Prestige hire car: Mercedes SLS 63 AMG

Choose a great car to hire: Mercedes SLS 63 AMG

"The new SLS AMG Mercedes-Benz is a fascinating supercar that will capture the hearts of all car enthusiasts. The SLS AMG represents pure emotion for the Mercedes-Benz brand and is set to become one of the most coveted sports cars of our time," says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. "Our customers will enjoy an SLS AMG that embraces more than 40 years' motorsport experience from our sports car specialists Mercedes-AMG – as well as a fascinating design that only the Mercedes-Benz brand can deliver," says Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of the Management Board at Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG features a distinctively pure design, superior dynamics and levels of safety and everyday practicality that are the hallmarks of Mercedes-Benz. The ideal weight distribution (47:53 percent between front and rear axles) and low centre of gravity underline the uncompromising nature of its sports car concept. During the development phase of the new gullwing model, AMG developers benefited from the valuable know-how of specialists at the Mercedes Technology Centre (MTC) in Sindelfingen. The aim of such collaborative development was to make the SLS AMG a perfect synthesis of the strengths of Mercedes-Benz and AMG.

With its unique gullwing doors, the SLS AMG is a true icon of automotive design. The exciting interplay between concave and convex surfaces, combined with understated features such as retractable rear spoiler, create an unforgettable visual impact. Classic sportscar proportions – the lengthy bonnet, wide track and short overhangs – heighten the car’s dynamism and power. The characteristic curved design of the opened gullwing doors extends to other parts of the car – the side mirrors, tail lights, the 3-spoke steering wheel, and the flow of the contrasting top-stitching from the centre console to the instrument panel. The interior of the gullwing model offers the same level of sports styling as the exterior, with design elements from the worlds of aviation and motorsport apparent throughout.

The SLS AMG is the first vehicle launched by Mercedes-Benz and AMG to feature an aluminium chassis and body. This generates a significant weight saving compared with the traditional steel construction – as demonstrated by the target DIN unladen weight of 1620 kg (without driver). The new bodyshell comprises an aluminium spaceframe that weighs a mere 241 kg. By using cast aluminium, components can be tailored for thickness depending on their load requirements – so maximum strength can be achieved at high-stress points such as the roof side member that supports the gullwing doors. Where less strength is required components can be significantly thinner, offering major weight savings. This exclusive design offers outstanding rigidity, which allows for uncompromisingly dynamic handling. It goes without saying that the aluminium spaceframe meets all passive safety requirements specified for a new Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

Elegant rental car

The advanced AMG 6.3 litre V8 engine produces a peak output of 571 hp (420 kW) at 6800 rpm, making the SLS AMG one of the most powerful sports cars in its segment. Accelerating from 0-62 mph takes just 3.8 seconds. Key measures implemented to enhance performance include a complete redevelopment of the intake system, a redesigned valve assembly and camshafts, the use of a flow-optimised tubular steel exhaust manifold, and de-restriction of the exhaust system. The 8-cylinder engine reacts with agility to accelerator pedal movements and demonstrates greater responsiveness across the entire engine speed range. The conversion to dry sump lubrication allows a significantly lower engine mounting position, with the resulting lower centre of gravity enabling high lateral acceleration and scintillating vehicle dynamics.

The AMG 6.3 litre V8 engine transfers its prodigious power to the rear axle via a particularly light carbon drive shaft – similar to those used in DTM C-Class touring race cars. The transmission system is located at the rear axle (transaxle principle) and this, combined with the front-mid engine position, ensures an ideal front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent. The transmission has a fixed link to the engine block via a torque tube, which contains a rotating carbon driveshaft. The advantages of this sophisticated solution include a rigid connection between engine and transmission and an optimum support structure for the forces and torque levels generated. A new seven-speed AMG double-clutch transmission is responsible for power transmission, characterised by its rapid gear changes without an interruption in tractive power.

The SLS AMG features an ingenious suspension set-up that has been tried and tested in motor racing, right through to Formula 1. All four wheels are positioned on a double-wishbone with track rod, providing the driver with exceptional feel and response. This is complemented by the precise, assured handling of the rack-and-pinion steering system with a constant mechanical ratio of 13.1:1. Power assistance is speed-sensitive, ensuring optimum agility at lower speeds and maximum stability in straight-line, high-speed situations. By mounting the steering gear on the subframe in front of the engine, the engine can be set back low in the car, helping to give the SLS AMG its reassuringly low centre of gravity. The result is a supercar that combines supreme racetrack performance with the long journey comfort that is the hallmark of Mercedes-Benz.

The AMG high-performance brake system with all-round composite technology ensures extremely short braking distances even under enormous load intensities. Further braking performance and reduced unsprung masses are guaranteed by the new optional ceramic composite brake system with larger brake discs. As you’d expect, both systems offer outstanding heat dissipation and fade resistance.

Tehnical characteristics - Mercedes SLS