, rear 65.1 inches – provides lower shifts in the wheel loads from
the inner to the outer wheel when cornering, enabling the tires to retain more
grip.
New Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension
The new Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension with electronically controlled
damping is available as an attractive optional alternative to the standard AMG
sports suspension. It enables the damping characteristics to be modified 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 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 only leads to better road contact,
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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 sporty driving style. 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 speed increases, valuable
during 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, 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 more effectively during aggressive
driving.
Optional AMG ceramic high-performance two-piece braking system
The AMG high-performance braking system with two-piece brake discs at the
front provides extremely short stopping distances even under enormous loads.
Red-painted brake calipers at all four corners are available as an option. The
optional ceramic two-piece brakes with even larger discs provide even better
braking performance. The ceramic brake discs perform at even higher
operating temperatures thanks to their greater hardness, all combined with an
impressive weight reduction of around 40 percent. Reducing the unsprung
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masses has further improved both comfort and grip, and the reduced rotating
masses at the front axle provide 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 AMG twin 5-spoke light-alloy wheels, there is a 7-
spoke wheel that’s available as a no cost option. Weight-optimized 10-spoke
forged wheels are available as an option. 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20
(rear) tires developed exclusively for the SLS AMG provide optimum
performance. A tire pressure monitoring system is fitted as standard to
permanently monitor tire pressure in all four wheels, with an individual
display for each tire.
Production in Sindelfingen, market launch in Fall 2011
The convertible 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 2012 SLS AMG Roadster will make its U.S. debut in Fall 2011.
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