Supercar Profile: The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Over the last few years there has been a huge increase in the number of car makers that are producing top of the line super cars. Mercedes are one of those companies that have entered the market with their SLS AMG. This is the companies top of the line offering and while not a true super car it is very impressive compared to the other cars in its class.
Like any super car the first thing that most people are interested in when they look at the SLS AMG is the engine. In this case it is a 6.3 liter V8 that produces 571 horsepower. Compared to some other super cars this is not a huge amount but it is certainly enough to get the car up to speed. With a top speed of two hundred miles per hour and a zero to sixty time of 3.8 seconds the car can move. Part of the reason for this is the electrically governed engine. This also results in a remarkable fuel efficiency of eighteen miles per gallon which no other car in its class can come close to.
The transmission on the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG is a seven speed that is controlled by a lever that is designed to look like the throttles on a jet. This takes a little bit to get used to but after a while driving with it is no problem. The transmission is not the only thing on the car that was clearly inspired by airplanes as the whole car is really designed with this in mind. From the gull wing doors to the dashboard that looks like a wing the inspiration is pretty clear.
According to MercedesTalk, The interior of the SLS AMG is designed more for function than it is for comfort, which is true of most super cars. That being said it is better appointed than most of its competitors which are basically just race cars designed for the road. There is ample room for two people but not for any luggage which does make the car rather impractical for most uses. The car is clearly designed for having fun with not for day to day driving.
The performance of the SLS AMG is of course outstanding. However it is somewhat lower than you would find on other cars in its class. Most super cars are designed for pure performance and as a result the ride is a on the rough side since the suspension is so stiff. Mercedes have made a bit of a compromise here and the suspension is not as stiff as it is on other cars. This does hurt the performance a little bit but it does make the ride a lot more comfortable. It would probably be fair to say that this is not a true super car but more of a top of the line sports car.
