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The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMGs might be considered a modern reinterpretation of the original 300SLs. They are gorgeous cars with phenomenal performance capabilities
For the 2012 model year, a Roadster joins the Mercedes SLS AMG Coupe, paying homage to the original drop-top 300 SL. Power for this limited production, two-seat sport touring Roadster is also a 6.3-liter DOHC, 32-valve, naturally aspirated AMG V8 engine with an eight-velocity stack intake and electronic fuel injection. It cranks out 563 hp at 6,800 rpm, along with 479 lb ft of torque at 4,750 rpm.
The motor resides forward in a mid-mount orientation, with power monitored to the rear wheels through a seven-speed AMG Speedshift DCT rear-mounted automatic sports transaxle with AMG Drive unit and an E-Select lever.
The new SLS AMG models are patterned after the old, with a long front hood, short body overhangs, compact cabin and abbreviated tail section. Highlighting the Roadster is the soft convertible top that lowers or raises in mere seconds by operating a console-mounted switch. Also reminiscent of the earlier 300SLs is the wide front grille with its large Mercedes-Benz three-point star .
Old World craftsmanship is evidenced throughout the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster. AMG's "one-man/one-engine" philosophy lives on, with a single, expert technician responsible for the complete engine assembly.
The interior is a highly refined personal space with a supportively comfortable layout that's executed in both a sophisticated and intuitively functional format. A small T-handle mounted on the center console, serves as an electronic shift lever for the AMG E-Drive unit, which also includes a shift mode knob and buttons for selecting ESP and AMG driving modes, starting and stopping the engine and manually raising the rear wing.
The rotary knob on the AMG E-Drive unit is for selecting the Race Start feature and four specific drive modes - Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Manual. AMG shift paddles mounted on the back of the steering wheel control manual shifting. An automatic rev-matching feature makes for smooth downshifting, automatically metering engine speed for load-free downshifts.
My test 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster was finished in Le Mans Red with a Black interior featuring contrasting white stitching and generous amounts of carbon fiber trim elements. The base price was set at $196,100. Adding in the contrast stitching, carbon fiber trim accents, leather/Alcantara wrapped steering wheel, the 1,000-watt Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 11 loudspeakers, dual subwoofers, amplifiers with ICE power technology and illuminated tweeters, AMG flow-formed,10-spoke alloy wheels elevated the cost to $214,725.
SUMMARY: Aside from its stunning visual appeal, the real beauty of the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster is that it idles along contentedly when it needs to. But it is equally at home at triple-digit speeds. It doesn't take long to get there when prodded in a spirited manner.
Complementing the prodigious power, the SLS AMG's suspension consists of double wishbones and track rods at all four wheels - an uncompromising proven racing technology. One also needs to be able to stop safely and quickly, and the SLS AMG comes with two-piece vented disc brakes that are grooved and perforated all around, reducing weight and transferring minimal heat.
Acceleration is blistering - especially for a naturally aspirated engine - and the steering is spot on with instantaneous response. The ride quality is adjustable, and the Comfort selection seemed to be the right setting under normal conditions over varying pavement surfaces. The SLS Roadster makes entry and exit easier when the top is down.
In my opinion, there are no shortcomings - other than the lofty price, which is out of reach for most mere mortals.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster is a thing of beauty to behold, providing an equally beautiful driving experience, along with an exhilarating breath of fresh air. The melodious and thunderous exhaust note is stimulating at any rpm level, rendering the sound system virtually pointless.
The original 300SLs were gorgeous and stellar performers in their heyday, but they lacked the finesse, brute force and technology of the newest versions. The new SLS AMGs are sure to become classics.
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