The Mercedes Benz SLS AMG is among the most admired modern-day supercars. First unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the car drew design inspiration from the original 300 SL ‘Gullwing,’ a contemporary take on arguably Mercedes-Benz’s most iconic model. The car was an immediate favorite among the press and enthusiasts alike.
From the outset, the SLS was destined to be the ultimate grand tourer. Its AMG-developed 6.2-liter V-8 front-mid engine produces a tumultuous 563 hp at 6,800 rpm and 480 foot-pounds of torque at 4,750 rpm. It is able to propel the car from 0–60 in 3.7 seconds and to a top speed of 197 miles per hour. At the time, it was the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in production. The bellows from its exhaust place this AMG engine among the greatest sounding V-8s of all time. The popularity of the engine led it to find its way into a host of later AMG models.
Equally impressive to its engine is the transmission. Utilizing a Getrag-developed double-clutch seven-speed paddle-shifted transmission, the car is able to shift gears in less than 100 milliseconds. The remarkable performance of the transmission is optioned for four different settings with comfort, sport, sport plus, and manual driving modes. To aid its handling, the transmission is placed in the rear of the car as a transaxle for better weight distribution.
This 2011 SLS AMG is exceptional. A one-owner example, the car is offered with less than 3,000 miles from new. The gorgeous body is finished in Iridium Silver metallic with a red leather interior, fitting colors that mimic the 300 SLs of the mid-1950s. The car is fitted with 19/20-in. AMG five-spoke alloy wheels. It is also accompanied by an owner’s manual, specifications sheet, and clean CARFAX report.
The combination of retro-inspired styling and breathtaking AMG performance make this modern-day ‘Gullwing’ a formidable presence on the road and an excellent addition to any Mercedes-Benz collection.