SLS AMG: Mercedes' Modern Muscle with Gullwing Soul

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 14:22:31 +1300

A Legend Reborn
When Mercedes-Benz unveiled the SLS AMG in 2009, the world took a collective breath. Not only was it a thunderous V8-powered supercar, it was also a spiritual successor to the iconic 300 SL Gullwing from the 1950s. With its bold styling, brutal performance, and those signature upward-opening doors, the SLS AMG became an instant modern classic.

From racetracks to collectors' garages, this car continues to turn heads and stir hearts. But what makes the SLS AMG so special?

A First for AMG
The SLS AMG wasn’t just another Mercedes-Benz. It was the first car fully developed in-house by Mercedes-AMG, the brand’s high-performance division. That means every inch—from the chassis to the exhaust note—was engineered for pure, unfiltered performance.

Built with lightweight aluminum, rear-wheel drive, and near-perfect weight distribution, the SLS was designed with driver focus in mind.

Heart of the Beast: The M159 V8
At the core of the SLS is one of the most celebrated engines in modern motoring history: the 6.2L naturally aspirated V8, code-named M159.

📊 Specs (SLS AMG Coupe):

563 hp @ 6,800 rpm
650 Nm torque @ 4,750 rpm
0–100 km/h in 3.8 seconds
Top speed: 317 km/h (197 mph)
7-speed dual-clutch transmission
RWD (no AWD here!)
The engine is hand-built in Affalterbach, Germany, by a single technician—each engine proudly bearing their signature on a plaque. The sound? A raw, thunderous bellow that could shake mountains. No turbos, no filters—just old-school AMG noise.

The Gullwing Doors: Iconic and Functional
Let’s be honest—the gullwing doors are the showstoppers.

Inspired by the legendary 1954 300 SL, these doors swing upward to reveal a cockpit that blends luxury with motorsport design. They aren’t just for looks—they also allow easier entry over the wide sills of the aluminum chassis.

Interestingly, Mercedes engineered explosive door bolts that automatically release in a rollover, ensuring occupant safety. It’s genius-level engineering hidden behind dramatic styling.

Driving Experience: Brutal and Beautiful
Driving the SLS AMG is like riding a muscle-bound dragon. The steering is heavy and direct. The throttle response is razor-sharp. The suspension is stiff, but confidence-inspiring.

There’s no all-wheel drive, no hybrid boost, and very little in the way of electronic nannying. The result is a wild, analog-feeling ride that rewards skilled drivers and punishes the careless.

It grips hard, slides predictably, and sounds glorious doing it.

The Roadster Version
In 2011, Mercedes dropped the top—literally—with the SLS AMG Roadster. Gone were the gullwing doors, replaced with conventional ones and a fabric soft top. While some missed the drama of the coupe, others loved the open-air V8 experience and slightly more forgiving chassis.

It’s also a bit stiffer and more practical for daily driving.

Track Monster: SLS AMG Black Series
For those who found the regular SLS “too tame,” AMG unleashed the SLS AMG Black Series—a track-ready, road-legal beast.

Highlights:

622 hp from a high-revving 6.2L V8
Carbon fibre panels and aero
70 kg lighter than standard
Massive rear wing and aggressive styling
0–100 km/h in 3.6 seconds
This version has already reached collector status, with prices now well over $700,000 NZD, depending on condition.

Collectibility & Rising Values
As Mercedes-AMG shifts towards turbocharged and hybrid performance, the SLS AMG stands tall as the last naturally aspirated V8 flagship.

Reasons it’s becoming highly collectible:

✅ Naturally aspirated V8 (no longer made)
✅ First and only AMG-designed-from-scratch car
✅ Gullwing doors – rare and iconic
✅ Low production numbers
✅ Modern reliability with old-school soul

Today, clean examples start at around $300,000 NZD, with Black Series and Final Editions fetching much more.

Pop Culture & Legacy
The SLS AMG has appeared in:

🎮 Gran Turismo & Forza Horizon series
🎬 Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Decepticon Soundwave)
🏁 Used as an F1 safety car (2010–2012)
🎥 Multiple YouTube builds, reviews & drag races

Its silhouette, engine note, and sheer presence have solidified it as a modern design icon—one that bridges the past and future of Mercedes-Benz.

Final Thoughts: A Supercar With Soul
The SLS AMG wasn’t just a car—it was a statement. A celebration of engineering, noise, speed, and emotion. At a time when cars were becoming softer, more digital, and less involving, the SLS dared to go the other way.

With its gullwing swagger, unfiltered power, and AMG muscle, it carved out a place in the automotive hall of fame—and its legend only continues to grow.