2012 Paris: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive is Most Powerful AMG Ever

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Unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show is the most powerful AMG production car to date. It will not depend on a gas gulping V-12 nor boost from large turbos. As the name suggests, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive is propelled by four electric motors with a total output of 740 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful (and eco-friendly) beast to come from the folks at Affalterbach.
Just for reference, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT is rated at 583 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. The upcoming 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 is tuned to produce 621 hp and 738 lb-ft from its 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 and the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL65 Black Series we tested a few years ago was rated at 661 hp and 738 lb-ft.
We’ve known for a while that an electric-powered Gullwing was in the works and we even had an opportunity to drive a prototype (previously referred to as the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell). Perhaps the biggest and most welcome change between the prototype and the production version is the power figures, with the prototype “only” producing 526 hp and 649 lb-ft. Since then, engineers have made a number of tweaks to the powertrain, including a revised battery pack with a max load potential of 600 kW (prototype was rated at 480 kW). Mercedes-Benz claims the SLS AMG Electric Drive will accelerate from 0-62 mph in just 3.9 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
As previously reported an electric motor drives each wheel but is not hub-mounted. Instead, AMG has placed the motors near the wheels, which saves a significant amount of unsprung mass. The motors are regulated by a wheel-selective all wheel-drive system dubbed AMG Torque Dynamics, which monitors and maximizes traction and performance. AMG Torque Dynamics is offered with three modes: Comfort (C), Sport (S), and Sport plus (S+).
The liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack features a total of 864 cells and was a team effort between AMG engineers in Affalterbach and folks from Mercedes-Benz AMG High Performance Powertrains. The latter team is headquartered in the U.K. and provided their F1 expertise, including KERS hybrid technology. Not surprisingly, the high-output battery is paired with an advanced temperature monitoring system, which can commission the air conditioning during extremely hot conditions. Charging the battery can be completed in about three hours thanks to a 22 kW quick-charge option.Without the quick-charge option, a full charge will take 20 hours.
Like the prototype, the production version will feature lightweight construction that includes aluminum body panels and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the battery monocoque. The composite is also used in brake components, which include 15.8-inch discs up front and 14.2-inchers at the rear. It also has a unique front suspension that includes an independent multilink setup with pushrod damper struts (normal SLS features a double wishbone setup).
The electric SLS will be visually similar to the gas-powered version, save for a distinctive front clip (CFRP splitter, darkened headlights, and honeycomb-shaped grille pattern), “Electric Drive” badges, and exclusive “AMG electricbeam magno” matte paint. Inside, the instrument panel displays electric power information where the tachometer would normally be found.
The SLS AMG Electric Drive will hit German showrooms next summer and details on additional market availability have yet to be finalized. We’d be surprised if AMG doesn’t bring the special SLS to our shores, where its emissions-free powertrain would help it compete with other low-volume green supercars like the Porsche 918 Spyder. Speaking of green, the electric SLS is priced at 416,500 euro including the 19 percent VAT (or about $538,000 with current exchange rates). For comparison, a normal SLS in Germany stickers at around $240,000.

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Source : wot[dot]motortrend[dot]com