New Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: The renaissance of the Gullwing

German manufacturer Mercerdes-Benz has just unveiled its new SLS AMG model at the 2009 International Frankfurt Motor Show, which took place on September 15th. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is none other than a retrospective over the make’s ‘Gullwing’ model, produced more than 50 years ago, especially since it has the old Gullwing’s characteristic upward-opening doors that put that car in the spotlight and turned it into a classic.

The gullwing-door SLS model is the conclusion of a joint project between the Mercedes-Benz and the AMG brands, whose goal was to combine each company’s efforts into creating a memorable car. The SLS AMG model is the result of the work between the experts at the Mercedes Technology Center (MTC), in Sindelfingen, and AMG’s developing technicians.

In addition to its ‘gullwing’-type doors, this sports supercar has an aluminium spaceframe type of body, where a 6.3-liter AMG V8 engine is fitted. The SLS AMG produces up to 571 hp, while being able to go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds and to accelerate up to an electronically controlled 317 km/h speed.

As for the car’s aesthetics and dynamics, Mercedes-Benz’s stylists found their inspiration on aeroplanes to create a “cockpit” type of environment inside the SLS’s cabin. The car’s side styling also evokes the engine air openings of a jet, which increases its resemblance to the aircraft type of bodies.