In order to make a balanced car out of this delicate package, engineers positioned the engine in a rather unusual layout -- extremely low in the engine bay, almost at brake disc-level (similar to formula-type cars). Using a dry sump system like on other German sports cars, they managed to lower the center of gravity and ensure better weight distribution (47/53) for optimum handling and control.
The space frame architecture, consisting of 96 percent aluminum, is remarkably light at 241 kilos. While further reducing the car’s weight, it provides outstanding rigidity despite the unconventional door configuration.
Interestingly, for the first time ever, AMG is responsible for the entire development and, when the moment came to put the car to the test outside the lab, the company wrapped all the components in a Dodge Viper body so as not to arouse suspicion from the competition.
A trip to paradise
Ready to fly in spite of the limited visibility, I finally engaged the shifter of the seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. As soon as I depressed the throttle and left the pit lane, my heartbeats accelerated in accordance with the engine revs and the forward thrust generated by the colossal torque (479 lb-ft) pinned me to my seat.
Hitting the first corner, I felt the car searching its speed and looking for more -- much more. Left, right, a short straight and the powerful V8 roared. Then came another right turn and another crushing acceleration. Negotiating this track seemed easy as I never had to fight with the machine. The steering is light and precise while providing all the feedback you need to keep pushing the SLS toward the next corner.
At one point, I activated the Sport mode and even played with the three stability control settings, which allowed me to perform semi-drifting in strategic spots just to put some added spice into the mix.
The biggest challenge at Laguna Seca is the famous Corkscrew. Fast entry, aggressive braking and sharp steering are keys to the graceful completion of this unique left-right combination that’s notable for the precipitous drop between its two main elements. The SLS never balked nor winced and even begged for more.
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| Displaying racecar-like levels of inertia, it revs up in a hurry. |
The space frame architecture, consisting of 96 percent aluminum, is remarkably light at 241 kilos. While further reducing the car’s weight, it provides outstanding rigidity despite the unconventional door configuration.
Interestingly, for the first time ever, AMG is responsible for the entire development and, when the moment came to put the car to the test outside the lab, the company wrapped all the components in a Dodge Viper body so as not to arouse suspicion from the competition.
A trip to paradise
Ready to fly in spite of the limited visibility, I finally engaged the shifter of the seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. As soon as I depressed the throttle and left the pit lane, my heartbeats accelerated in accordance with the engine revs and the forward thrust generated by the colossal torque (479 lb-ft) pinned me to my seat.
Hitting the first corner, I felt the car searching its speed and looking for more -- much more. Left, right, a short straight and the powerful V8 roared. Then came another right turn and another crushing acceleration. Negotiating this track seemed easy as I never had to fight with the machine. The steering is light and precise while providing all the feedback you need to keep pushing the SLS toward the next corner.
At one point, I activated the Sport mode and even played with the three stability control settings, which allowed me to perform semi-drifting in strategic spots just to put some added spice into the mix.
The biggest challenge at Laguna Seca is the famous Corkscrew. Fast entry, aggressive braking and sharp steering are keys to the graceful completion of this unique left-right combination that’s notable for the precipitous drop between its two main elements. The SLS never balked nor winced and even begged for more.
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| The 571-horsepower V8 of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is a godly creature. |